Insights from My First Year in Prague
When I Wanted Control Over an Outcome I Couldn’t Control
If you’re thinking about moving abroad, or more specifically to the Czech Republic, my story might resonate with your current situation.
This is not a step-by-step relocation checklist. It is a reflection on my first year living in Prague. It explores what surprised me, what challenged me, and what ultimately helped me settle in and build a life here. It may also give you a clearer picture of what to expect when moving abroad.
Navigating your first year as a foreigner can feel overwhelming. Government bureaucracy, cultural adjustment, and trying to create stability in a new country all take energy. My first year in Prague was a whirlwind.
The moment I truly realized I had moved abroad came when my TEFL course ended. Shortly after, I had my first meeting with a visa helper. She explained all the documents I would need to collect, and at the same time I started applying for teaching jobs. That was when it felt real.
Looking back now, I can see that the feeling that defined my first few months was a mix of belief and stress. Part of me believed that things would work out. At the same time, I felt anxious about whether I would receive my visa and be able to build a life in the Czech Republic. I wanted to be in control of an outcome that I couldn’t control.
When the Fear of Staying Became Greater Than the Fear of Leaving
I decided to move abroad to the Czech Republic because I needed a change, an adventure, and a new beginning. Life in Canada had started to feel routine and unfulfilling. Years working in construction and sales left me feeling unmotivated and longing for something more. I felt like I wasn’t progressing or being challenged.
Living in a town outside of Vancouver, where I grew up, I felt stuck. I needed something that would push me out of my comfort zone and reconnect me with a sense of purpose. A fresh start in a new country felt like the right move.
At that point in my life, the fear of staying was bigger than the fear of living abroad. I didn’t like the direction my future seemed to be heading. Staying felt more frightening than stepping into the unknown.
When the opportunity to move to Prague for a TEFL course came up, it immediately stood out. It offered everything I was looking for: a new culture, new challenges, and the chance to finally live in Europe. It was a dream I had carried for years.
When Nothing Felt Automatic Yet
After finishing the TEFL course, I was ready to begin my new life. There was a lot to figure out all at once. Finding work, securing housing, understanding immigration rules, and learning how daily life functioned in a new country.
Finding a job was easier than I expected. A job fair at my language school helped, as did the number of language schools in Prague. Even so, settling in took time. Classes were often spread across the city because many of them were held directly in companies. Nothing felt automatic yet.
One thing I didn’t expect was how difficult it could be to make Czech friends. It isn’t impossible, but it takes time. I often describe Czech people like an onion. You peel back one layer at a time. Once you do, you’ve made a lifelong friend.
There were several moments when I thought, “Okay, I can do this.” Completing the TEFL course was one of them. Finding a teaching job fairly quickly was another. Even dealing with ongoing bureaucracy, as stressful as it was, slowly built confidence.
Visa and Work Setup: A Steep Learning Curve
The visa process was one of the biggest challenges. As a Canadian, I applied for a one-year visa, with the option to later apply for a two-year visa. I also needed a business license, known as a Živnostenský list, since I would be working as a freelancer.
The paperwork was more complex than I expected. I had to collect documents from several places, including a criminal record check from Canada, proof of health insurance, a bank statement, and a lease agreement. Almost every document needed official stamps. Adding a language barrier made the process even more overwhelming.
The most stressful part of the visa process was the waiting. I didn’t know if the application would be approved, or if everything had been filled out correctly. For my first visa, I waited about six months before receiving it. I wanted to be in control, but I wasn’t, and that left me sitting in the unknown.
The biggest delay came from waiting for my criminal record check to arrive by mail from Canada. This document was required to submit my application, and there was a strict deadline involved. The waiting added pressure at a time when I already felt uncertain.
Hiring a visa specialist changed everything. She guided me through each step and handled details I wouldn’t have known how to manage alone. Doing the process myself would have meant navigating multiple government offices in a language I didn’t speak. Getting help reduced stress at a time when I was already adjusting to a new country, culture, and job.
Freelancing in Prague: Freedom with Responsibility
Freelancing suited me well. I valued flexibility and independence, and being a freelance English teacher allowed me to decide how much I worked and when. I could shape my schedule around my life and take time off when I wanted to travel.
What stood out right away was the freedom. At the same time, I quickly learned how important scheduling was. Language schools often act as a middleman between teachers and clients. Many classes take place directly in companies, which means they can be spread out across the city. Since teachers are only paid for teaching time, not travel, minimizing transport became essential.
Freelancing also allowed me to take on private students and work for multiple language schools. This gave me more flexibility and helped stabilize my income.
There were also trade-offs. I was only paid for the lessons I taught. There was no paid vacation, no employer-provided health insurance, and no automatic contributions to social insurance. I had to manage all of that myself.
By the end of my first year, freelancing felt more sustainable. That first year was about earning enough to meet visa requirements. By the second year, I had more experience and could organize my schedule more carefully. That made a big difference and reduced a lot of stress.
Cultural Adjustment: Learning to See Things Differently
Cultural differences were one of the most interesting parts of living in Prague. Some differences were lighthearted, while others took more time to understand.
At first, I interpreted certain behaviours as unfriendly. People didn’t smile at strangers or engage in small talk in the same way I was used to in Canada. Over time, I realized these behaviours reflected different cultural norms rather than personal attitudes.
Teaching English helped Prague feel familiar. It allowed me to explore the city and understand how it functioned. Learning some Czech also made a big difference. Even a few words went a long way in everyday interactions. Connecting with other expats and local people helped the city start to feel more like home.
What Helped Me Settle In
Looking back, a few things made the biggest difference in helping me settle in. Building a community of friends was important. Being curious about Czech culture and open to learning helped create connections. Asking for help with immigration and administrative processes reduced a lot of unnecessary stress.
Working across the city, attending events, and staying socially active helped me feel grounded. I quickly learned that in Prague, there is almost always something happening, no matter the day of the week.
Support came from different places. Friends I met during my TEFL course played an important role in my first year. When it came to immigration, having a visa helper made the process manageable and far less overwhelming.
I wish I had understood the immigration system better from the beginning. More importantly, I wish I had learned earlier to take things one day at a time instead of worrying about outcomes I couldn’t control.
Call to Action:
Feeling stuck or unsure about moving abroad? I offer personalized coaching to help you navigate the challenges of living abroad, adjusting to a new culture, and achieving your goals in your new home. Reach out for a free consultation today and let’s make your transition smoother and more fulfilling.
Interactive Questions for Engagement:
- What motivated you to consider moving abroad? What would it take for you to make that leap?
- What challenges have you faced when navigating bureaucracy in a new country? How did you overcome them?
- For those who’ve worked as freelancers, how do you manage your schedule and balance flexibility with financial stability?