The idea of living abroad had been circling in my mind for years, but the final push that made me take the leap was something I owed myself: showing myself that all the lessons I had learned about who I was and how the world worked had meant something, that no matter what happened in my life, I would always be able to survive on my own.
Mix of excitement and nerves
With a mix of excitement and nerves that comes with a fresh start, I arrived at the INEX office on the morning of January 6th. Everyone around me spoke English and Czech, so my first weeks were spent pouring all my concentration into understanding even the smallest interactions. Little by little, I began to understand my tasks and started feeling more comfortable, and in the middle of this learning and adaptation process, I spent a week in Přerov to meet others who, like me, had decided to spend several months in the Czech Republic as volunteers; though I talk about that experience in my first article.
When I arrived, I thought Prague would just be a temporary stop. I wanted to make the most of it so I wouldn’t leave anything undone when I packed my suitcases in December. I started meeting people, discovering places, and planning trips. What surprised me was that the initial excitement about the “ease” of traveling to other European countries from the Czech Republic quickly became insignificant: I discovered that within these borders there was much to see. So, between buses and trains, I decided to spend my weekends getting to know my new, temporary home in depth. Today, one day before finishing my ESC and two days before moving into my new apartment in Prague, I find it amusing. Prague was never meant to be a city I would just pass through; it was a place I needed to come to so I could learn, challenge myself, and meet people who, without knowing it, had been waiting for me.
A year of expansion, of stepping outside myself
Something I’ve noticed in people who have never left their geographical borders is the canonization of their own country, its culture, and customs. This first year as an immigrant has placed me in a position of observer: it has allowed me to embrace Czech culture, understand it, and not judge it; to look at it without waiting for my turn to say why “in my country it’s better.” Working at INEX has allowed me to experience the same process with many other countries. If there’s something I’ve enjoyed over these twelve months, it’s listening. Having a coffee or a beer and understanding why, for someone else, a hug or a smile doesn’t mean the same thing, why they celebrate certain days, and what they believe they should socially answer when someone asks them, “How are you?” This year has been a year of expansion, of stepping outside myself and taking myself a little less seriously so I could absorb everything I’ve had the chance to observe and hear.
Working abroad means you don’t have your family or lifelong friends to turn to when you have a bad day, that there will be people who, without knowing you, will make it clear they don’t like your presence, and that your daily social interactions will be limited by the language barrier. Today, I feel more independent than ever because of that. And although I’m grateful for the result, it’s also important to know that there are people for you everywhere; you just have to go out and find them.
Don’t be afraid
To INEX, I would like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome, their exceptional human quality, and for giving me this opportunity to grow. When you’re far from home, there is nothing more valuable than an office that feels like a home. INEX gives you that: international experience, kindness, and community.
To those who come after me, I would say: don’t be afraid. It only takes a couple of months for the unknown to turn into your everyday life. Speak clearly and openly about what you need; no one will judge you. And understand that although moving abroad is not euphoric every day, there is no material object in this life you can carry in your pocket the way you can carry a story — your story. I leave with a full and grateful heart, but only from the office. My life continues in Prague: the city INEX has taught me to love.
Láká tě také vyjet do zahraničí na 2 až 12 měsíců? Evropský sbor solidarity (European Solidarity Corps, ESC) je program Evropské komise, který umožňuje mladým lidem ve věku 18-30 let získat zkušenosti v zemích Evropy i mimo ni.
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