Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating adventure or an overwhelming challenge, depending on how you approach it. For many expatriates, navigating life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Amangeldy Baimussin, a professional currently residing in Prague, who has moved here with his wife and son, who now attends kindergarten in the city, shares his insights on work-life balance, cultural integration, and his experiences living in this enchanting city. Read on to discover how preparation, adaptability, and a positive outlook can transform the moving experience into an exciting new chapter.

Q: How do you manage your work-life balance in Prague? Has it improved compared to before?
A: For the first time in my career, I’ve truly experienced a healthy work-life balance here in Prague. I finally have enough time for my family and personal hobbies, which has been a big improvement compared to before.

Q: What do you do to unwind after work? Are there any local activities or places you’ve grown to enjoy?
A: I like to visit the city's parks. It’s a great way to relax and clear my mind. Prague also offers plenty of events, especially on weekends, so there's always something to do.

Q: How have you adapted to Czech work culture and social norms? Did you face any challenges?
A: It was easier than I expected. I’ve been taking Czech language courses, and that’s really helped me feel more comfortable here. Understanding the language makes a big difference.

Q: Have you had success making new friends or integrating into the local community?
A: To be honest, I still don’t have any Czech friends, but my colleagues have always been kind to me. Luckily, there are other Kazakh families here, and we hang out together quite often.

Q: How do you find the overall experience of living in Prague — cost of living, accommodation, quality of life?
A: Compared to other EU countries with IT companies, the cost of living here is relatively low, which is great. The quality of life is excellent, especially for families. There are lots of services and amenities for children.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of living in Prague? Are there any downsides?
A: My favorite things are the abundance of parks, efficient public transport, frequent city events, and, of course, the fact that Prague is centrally located in Europe, which makes travel easy. As for downsides, parking can be difficult if you own a car. But honestly, you won’t need a car often. Also, when it comes to government and medical services, you’ll have to be prepared for long wait times.

Q: Do you see yourself staying in Prague long-term? Why or why not?
A: I’m very happy with my life here, and I plan to stay for a long time.

Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about moving to Prague for work, based on your experience after more than a year here?
A: You’ll sometimes run into language barriers, even in places where you wouldn’t expect it. My advice is to be patient and try to learn Czech. Also, subscribe to local Instagram or Telegram event channels — you’ll always find something fun to do in your free time!

Conclusion: Amangeldy's journey in Prague illustrates the rich experiences and challenges faced by expatriates. With his commitment to learning the local language and engaging with the community, he has crafted a fulfilling life in this beautiful city. For anyone considering a move to Prague, his advice serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of patience and openness to new experiences. As he continues to thrive in his personal and professional life, Amangeldy’s story encourages others to embrace the adventure of living abroad.