American Teacher Embraces New Life in Prague After Unexpected Journey

When Amanda Meyer Barkley arrived in Prague in January 2018, she intended to stay only a few weeks before heading to China for a teaching job. Instead, she fell in love with the Czech capital, transforming her short trip into a permanent residence. Nearly a decade later, Barkley, now in her 30s, finds herself happily settled in Prague, married, and raising two young children.

Prague, often referred to as the City of a Hundred Spires, has become more than just a picturesque backdrop for Barkley’s life. She and her husband enjoy summer days in local parks such as Letná, Stromovka, and Riegrovy Sady. They frequently visit the National Agriculture Museum, conveniently located near their apartment. With numerous children’s play corners, or dětské koutky, scattered throughout the city, raising young kids in Prague feels not just manageable but enjoyable.

Barkley reflects on her initial arrival in Prague, stating, “It really is just the most beautiful city with so much history… It’s clean. It’s safe. It’s just a really incredible place to live. I feel really lucky to live here.” Her journey to this point was far from straightforward. Originally from Louisiana, Barkley had envisioned her future in China after enrolling in an English teaching course in Prague to secure necessary certification.

Despite her plans, the allure of the city captivated her. After discovering that her existing teaching degree negated the need for further certification, she faced a critical decision. “I just kind of pivoted and said, ‘What would it take for me to stay here now,’” she recalls, leading her to withdraw from the teaching position in China.

The challenge of establishing her life in a foreign city came with its hurdles. Initially relying on part-time jobs, including teaching and bartending, Barkley experienced financial strain. Living frugally, she often subsisted on a diet of eggs and potatoes. “That was definitely my toughest period, financially,” she admits. However, this struggle fostered a strong social network, with friendships blossoming among fellow expatriates.

Barkley eventually married Blake, another American she met during her teaching course, in 2022. Their two children, aged one and two, were both born in the Czech Republic. Presently, Barkley holds an employee card, a long-term residency permit, allowing her to work and live in the country.

While they have contemplated returning to the United States, the couple has chosen to remain in Prague, believing it is the optimal environment for their family. Living in a two-bedroom apartment in the relaxed neighborhood of Holešovice, they appreciate the ease of traveling across Europe. Road trips through Austria, Germany, and Italy have become integral to their family life, enriching their children’s experiences.

Adjusting to Czech culture has been a journey for Barkley. She notes the difference in social interactions, particularly the contrasts in smiling and friendliness. “Czech people in general are much more reserved than people in a lot of other parts of the Western world… but I’ve found them to be genuinely warm and kind,” she explains. Most of their friends are fellow foreigners, a situation she attributes partly to language barriers.

Barkley has taken Czech lessons intermittently, feeling comfortable navigating daily life, though bureaucratic tasks remain challenging. A significant cultural difference she has noted is the Czech approach to family life. Mothers receive a legal entitlement to 28 weeks of paid maternity leave, with options extending up to three years with employer consent. Barkley has been on maternity leave since her first child was born in 2023 and plans to return to teaching in late 2026.

She appreciates having the opportunity to stay home with her children during their formative years, a stark contrast to her life before moving to Prague. Reflecting on her journey, Barkley expresses gratitude for the slower pace of life in the Czech Republic, which she believes prioritizes family connections over the hustle culture prevalent in the United States.

“Everything is a little more minimalist,” she notes, indicating a lifestyle that values relationships and leisure. This perspective extends into parenting, where children enjoy greater independence and responsibility at young ages. Barkley also observes a cultural respect for educators that she finds encouraging.

Despite her fulfillment in Prague, the pull of the United States remains strong, especially as her children grow. “Being so far away from family was hard before, but it’s a different level of hard once you have kids,” she confesses. A recent visit during Christmas rekindled feelings of longing as she watched her children interact with their grandparents and cousins.

Yet, she remains optimistic about her family’s future in Prague, saying, “I’m never leaving Prague, because this place is amazing.” Barkley often reflects on how her life might have unfolded had she taken that flight to China. “It’s crazy how much life can change,” she adds, acknowledging that her unexpected journey has led her to a life she deeply cherishes.