5 Questions Every Expat Is Tired of Hearing

My English teaching instincts kicked in the first time I was faced with this common mistake. Did they mean “How long are you here for?” asking about my future plans to stay in the country? Or was this an apology for being late, wondering how long they’d kept me waiting?

This is a perfectly fair question, but I’m always surprised at the skepticism that comes with it. The Czech Republic has a long list of things to love: an interesting blend of history and relatively new democracy, incredible architecture, great beer, an affordable cost of living, a central location ideal for traveling, etc. But no matter how many times I list the positives, the locals seem unconvinced.

I find this sense of modesty endearing. While Prague continues to rank among lists of the best cities in the world, it maintains the charm of a perpetual underdog. Don’t let the reluctance of the receiver dissuade you from singing the praises of their country.

Congratulations, as an expat you’ve just become an unofficial ambassador of wherever you came from. You may now be expected to answer questions on behalf of your entire country. No pressure. I find this particularly daunting when asked what typical Americans eat/drink/do.

The best solution I’ve come up with is to give specific examples based on my experience, along with a disclaimer that I definitely don’t know everything. I’m happy to confirm facts (yes, there is a McDonalds in almost every city…) and discourage stereotypes (…but I’ve never eaten a hamburger in my life!).

Prepare to be showered with shock and admiration if you’ve managed to master the Czech language. Learning even a few key phrases helps show a level of respect for the culture and gives you a sense of independence. The more tasks you can accomplish without a translator, the more you’ll begin to feel like a local. Also humoring your audience with attempts at pronouncing “ř” can be a great way to lighten the mood.