Expat, immigrant, or something else? Which word do you use when describing yourself as a foreigner in the Czech Republic?
The debate can stir up strong responses and emotions: while many people believe that both terms denote different meanings – this could be based on the motive of someone’s stay here, or even their nationality – others believe that both terms essentially mean the same thing.
People who are immigrants are usually more likely to remain in a country indefinitely, whereas expats are here for a number of years before moving back home or to a different country.
“A person working in a multinational company that takes care of its international employees does not need to speak much Czech because they can navigate solely in the English-speaking community,” director of the Center for the Integration of Foreigners Anna Marie Vinařická told Czech media outlet Seznam Zprávy earlier this year.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
‘I will stay here; I am an immigrant,’ many say
Some people prefer the term immigrant, such as reader Alex. He says he uses this word because this is now his home. “I don't think that I'll be able to go back to my ‘first passport’ country,” he told Expats.cz.
Reader Will agrees. He says that he is an immigrant because “this is my permanent home.”
Interestingly, Catherine – who is from the U.S. – said that she sees herself as an immigrant. “ I came here as a result of the poor economy for teachers in the U.S. In part I think of myself as an immigrant because my intention from the start was to settle here permanently,” she explains.
For reader Daniel, the term depends on his future plans. “Until recently, I would have preferred ‘immigrant,’ because I was definitely interested in settling here permanently. But recently I’ve become frustrated with that, so much so that I question why I even want to stay.”
Justin poignantly points out that people’s intentions of moving aren’t that important when typifying someone as an immigrant, which he says he is. “If we deem people escaping war and famine to be immigrants, why should I be different if I move here to improve my quality of life – even if from another EU country,” he told Expats.cz.
Reader Don believes that the terms immigrant or expat depend on how long someone plans to stay in the country for. "I am an immigrant because to me the word ‘expat’ has a temporary feel to it.”
‘I’d rather be seen as an expat,' others say
Other readers told us that they prefer to use the term expat, rather than immigrant, mainly because of their transient nature in Czechia.
“I call myself an expat because I only intend to live in Czechia for a temporary amount of time. To me, an immigrant is someone who plans to stay "forever,” so they learn the language and intend on a permanent stay,” reader Amy told Expats.cz.
Interestingly, reader Michael told Expats.cz that he prefers to call himself an expat because of the perceptions and inferences surrounding the two terms.
Derrick told us he also prefers the term expat. “I moved here for an undetermined amount of time, originally with the intention of one day moving back to my home country. I still do not know if I will stay in this country, move back to my home country, or move to another EU country.”
Chris rejects the notion of himself being an immigrant. "I am definitely an expat. I don't have any connection to locals whatsoever. Not that I didn't want to...but it just doesn't click. I plan to stay here for some more years and then move on," he tells Expats.cz.
Tony says similarly: he told us that he views himself as an expat because an “immigrant is seeking a permanent home…to become fully integrated into society.”
A few find ‘expat’ offensive
The vast majority of our readers told us they did not feel offended by the term “expat.” However, a few people pointed out irregularities in the term. Interestingly, some readers pointed out that the term unfairly makes them seem non-patriotic towards their country.
“The sound of ‘ex-patriate’ implies I was thrown out of my country, which was not the case,” says one reader. Lee agrees: “Expat implies I abandoned or gave up my patriotism to my homeland, which is not the case. I still feel part British, and have a British passport.”
On the other hand, others think that the term “expat” is used inappropriately. “I think it's a silly term which allows some of those in the group of 'expats' to ignore their place in their new country. Some use it as a label to excuse themselves from basic expectations," said reader Tom.
Perhaps no term is needed?
On the other hand, some people don’t see a need to group themselves in an individual camp.
“I use neither, rather 'foreign resident',” Sam says – also echoed by reader Marcela, who sees herself as a “world citizen.” In her view, society should move away from labeling groups of foreigners.
“I have no idea what I am. I simply call myself a foreigner for lack of a better word,” says reader Carol, whereas Ivan told us that in Czechia, the term “third-country citizen” is most appropriate.
‘Trapped’ in the expat bubble – or fully integrated?
No matter if you call yourself an expat or immigrant, you’ll still likely feel the need to assimilate yourself into Czech society: as many of us know, this is no easy task.
One reader pointed out that language barriers make integration hard. “Foreigners very often live in a bubble – some integrate, but I think the most important element is the language. It is hard to learn and even harder to become fluent.”
Integrating may be even harder outside of Prague: reader Bradley told Expats.cz: “When I lived in Prague, I felt like I lived in an Expat bubble. I now live in Liberec. I am unaware of any bubble here. I am trying to integrate into Czech society, but it sure is hard to do!”
I can speak Czech, so I have integrated into society here. I have invested in taking part in village activities and doing volunteer work. However, I'll be always the foreigner, which also means that I have to explain that my direct way of speaking and behavior is different,” explains Jacky.
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