What happens when opportunity pulls you home, but community pulls you back abroad?

In this Insider Voices episode, we talk with Amy, an American educator who moved to Prague, stepped into leadership, started her family, and found a deep sense of belonging within the international teacher community. After several years abroad, she and her Czech husband made the decision to return to the United States in search of stability and new career pathways. What they discovered was that rebuilding community back home was far harder than expected, and that reverse culture shock can reshape everything you think you know about teaching abroad with family.

We explore the emotional and practical layers of moving abroad as a teacher, navigating career identity across countries, and the importance of community for expat families. Amy’s story speaks to anyone comparing international school contracts, transitioning between countries, or trying to choose an international school for your child while balancing family wellbeing. Her reflections highlight how connection, culture, and belonging can matter more than the opportunities that first lead you overseas.

Inside the episode:

• Building community as an international teacher in Prague
• Shifting identity during leadership and maternity leave
• Teaching overseas with family and navigating multicultural life
• Returning to the US and experiencing reverse culture shock
• Rebuilding community and redefining home
• Practical insights for expat families moving abroad or moving back

If you are navigating an international move, choosing a school abroad for your family, or searching for a global educator network that understands these transitions, this episode will help you feel supported and seen.

Links & Resources

🍬 Find lots of other global education goodies at:⁠ https://connectedglobal.org

📞Book a consultation with us! We’re here to personalize support for whatever choices you are facing. 😊

⁠https://connectedglobal.org/book-a-consultation/⁠

💬 Have a question or story of your own? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to feature listener topics in future episodes.

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