OSTRAVA. WHERE
EXPAT STORIES
BEGIN
Lots of expats have made Ostrava their new home.
They’ve found love here, started families, launched businesses, and made amazing friends.
For 5 years now, Ostrava Expat Centre has been helping them feel welcome and settled —
so they can truly say: “Yes, Ostrava is my second home.”
BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!
JUNE 11, 2025 | 4 PM - 12 AM
FUTUREUM
4:00 PM - Expat business showcase, body painting for all ages, quiz time!
6:00 PM – Official welcome & speeches from special guests, including our best Alena Danielová
6:30 PM – Live concert: Adán Sanchez Band – let the Latin rhythms carry you away
9:00 PM – DJ NEOMI – dance, connect, and enjoy the night with the community!
Let’s paint a community canvas together – your mark on 5 years of OEC
Expat business showcase – meet expat entrepreneurs and discover their projects
Body painting for all ages – fun for kids and grown-ups alike
BBQ, snacks & drinks – delicious bites and summer vibes
Chillout zone – relax, meet new people, and soak up the atmosphere
from Spain
ADÁN
I like to say that many factors led me to come to Ostrava back in 2015. One of them was my previous experience in the Czech Republic during my Erasmus studies in Brno. Another important factor was that my home country—and my generation—were still struggling with the aftermath of the 2008–2009 crisis. But that’s not quite as romantic...
Unlike many expats, I did not come to Ostrava for love. In fact, I came alone, ready to start a new life with an exciting new job at The Ostrava International School. I may not have come for love, but I quickly fell in love with Ostrava’s cultural life—the theatres, the music, the clubs, the cafés, the bistros, the new friends… Unexpectedly, I even fell in love with the Czech language!
And if all of that weren’t enough, I found the love of my life, Andrea
—as if destiny were telling me that I was in the right place at the right
time. With Andrea came a whole new life full of beautiful moments,
like our travels across Europe, the birth of our first son Manuel, and
our daughter Judita.
Forming a family and having my kids grow up in a safe environment
was also a key reason why I chose to stay in Ostrava. We love goin
to the Beskydy Mountains and visiting the nearby castles.
If you're wondering "Why Ostrava?"
—you might just need to open your eyes, and perhaps your mind.
from Brazil
RAYSE
I came to the Czech Republic because of love. Back in Brazil, I met my Czech husband, and before finding my home in Ostrava, I lived in Brno and Havířov. Thirteen years, two extraordinary children, and one home reconstruction later, here I am — a proud part of this beautiful project, the Ostrava Expat Centre.
Ostrava isn’t the easiest place for expats, but it’s where I’ve built my life and family — and that means everything to me.
My heart is forever divided between Brazil and Ostrava.
Being part of OEC means supporting others as they find their way here, just like I did. And after almost 5 years in this team, I can still say I love it.
from USA
IAN
Since 1998, I have been back and forth between Poland and Czech Republic: Uherské Hradiště, Kraków, Olomouc, Cieszyn, Ruda and Třinec … working as a teacher of English, owning a backpackers’ hostel, hosting TV programmes and working as a voiceover artist.
But there is a warmth in Moravskoslezský kraj … a feeling of comfort that keeps pulling me back and has made me call this region home. And the close proximity of Beskydy and Jeseníky to city life is a grand bonus, as I love to trek and discover new trails and places that are not well known to many visitors to the area or country. It is precisely because of this, combined with the somewhat lesser reputation this kraj unjustly receives from its more industrial past, that I am working on a series of short travel videos focusing on the surroundings to present to others, both first-time visitors and as a reminder to those living here, and if you only open your eyes and look round, you can see how many amazing things and places there are right in front of you.
All these traits keep me here, so much so that I built my own tiny house with the hope of finding some forest or field land at the foot of the mountains to expand upon and bring in guests looking to see more of what I see here and to hopefully invest in the region and protect and preserve both the nature and the history of where I choose to embed my roots.
from Argentina
CONSUELO
I'm Consuelo and I'm from Argentina. We moved to Ostrava in 2021 because my husband got a job here. Before coming here, we lived in 5 other countries. In that experience we found that for us, one of the most important things to be able to adapt and consider a place as our home, is finding community.
But still we didn't know what to expect. From the beginning, the Expat Centre helped us, not only with the paperwork we needed, but also in meeting the expat and local community. With time, we got to enjoy the city and the region.
We haven't been here for a long time yet, but we hope we stay because Ostrava gave us opportunity, tranquility, nice people and we just love the nature.
from Belgium
DAVID
I'm David, originally from Belgium. I started out as a PE teacher, but my interest in food began at fifteen when I worked part-time serving ice cream. That’s when the idea of one day running my own bistro first crossed my mind. Years later, after moving to Ostrava to be with my partner Martinka—now my wife—that dream became reality.
I opened La Petite Conversation, or Lapeco, which has been part of Ostrava’s food scene for over fifteen years. Lapeco is more than just food—it’s also a cultural space. We host themed evenings where people can connect through music, cuisine, and conversation.
I love the mountains and try to spend as much of my free time there as possible with my family. My goal has always been to bring joy—both to my loved ones and to everyone who walks through our doors.
from Australia
KIRA
Hi! I’m Kira, and I’m from Adelaide, Australia. I came to the Czech Republic to do volunteer work, and as part of that experience, I needed to learn the beautiful Czech language.
I began my language journey at the Ostrava Expat Centre, and I’m so glad I did — I found the learning environment to be incredibly supportive and inclusive. It really helped me settle in and feel more confident.
Would definitely recommend it to anyone in a similar situation!
from India
KISHORE
I was originally planning to study in Germany when someone from VSB visited my hometown to give a seminar about the university and its programs. I became interested in one of the courses, reached out to apply, and just a few months later, I found myself in the Czech Republic studying at VSB – Ostrava.
Today, I work as a Development Engineer in an automotive company here in Ostrava. Beyond that, I’m also a filmmaker and the founder of Magical Works Production. One of my proudest moments was having my short film selected for an international film festival in the USA.
What keeps me here? The kindness of the people who supported and believed in me during my time here. Their encouragement inspired me to pursue big changes and creative dreams.
I’m deeply thankful to the Moravian-Silesian Region – not just for its people, but for its potential. The region has what it takes to offer great things to the world, thanks to its strategic location and growing ecosystem.
Finally, I want to thank organizations like Ostrava Expat Centre, who work hard to make this region better — especially by supporting industries and creating opportunities for people like me.
from Belarus
ELEN
Hello, my name is Elena and I am from Belarus. At the end of 2019, my family and I moved to the suburbs of Ostrava — just before the pandemic lockdown began. Starting a new life in a new place is never easy. For me, the most important first step is always getting to know people and learning the local language. Through people, you discover the culture and gradually start to feel at home, as the city slowly stops feeling foreign.
I was lucky to discover the Expat Centre early on, and the very first Women’s Clubs I led were actually held online. Over the past five years, the Expat Centre has become almost like a family to me — full of wonderful and professional people, inspiring projects, and engaging events. I truly feel that my children and I have managed to find a home here in Ostrava.
These past years of adaptation weren’t always easy, but thanks to inner motivation and the support of friends, we’ve made it through. Personally, the beautiful nature of the Moravian-Silesian region also played a big part in helping me feel grounded and happy. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such scenery every day. As we look ahead, I hope the next five years will be less stressful — but just as joyful and full of exciting new projects, both for my family and for the Expat Centre family.
from USA
DAWN
I came to Ostrava to work for Ostravská Univerzita as part of the REFRESH research project. I am doing research to learn about coal miners and what their lives have been like during the many transitions in the Czech Republic and the Moravian-Silesian region.
Most people seem surprised when I say I came from the US but want to stay here, but it is actually an easy choice for me. I love the quality of life here in Ostrava: the beautiful parks; the excellent restaurants and cafés; the industrial history that you can still feel today; the cultural opportunities; and, of course, the people.
Ostrava has given me the opportunity to continue to learn and practice speaking the Czech language. For me, Ostrava means new opportunities and adventures, strength and resilience, civilized discussions, and always learning something new.
from Russia
TESS
I am Taisiia, better known as Tess in our English-speaking community. :)
Initially, I came to Czechia to study. I remember now, I was such a baby, just finished high school and came to a foreign country all by myself. I was terrified. What if I don't learn the language properly? What if I don't get into the university? What if I don't get to sing here and don't find what I love? But the biggest question? The biggest one was – what if I don't find people who I care about and who care about me?
Now, almost 6 years from that day, I have all of the above and understand that I wouldn't do anything differently.
Ostrava gave me an opportunity to get an education not just in Czechia but in three other countries (now I am writing and can’t believe that I'm doing this sitting in Lisbon, looking forward to my evening Portuguese exam). I had a chance to explore the world, other cities and countries, but not just visit them – to live there.
Moving abroad at a young age was hard for me. Now I constantly find myself thinking that I don't know where my home is anymore. But Ostrava is the place that my mind comes back to, because I strongly believe that home is about people. And Ostrava, being a relatively small city, has a ridiculous amount of good ones. A lot of them have already moved away to other cities and countries. But it doesn’t change the fact that we all met there, had our ups and downs together, and loved each other.
from Britain
RUSSELL
About 12 years ago we came to visit family and saw an old run down farm, which we purchased and repaired. It took us best part of 10 years to refurbish the extensive property. My wife and I have travelled the world, but we call this farm in the middle of nowhere our home.
The place where we are fortunate to live, lies in the Moravian-Silesian countryside, which makes it a huge contrast from the buzzing London lifestyle. There is nothing more satisfying than walking outside with a hot strong cup of coffee, listening to the birds singing and having the chance to see wild animals sitting at the edge of your garden, which backs onto wild woods and forests.
Secondly, the people which we have met here, are friendly and encouraging in all the things we are involved in. I appreciate all the opportunities that are presented to us here, be it opening and running of a gallery in the local castle, running an English-speaking community, organising expositions, or starting up a Business Academy.
Being able to express ourselves creatively, mentally and spiritually while being encouraged is one of the great little secrets of this area. There is so much potential in this region, the opportunities are endless. We like to call it the little Switzerland of Europe, but shhh. Don’t tell anyone!
from India
RAHUL
I am Rahul Patil from New Delhi, National Capital Region, India. I have a Ph.D. in Molecular science and engineering and work in energy storage research. Ostrava is an old industrial hub in the Czech Republic, Eastern Europe. It's famous for mining and engineering research. Ostrava is an industrial hub and the regional capital of the Moravian-Silesian region,
blessed with one of the oldest universities in the city dedicated to Engineering and technology. My primary goal is to work in the science and technology domain. VSB-Technical University of Ostrava offers attractive opportunities in the field of engineering and technology. Many renowned Czech scientists are actively working in Ostrava, and it will benefit my career and be a powerful hub in science and technology in Eastern Europe. Apart from a career perspective, I like to spend
my time in the Ostrava Forest and the river area. It's a lovely city for exploration, science, and research. Moreover, one can explore the nearby natural spots and the nice Czech culture with
traditional food, music and art culture.
from Hungary
ZSANETT
My name is Zsanett Széll, Im from Hungary. I moved to Ostrava two years ago and immediately I found a job as a kindergarten teacher in Monty School. The openness of the Czech people helped me feel at home, and for that I am grateful. I have been teaching kids for 8 years which is an honor. I am grateful for my profession because it gives us the opportunity to learn from each other.
Makes me happy how kids can grow and develop day by day. I've been singing and writing my own songs for years. I was lucky enough to establish my Band this year with wonderful people. Our band name is Heartbeat. Soon we are ready to give concerts! I’m grateful for the expat center because on the events what they organized I made connections with musician people, and it has brought many opportunities into my life.
