Czechast with Alena Pajasová

Moving to a new country and immersing yourself in a different culture is no small feat, but our guest today has done just that and much more.

Alena Pajasová|Photo: Monika Skála

She is a dedicated member of the Czech community, a yoga and dance teacher, and the Chairwoman of the Czech Club in Zurich. Her name is Alena Pajasová and believe it or not, she studied mathematics!

"When I came to Switzerland I introduced myself as a professional dancer. When it became clear that I actually studied mathematics, they were really surprised!"

Alena's journey is truly inspiring. From her move to Switzerland to her dedication to preserving Czech culture abroad and her career in yoga and dance, she has a story that is both motivating and insightful. In our conversation, we discuss the vibrant activities of the Czech Club in Zurich and what is it like to teach children who speak German at school but still want to keep their Czech:

Alena Pajasová|Photo: Monika Skála

"They are able of basic communication. How to use the right word endings, decline nouns, e.g. But they have more limited vocabulary then their peers who live in Czechia."

Alena Pajasová|Photo: Monika Skála

Alena and I also talk about her work in a group of teachers who are working on a special textbook  for these little Czechs:

"I am in Switzerland, my coleague is in New York, another in Athens, yet another in France. Plus we have input of Czech specialists who are authers of textbooks."

Whether you're a fellow Czech living abroad, someone considering a move, or simply interested in personal stories of cultural integration, this episode is for you.