Master’s Graduate in ‘Historic Preservation’ Faces Backlash for Fleeing US, Defaulting Loans
Amanda Lynn Tully, 37, left the United States soon after finishing graduate school. She moved to Prague months after earning her master’s degree in 2017.
Education and early career
Tully holds a master’s in historic preservation from the University of Oregon. She also earned a BA in art history from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
She said she struggled financially from a young age. She spent part of her teenage years as a ward of the state of Colorado.
Debt, repayment plan and move abroad
Tully carried roughly $65,000 in federal student debt. She was on an income-based repayment plan with a monthly payment of about $60.
She told Filmogaz.com that the $60 monthly payment felt psychologically burdensome. She said the payments did not even cover the interest.
She has not made payments in seven years. She moved to Prague less than a year after graduating.
Work history in Prague
Since 2019, she has worked as an e-learning content developer for various companies. Her LinkedIn profile lists her as “open to work.” She did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Public reaction and social media
The decision to leave the US and stop payments drew strong online criticism. Some social media users used harsh language and accused her of avoiding responsibility.
Critics pointed to photographs and lifestyle details in the profile piece. Others compared the behavior to recent retail theft trends among some middle-class consumers.
Wider context and consequences
Federal data show nearly 8 million of about 40 million borrowers have defaulted on federal student debt, according to the Education Department. That figure underscores the scale of the problem.
Credit agency Experian warns that borrowers who move abroad and stop paying will likely see credit scores fall sharply. Lower scores make borrowing more difficult and more expensive.
Legal and financial outlook
- Income-based plans can lead to forgiveness after 20 years of qualified payments.
- Stopping payments while living overseas risks long-term credit damage.
- Borrowers may face collection actions and increased costs over time.
A master’s graduate in historic preservation faces backlash for fleeing US and defaulting loans in public discussion. The episode has reignited debate on student debt policy and borrower behavior.
