When it comes to integrating with the community, my challenges are a little different than the challenges faced by most of the other participants in the Reach the World program. Understanding the language and culture of Croatia is a huge advantage as language differences can present a barrier, though most Croats, especially younger ones, can speak and understand English fluently. Knowledge of Croatian is also a skill I need in order to conduct my research here, so I guess that it helped me in more ways than one. On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges that I face is simply finding the time to interact with others since archival work is a time consuming and solitary activity. While some of the other Fulbright Scholars have constant links with classes or professional colleagues, I use opportunities such as those afforded by giving lectures in American Corners (a organization linked with Zagreb’s library system that provides for guest lectures and talks about America), joining groups and simply meeting new people to interact with the community. Something as simple as going to an open-air market and stopping to chat with one of the grocers can lead to an interesting conversation and a new acquaintance.
