For example, in the U.S., people are sometimes more outwardly friendly and will smile or greet someone that they do not know as they pass by, but in Slovenia this behavior may seem odd and, while people are very friendly, they generally reserve that kind of greeting for people with whom they are more familiar.
Finally, it is also important to figure out the placement of essential landmarks, offices and stores around the place where you are living and to learn when they are open. For example, it’s important to know where the police station, the grocery store, the post office, restaurants, and pharmacies are located. It’s essential to have a good idea of where these places are so that you can conduct normal daily errands such as getting groceries or a bite to eat. Once you have a solid group of friends or neighbors, understand the culture and customs, and have identified where things are located, you have begun the process of integrating into the community. Integration is a process, though, and continues the entire time you’re in a new place. I have been living in Slovenia for about four months now, and although I feel tremendously more integrated into life in Ljubljana than when I first got here, this was not an easy thing to do. It felt awkward at times and often put me out of my comfort zone. I continue to work at integrating into society more every day. Once you integrate more into a new community, you’re given a new perspective on life, which is a very rewarding experience. It makes you appreciate the many different ways there are to live your life in this big world we call home.
