Before coming to Vietnam, I had so many unanswered questions. What would life be like there? Would I enjoy the food? Would I make any friends? Would I learn how to drive a motorbike? While I have traveled out of the country before, this was my first trip to Asia. I knew the language barrier here would be much bigger than any other place I have visited. As I boarded my flight to Vietnam, I was flooded with emotions: excitement, anxiety and uncertainty.
My first few weeks in Vietnam were definitely an adjustment. I was absorbing a lot of new information and learning the ropes of life in my home for the next year: Can Tho, Vietnam. Initial challenges included getting used to the currency (Vietnamese dong), managing a classroom of students, learning the traffic rules and riding a motorbike. Despite these challenges, I was energized by how much I was learning and growing. Every day felt fresh and new. After a period of adjustment, I settled into more of a routine and life in Vietnam began to feel more normal. I had adapted to my surroundings and maybe even blended in a bit more.
Getting involved in activities with locals has been an essential part of integrating into the community here.
