Integrating into my community is all about leaving the life I am used to in the United States behind, and jumping into the life of a local in Košice. In Milwaukee I was used to driving almost everywhere without needing directions, being able to find anything I wanted in the grocery store, eating whatever I want, spending my free time by Lake Michigan, and understanding the language that is spoken around me. I had moved out of my parents‘ house four years ago so I had my own apartment with friends. Finally, as a teacher, I had my own classroom in the school. Now I take the bus or walk everywhere, you can only find seasonal foods in the grocery store, I eat what my host family prepares or what the school serves, and I don’t understand the Slovak language. Instead of an apartment with friends, I live in a house with a host family. I no longer have a classroom because I teach in a different room for each class!
At first, I felt overwhelemed. When everything around you is suddenly different, your brain becomes overloaded and stressed. There is not a good way to slowly integrate into a new culture because the change happens all at once. However, managing all of the changes becomes easier each day. Now I feel confident in myself to live life in Košice.
I am grateful for my host family that guided me in my transition.
