Moving to a new city and new country is a really exciting but daunting experience. When I decided to do the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Omsk, my biggest fear was that I would not be able to find a community. However, after one month in Omsk, I am happy to say that I have begun to find not just one community, but several.
My first community is with my fellow Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs). Although we are spread out around Russia, we provide support and assistance for each other as we work to understand and grow in our cities. There is also an ETA in Omsk with me. Although we are at different universities, it is really great to have someone who understands Omsk and can share in the joys of the city (like our first snow this week).
I am also building a community with the faculty at my university. In the department of English, I have the opportunity to guest lecture and co-teach with most of the faculty members. It is a really great opportunity to get to know them, as well as to learn from experienced teachers. The International Office is also a wonderful support system, and has been a great resource for finding new ways to meet people! For example, I have started taking a Kazakh language class through the International Office.
