Integrating or "Kindred Spirits"

Because I've lived so many places, I have had to integrate into different cultures pretty often.

For me, some of the best things I can do to help me integrate are to:

1. Walk around my new neighborhood to familiarize myself with the layout
2. Make my house feel like a home with basic furnishings and a few warm touches
3. Learn about the history and culture of the area, so I can better understand my experiences & interactions
4. Join some groups, so I begin meeting people and making friends
5. Find things which I can relate to, so I feel connected to the new place and people

Accomplishing 1 through 4 is fairly easy. During my first two weeks in Ireland, I made sure I walked around everywhere to familiarize myself with grocery stores, my university and the local parks, for example. I also purchased things like bed sheets and plates, and I put up photos of my family. I then explored more of the country and visited museums and historic sites. On campus, I began joining groups for international students and for caving as well as an aerial (exercise/artform) studio off campus. I also began volunteering in the community.

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