Integrating into a community isn't always the easiest thing to do, especially when you don't know anyone. The first step is to meet new people! At my university, there are a lot of international students just like me, so that was a great place to start. I have met so many people from all over the world, from Brazil, to Russia, to Singapore and everywhere inbetween! Having friends in a new place makes everything so much better, because we can all explore and learn about Mainz together. Some afternoons, my friends and I will go get lunch in the city or sit and talk by the Rhine. We've even gone on weekend trips together. Last weekend we visited Düsseldorf, and this weekend we are going to Cologne!
Another great way I have integrated myself into the Mainz community is by getting involved with clubs and other organizations. One group I am a part of, called Fremde werden Freunde, or Foreigners Become Friends, has allowed me to meet lots of friendly Mainz locals who are eager to welcome exchange students. One couple that I met has even "adopted" me for the school year. They have made homecooked meals for me, taken me to explore the city, invited me to all kinds of events like concerts and operas and more! On campus, I have also joined the Sprachcafe, or Language Cafe, club. Every Wednesday evening, several other exchange students and I host a small event in one of the cafes on campus, where we teach other students at Mainz about our native languages and home countries. I love getting to know other people, teaching English phrases and sharing a little bit about the U.S., too!
Integration isn't just about adopting a new culture as your own. You can bring your own culture with you and teach others about it, too.
