I experienced transition by being a sojourner. I participated in the Semester Abroad Europe program and lived independently in Italy for almost three months; during this time I was doing an internship at a large animal reproductive research facility. I had the time of my life and wouldn't trade my experience for anything. However, I definitely did experience a U curve emotional roller coaster. Before I left on the trip, I was extremely excited and anticipated how amazing the trip was going to be. Once I arrived in Italy, I traveled to the research facility, where I discovered that only two other people (one of whom had invited me to come) spoke English. Since I only speak a little Italian, this proved to be a big challenge for me. During the day I was working with the people who spoke English and I was busy, so being in a new culture didn't bother me as much. However, in the evenings I was living in the dorms where no one spoke English except for the African janitor. I often felt completely alone and very excluded. The other students would invite me to eat or go places with them, but the language barrier made it very hard for me to interact with them. I did learn a lot of Italian by hanging out with them though! I went through phases when I was living there. Some days I would want to learn everything about Italian culture and would interact with people as much as possible. Other days I would lock myself in my room and avoid all contact because I was so exhausted from trying to communicate. On those days, I missed English and the U.S. a lot. By the end of the internship, I was feeling more comfortable with myself and with living in Italian culture. However, I think it would have taken a few more months before I adapted to life in Italy.
Have you ever been a host to someone from another culture (or interacted with a migrant)? How did you help them to feel comfortable living in U.S. culture?
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You have a great experience!
ReplyDeleteI have experiences of taking care of children from other countries. Most of were 10~12 years old and some were became homesick. I really wanted to made their feel better,however, I did not know their cultures and could not speak their languages. I thought what I could do for them a lot and I decided to be their Japanese sister. When they looked sad, I hold their hand or huged them. I think providing "home" for them makes them feel better.
Unfortunately I have not been able to travel out of the country although I would love to. I have however spoken to someone who knew very little English. A friend of my family hosted a young German girl who knew key words in English but it was hard to carry a conversation with her besides hellos and how are you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been host to a migrant, but I have been a migrant myself. That's a whole different perspective. I lived overseas and had to acclimate to that culture. I can't say they were all hospitable, but some were decent. I can say that a welcoming and helpful attitude by people to someone new to a country really helps to put the person at ease. I remember my experience whenever I do encounter someone from another country.
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