can you all share what the top 3 challenges were in her making the initial transition?
* how did you confront and overcome these challenges?
* what were her thoughts during these 1st 6 months?
Communicatiion- Her English was at an intermediate level,yet her confidence not nearly as high. Started English classes immediately and I believe it helps as much in confidence from interaction with others, as in the actual instruction.
Feeling misplaced- I wouldn't say she felt homesick.Shes says not at all.
More a feeling of a stranger in a strange land.I 've been through it myself multiple times, and there is no cure for this other than time.
The challenge is feeling independent and confident, when tossed into a new place where initial dependency is pretty much a given. Getting mobile, learning to get out and about as quick as you can manage it , is probably the best help.
There have been no issues with culture or foods whatsoever. She likes it here, the foods and the general atmosphere.There are stores in our area catering to eastern european tastes and products, she has a mild interest in them,it's simply interesting,no particular food she *misses* or has to have that she would go there specifically for.
Of course she naturally missed daily interaction with friends and family, missing the people is different than missing a place or a sense of familiarity. Skype and phone calls help with staying in contact, but of course it's not the same.That is the hard part.
Her thoughts these first months have been all positive,she always perceived coming here as a opportunity for a good marriage , and a stable family life,in a safe and friendly neighborhood.Nothing has changed that outlook,and most was as she expected it to be, or a bit better.
I think an awful lot of any ease in transition,
depends on both the foundation of the relationship, and the general outlook of the person immigrating.
Is it realistic? or mostly fantasy..
In my case its been with a very realistic person who always sees the glass half full, or full.
That was the same in the FSU , as it is here.
I hear on the forum the words "the FSU gives up everything,to relocate".While I can relate to that sentiment and feel they do give up a lot. In my case, my wife would be quite amused by that sentiment. She views it from the other side, she has something in life she never had before, a loving husband, and truly enjoys life here, the culture, the foods, the opportunity to learn new things, including the language.If she chooses to pursue a career, a better work enviroment and better pay vs cost of living.So she would laugh if anyone suggested it isnt a positive on most every front.
