Reply to comment

I chose starting new relationships because that was a source of apprehension for me as I prepared for my trip. I was used to having my phone ring 8 - 10 times a day, besides receiving several text messages. I enjoyed being  a 'local champion' and knowing that i featured prominently in the thoughts of others: my students and their parents, former teachers, former classmates, family friends, personal friends and neighbors. So i was afraid of becoming insignificant here. I knew I would have to make a conscious effort to cultivate and maintain new friendships. Therefore, on my very first Sunday, I got in touch with the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses who welcomed me warmly and helped me move into my dorm. They became my host family - a large one at that and they check up on my weekly! Then during orientation week, I warmed up to a number of the students and made some good friends that i still hang out with. My roommate and I made sacrifices to accommodate each other and we get along very well. The motherly support of my dean also helped in my rapid adaptation. My fears went unfulfilled and after 3 months, I can happily say that I feel at home.