"You must not turn round when you leave your country and make a decisive step forward. You must be ready to accept anything that may come along."
("Fly Away, Pigeon", Melinda Nadj Abonji)

Is it easy to find one's bearings in a new country, in a new reality?

Maria Fellner - 03.01.2020 @ 21:42

Moving to a foreign country

by Seraina Schwyter, translated by Sofia Olsson VKS Växjö/Sweden

On the one hand, having just moved to a foreign country you’re the stranger. On the other hand, the country you have yet to get to know is a stranger to you.

The readjustment of moving to a new country entails many consequences, both positive and negative. There can be a variety of reasons for one to undergo such changes. Some people have chosen to move, while others have been urged by other people, such as family or friends. The circumstances under one makes the move can greatly influence the attitude one has regarding the new country. However, the feelings surrounding the trip usually consist of mostly joy and sadness. Whether you make the trip alone or in the company of a supportive family also greatly influences the experience.

These sorts of ideas are the core theses in the book Fly, away, pigeon by Melinda Nadj Abonji. The Serbian Kocsis family has moved to Switzerland to start their own business, putting a strain on the daughters Ildikó and Nomi. It’s a story about how you perceive a new country and how hard this switch can sometimes be. Furthermore, the book addresses the difficulties when parts of your extended family are still living in the native country, especially when this country is at war. The book is very exciting and I would definitely recommend it.

It’s hard for one to realize how important the native culture is for your identity. Family and friends are commonly a source of homesickness and can suddenly make you question ever making the decision to move. Traditions and customs which give you a sense of security and structure can be completely foreign and even looked down upon in the new country. Minor things like scents or tastes can become of utter importance for your own identity in a new country, since nearly everything is different.

I have my own experience with being foreign to a completely new country and know how big of an adjustment it can be. Later on you notice just how important the smaller things in the old country were, and how much you really missed them when they were gone. Just like with anything else in life there are both positive and negative aspects of moving to a foreign country. Despite the home-sickness you widen your perspectives, learn lots of new things, meet new people and create new bonds and friendships. You try new foods, experience new cultures and get to see a part of the world that you will learn to love. Therefore, the most important aspect of moving countries is growing as a person.

Sofia Olsson - 16.03.2020 @ 13:02

Dear Sofia,

I really love your beginning quote "On the one hand, having just moved to a foreign country, you're the stranger. On the other hand, the country you have yet to get to know is a stranger to you." It reminds me of the fact that even though you might feel like you're the odd one out, when moving to new surroundings, also the other people there may be the odd ones out in your eyes.

Moreover, as you mentioned, there are many positive, but also negative aspects about moving away from a known environment. Friends and family can be the top two triggers for homesickness, but the right attitude regarding the new surroundings is key. Even though you have to leave many beloved ones behind, there are always new friendships waiting for you in the new place. As you said, moving away helps you to grow as a person and, all in all, win some new experiences.

Yours,

Leandra :)

Leandra Kreisser - 25.03.2020 @ 19:48

Thank you so much for your article, Seraina and Sofia!

Seeing both sides of every situation is very important. And, as you mentioned, it is especially crucial in this subject. Not only the immigrants but also the natives of the immigrated country are confronted with the same issue. As well as you do, I can very much relate, since my parents are first-generational immigrants. I have seen both, the hardships as well as the benefits of having a migration background. The biggest struggle might be to find a sense of identity. In my own experience it is quite difficult to identify with the culture of the country you live in at the moment but also  with the culture of the country you came from. One could always feel like the odd one out. I think to accept the duality of oneself is the only way to find inner peace. 

After reading your article and thinking about the issue the book "Dazwischen: Ich" (In between there's me) by the author Julya Rabinowich came to my mind. As the title suggests it is about feeling stuck between two very different ways of living. The protagonist, who is a teenage girl, had to flee from her home country due to war. I think the novel describes the feeling of being "in between" very well,  especially because I find the protagonist relatable. It also showcases the difficulties her parents and the natives are faced with, which makes it just that much better. I would recommend it to everybody, especially to those who also have a background of migration and to those who want to get an insight into the lives of refugees.

Nazli Yüksek - 14.04.2020 @ 20:56

Hello, I really fancied the text. 

Moving to a new country is something special in my opinion. It's interesting to see how people in other countries live in comparison with one's native country. Language, traditions, and culture are all very bound to one another, which makes it even more fun to experience a totally new "world". I believe that in order to create new perspectives, and to understand people's opinions better it's important to know where they're coming from. Living in another country creates such an experience, and will most definitely influence how we perceive foreign people. 

Well written!

//Felix

Felix Wolter - 28.05.2020 @ 11:16