Sain uu! I have now been in Mongolia for two and a half months. As with any transition to a new place, there have been ups and downs. Overall, however, I feel welcome and well-adjusted to the country. In this journal entry, I will talk about some of the ways that I have involved myself in the community.
Interacting with local Mongolians is the best way to learn about the country. At first, I did not know many people and I felt homesick for my friends and family. But, once I started teaching, I was able to form connections with my students and with the other teachers. Instead of only teaching, I made an effort to get to know everyone. We often chat and have conversations about our favorite books and movies, what we like to do in our free time, and our plans for the future.
The language barrier was definitely a challenge. Not many Mongolians speak English, so it can be hard to have an deep conversation with someone. However, I was able to use my position as an English teacher to break the ice. Most Mongolians are very eager to learn English because it is an international language. They are interested in opportunities for work and school abroad. I have made a lot of friends by telling people that I am an English teacher and exchanging English lessons for Mongolian lessons!
