Job Discussion Forums

[denise]

For those of you who feel "at home" in your current environs, how long did it take you to reach that stage? Was there a crucial turning point? You can define "at home" however you choose--whether it be feeling fully integrated into the community, feeling like it is a permanent home, or just no longer feeling like a clueless outsider.

I realize that everyone's answers will be different, feelings will depend on context, personality, etc., but that's kinda what I'm hoping for: people's own anecdotes and experiences.

d

[cabbagehead]

In Japan, the third year. That was when we felt that we were getting to know some people well enough to really miss them if we left.

Years one and two were very tough.

As for the UK, I still don't feel at home

[Ben Round de Bloc]

I've been in my present location for about 8 years and pretty much think of it as home.

When I first came here, I arrived with the intention of staying 3 to 5 months and then return to the USA. At the end of my third month here, I was offered a 6-month contract at a different (better) school. I didn't feel ready to leave at that point, so I accepted the job, thinking I'd leave after that contract ended. It ended and I was offered another 6-month contract at the same place. (I still work there.)

I can't really pinpoint a specific time or event that marked my decision that this city would be home. However, sometime near the end of my second year here, I realized that this would be a long-term location for me, that I'd probably stay indefinitely. From that time on, I've had no real desire to return to the States or look for another place to live and teach.

Granted, there's the occasional day every now and then when I think the only way I want to see this place is in my rearview mirror. Those feeling pass quickly, however.

[woza17]

Immediately, I felt I am home at last. OK I am not a new age thingy. But when I told my close frinds I am going to China, they said, about time, we all think you were Chinese in your last life .
The culture is not new only the country.
Cheers carol

[dmb]

In the Gulf for my second and final year. Never felt at home and I never will

[Dr.J]

In general, one year for the basics/survival, and another for making friendships.

There is a gradual fitting-in process, and one day something random just makes you aware of it. So it's not so much a sudden breakthrough, but a sudden realisation.

However, I'm not sure about living where I am permanently, so there will always be a sense in which it's not my home. But then, perhaps the meaning of 'home' comes into question...

[Roger]

In year 3 of my China sojourn, my mother died, and I only learnt about it several weeks later.
Then, aged friends stopped writing - perhaps due to some tragedy in their own family (they were nearly 80).
Other friendships had died too, as is wont to happen under such circumstances; but the fact that people expire has, or can have, a major influence on your choice of abode.
I chose to stay put. Without regrets so far.

[Will.]

It normally takes me about 3 days in a European country if have my digs arranged for me, if not, a bit longer. In a country where i have not been exposed to the culture anywhere from 3 weeks to a couple of months.