My service experience started when I got to Princeton for orientation. I was really nervous and excited for this tremendous and important challege. There were tigers from all over the USA (including Hawaii) and even some tigers from overseas. I was really happy to find out that I have great teammates with whom to work.
During my free time I decided to explore campus. The buildings and the atmosphere of the University are both very exciting and very intimidating. So is the prospect of leaving home for nine months. But I was happy to find out that I was not the only one with some fears. After all, this experience is completely new for most of us who are participating in this program.
This is me heading to the airport, thinking about my future experience. The sentence "challenge by choice" and the words "fexibility" and "open-mindness" really stuck from orientation. I realized that I had a lot of expectations and pre-conceived notions about the world that I have to leave behind in order to integrate better into the Serbian culture.
I imagine you could say that this is the very moment where my intercultural experience starts. The seven-hour plane ride was a bit tedious but fun nevertheless. I read a little about Serbian culture and I got to talk to a really nice Serbian guy. He started talking to the group once he heard us butcher his language. "Isbini" We apologized while his welcoming smile assured us that it was not a problem.
I'm finally in Serbia! Although I've only been here for a few hours, I already love this place. I'm not entirely sure what the building in the picture is, but it was so beautiful that I didn't want to miss the chance to post the picture. As I Start to explore the city and to learn more about Serbian culture and Language, and when I start my service placement, I will continue to share my adventure.
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