Going to a new school after moving to a new country can be exciting, but also overwhelming and confusing. I had just finished my first grade in India, so when I arrived in U.S.A., I was going to attend second grade. I remember my first day in school and my mom had just dropped me off at the front of the building. As I turned around after saying my “goodbyes”, my heart started to beat faster and faster and felt a knot forming in my stomach. I was afraid of being left out because of my inability to communicate. Some students assumed that I did not understand them completely, so they started being rude towards me. The truth is I did understand them, not completely, but enough to get the message. I spent at least two weeks of school sitting all alone by myself at lunch watching the kids play jump rope or tag while I ate my sandwich. I went home frustrated everyday complaining to my parents about how much I hated school and how I missed all my friends in India. My parents convinced me to give it some time and I took their advice which paid off. Over time, my English improved and I was one of the fastest readers in class. Even when I didn’t volunteer to read out loud, the other students volunteered me their selves. I started getting 100 percent on my quizzes and everyone thought I was a genius. Not so long, I started making more friends and felt happy because I was enjoying school. Not only did I get used to my everyday life at home, but I got used to my outside life at school. As much fun as making and meeting new friends was, adapting to the school environment was the most difficult stage I experience during this transition.

Question

Going to a new school after moving to a new country can be exciting, but also overwhelming and confusing. I had just finished my first grade in India, so when I arrived in U.S.A., I was going to attend second grade. I remember my first day in school and my mom had just dropped me off at the front of the building. As I turned around after saying my “goodbyes”, my heart started to beat faster and faster and felt a knot forming in my stomach. I was afraid of being left out because of my inability to communicate. Some students assumed that I did not understand them completely, so they started being rude towards me. The truth is I did understand them, not completely, but enough to get the message. I spent at least two weeks of school sitting all alone by myself at lunch watching the kids play jump rope or tag while I ate my sandwich. I went home frustrated everyday complaining to my parents about how much I hated school and how I missed all my friends in India. My parents convinced me to give it some time and I took their advice which paid off. Over time, my English improved and I was one of the fastest readers in class. Even when I didn’t volunteer to read out loud, the other students volunteered me their selves. I started getting 100 percent on my quizzes and everyone thought I was a genius. Not so long, I started making more friends and felt happy because I was enjoying school. Not only did I get used to my everyday life at home, but I got used to my outside life at school. As much fun as making and meeting new friends was, adapting to the school environment was the most difficult stage I experience during this transition.

Answer 1

Please see PsyDAG's comments:

http://www.pathwhelp.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5109

=)

Answer 2

It's understandable that transitioning to a new school in a new country can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you are still learning the language. Your experience of feeling left out and struggling to communicate is not uncommon. However, as you shared, with time and perseverance, you were able to adapt and thrive in your new school environment.

Here are a few steps you can take to navigate a similar situation:

1. Be patient with yourself: Remember that it takes time to adjust to a new school, especially when you are learning a new language. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and embrace the learning process.

2. Seek support from teachers and staff: Let your teachers know about your situation and your desire to improve your language skills. They can provide you with additional resources and support to help you catch up with your peers.

3. Join extracurricular activities: Participating in extracurricular activities is a great way to make new friends and develop your social skills. It also provides an opportunity to practice your language skills in a more relaxed and interactive setting.

4. Find a language buddy: Look for classmates who are willing to help you practice your English. Having someone to practice conversations with can boost your confidence and improve your language skills faster.

5. Take advantage of resources: Utilize the resources available to you, such as books, online tutorials, and language learning apps. Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable with the language.

Remember, adapting to a new school environment takes time, and everyone's journey is different. With perseverance and a positive mindset, you can overcome the initial challenges and thrive academically and socially.