What happens with a person after arrival to a different country? Adaptation. Cultural shock. Introduction. Whatever you call it, you can not avoid it.
Noise. Rickshaws – local moto-taxi are everywhere. “Horn OK Please” is written on every truck and they really horn – with or without reason. People do not talk with you, they shout because it is loud on the street as well as because they just shout.
To be or not to be polite. Thank you and Welcome, Hello and Bye are almost unknown words here. And if person doesn’t use it doesn’t mean he or she is rude. It’s just the way it works here. But they use ‘Excuse me’ all the time. “Excuse me, Madam, do you want this sun cream, shoes, bags?” – they will ask you in the supermarket even if you just pass them by. In the street it is the same, but less, because ‘street shoppers ‘ do not speak English that much.
Curious. They are. You neighbor, manager in the bank, random person on the street whom you ask where to find something will ask you what’s your name, where are you from, where do you work, what is your academic background, are you married and so on. List of questions can be pretty long and they just shoot it straight away. But mostly it is not because they are curious about you as person. They want to know as much as they can, so that to tell to their relatives about foreigner they know.
No English. Yes, this language is official here, but way less than 100% people can understand and speak it.
Cheap. Fruits & vegetables for sure cheaper than in Russia or Europe. Eating out is cheaper compared with “Western World”. But if you have local salary, you do not think so..
Sanitary. Dirt and dust is everywhere. You just can not avoid it. But almost every flat has a maid (cleaning lady) that comes everyday and washes dishes, cleans floor, does laundry and it cost 800-1200 Rs (20-30 dollars, 550-800 rubles). I live on 14th floor and it makes it easier.
Warm. It’s January and + 30 during day, night is cooler - can be + 20. And it will become hotter and hotter. Fan (hand one, Japanese style) is very useful here. Expect at least wonder form local people, when you start using it
I appreciate and really like straightness but, please, take into consideration that your point of view might not be taken for granted by both sides! Thank you :)
Why some people tend to dwell in one area and others go abroad? Right, because we all are unique and different: education we get, family roots we have, habits, cultures and list can continue. Ok, but what is the ‘right’ way of living, if any? I will try to express my thoughts on both ways in this post.
Let’s look at traditional way. You born in a city/town, your grown up there, you went to school and than university, during your studies started to work there or started doing it after graduation. Meanwhile you dated with someone (most likely from the same city) and time came to start a family with your partner. And the loop goes on with your kids. For sure, if you and your family live in one place for a while it gives advantages, and number one is network. One can quite often hear phrase like ‘our city is a big village, where everyone knows each other’. Right acquaintances make your life easier if you are able to treat people properly.
And what to do, if number of right acquaintances doesn’t satisfy you and you want more or you just a curious person and want to see how is it there? You go and explore – first as a tourist most probably, than you can get part of your studies abroad, try summer work or volunteer program, get temporary abroad assignment at your company or start a joint venture with your roommate from your study abroad time or whatever else. Great! Mobility multiplied by rather affordable travel costs, Internet and languages you know results enormous amount of destinations to go. Just remember to stay focused on what you want. With this scenario you may end up settling down but abroad with foreign partner (and to be a ‘Russian abroad’, expat), or return home with him/her and implement you experience there: good if it is relevant and needed and not good (but not hopeless) if the opposite.
There are transaction costs of both life styles: global citizen or traditional. Of course, everyone choose his/her own and there is no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way. The trick is to decide on the one most suitable with no regret on not choosing the other.
And why you like it?
Indeed, nothing makes you so close to the news than participation of your friend there. A friend of mine with whom we studied at the university just got her master degree at the best economics master school of Russia. And the key note speech at the graduation ceremony was delivered by Barack Obama.
I was surprised (and not in the best way) when I heard on a radio (which I consider rather adequate) a wonder from one journalist about agenda of Obama’s visit – something like “who designed this program and chosen an “unknown” school for his speech?”. Well, for sure, this question is not to the score of that journalist. Obama said twice that world is more complex than it is written on a paper. He said he had quoted the graduate of NES of 1993. Now this graduate is the presidential aide in economic issues.
We are the last generation born in soviet Russia. And for me it’s strange and even ridiculous to hear question, like “are we in a new wave of a cold war”. WTF?? What the hell are you talking about? It was different country with different mindset. World is different now. As it happens quite often people got used to refer to the past. But they are not the one’s creating the future. Present maybe. Young people with a broad and open mindset are. Thanks for reminding that, Mr. Obama!
Think globally, act locally (yes, you have heard it somewhere – it’s a slogan of DHL).
For sure, as many people as many opinions and everyone makes his/her own summaries. I just want to highlight what I liked in Obama’s speech.
source: http://www.echo.msk.ru/blog/n_asadova/60
Interesting process I observe recently. It’s called search.
Now, after a month+ of internship search, I understood why people sometimes prefer stay at one place (work) or be with one partner (boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife). Even if there is something they are not ok with or everything is ok but “…you know, I am just bored’. Or they were involved into a temporary project and it has finished (as in my case with work). So, if you decide to move forward (no matter what the reason is), be prepared to bear “transaction costs” – time, money, maybe even nerves.
Your early 20’s are passing and heading to middle 20’s; you are full of energy and, damn, ready to do, act, produce, move, create but you start a day with checking available destinations, mailing managers, checking mailbox. But result is not as you expected. Well, to be correct not in time you have expected.
Till some point I was more into description above. But why not to look at this momentum from the other side – yes, you are in this situation, so (1) use this time for yourself, your family, your amigos (remember how employed people sometimes blame lack of time) or (2) just life gave you a break to think/reflect on what you did so far and chill/rest to go further.
I know at least 3 more people – 3 good friends of mine - in a very similar situation. A successful job in a big4 company or challenging and funky one in a creative studio. And they search now. Strange, huh? I also thought so. But we are in process and we know what to look for.
I know.
Marina wished on my birthday to continue surprise and be surprised. Brilliant wish!
Today I was surprised with top-gear working internet in my cell-phone and a skype response on my yesterday mail from a media director of one of companies in Rio de Janeiro (no, I was not – they need an excellent Portuguese :).
What surprised you recently? Whom you surprised?
Continue surprise and be surprised!
Sourse: http://www.youtube.com/user/GetGrasshopp
For about 10 days I am already back in Russia. Fast. Usually when you coming back home (or place where you lived for a while) after living somewhere abroad you realize that the only think that changed is you. It’s true with exceptions.
Today I was reading news on a local portal and realized that there is English version!
And it looks good - www.ekaterinburg.com.
It’s not a promotion (I am not got money for that:). Just good to know that your city is at least trying to become slightly more international.
Though, while speaking English on the street can cause a wondered face and open mouth effect..
People
Lina. Adored wisdom tea at any time at your place
Ragnar. Coffee and fresh are the best drinks. After wine
Marico. You are original. Learned a lot in graphic design from you
Arta. Perfect leader! Enjoyed working with you
Jana (Latvia). My Girl, ‘go forward’ attitude rules. And banya at your place was awesome.
Simo (Simona, Sima, Simonachka!). My dear flat mate and teammate. Thank you for being my 24-hours vocabulary and patience
Daina. You are kool’! And I love your British accent
Premek. Flat mate and teammate. Admired your ‘take-it’easy’ attitude
Karel. Darling, I wish cooperation between LV and LT could be closer! I would definitely like to work with you
Baiba. The fastest speaking Latvian girl with Ukrainian surname (: Me gusta como tu hablas Espaniol
Marina. Busy alumni are best people. Thank you for your advisory.
Edmund. Right words in right time. And Ice hockey is one of the best games to watch or play.
Aika. I am glad we were near all this time, dear LCP 07-08. Thank you for everything in Eesti
Krisina. Alumni are best people. Thank you for being those who cares
Marina (Russia). I am proud of knowing you! My Latvia-Russia transit
Laura (Latvia, Belgium). Thank you for your professional attitude. Country has to proud of you
Jana (Czech Republic). My dear Nastyenka! Admiring girl!
Ella. Great person. True globetrotter.
Misha. Positive attitude is addictive. Keep spreading it
Vimar. Thank you for showing me Latvian Alpine Skiing! And still wondering will I see results of photo session..
Natasha (Latvia/Amsterdam). Thank you for your professional consultations. And for being those who cares
Igor (Riga-Japan). Thanks for fixing my charger and being a swimming partner
Nastya (Russia-Stockholm). Totally enjoyed spending time with you!
Karina. You made a lot for me. Thank you for that and for your patience
Natalia (Moscow-Riga). Understanding that some one from Russia lives in the same city made me confident and proud.
hank you for openness
Agnese. Piano concert was perfect. And dinner as well
Andreas. Cameraman. Keep doing what you freak about. It drives people around you
Ivars. I like people who make decisions fast. Great to know + 1 more person like this
Annya (Russia). Girl, you are who you are. You are natural and true. I love it
Danil. Thank you for being a good co-driver. Was glad to meet you again, VPX 06-07!
My sister. Great that you came as well!
My mother. Totally action oriented. Thank you for visiting me in Riga, partying with ERASMUS students and supporting
Feelings and emotions
For sure feeling of ‘being attached’ was one of the strongest during this time. You get used to very fast. And might not even recognize it. And than –that’s it – you sold your VW on which you had a 2400 km drive Riga-Warsaw-Prague-Karlovy Vary-Riga with your 2 Russian friends; you changed you apartment coz of costs cutting; you do not have your friends next to you coz they left to a freaking far Venezuela or Brazil, Spain or they stayed in the Baltic’s but I am writing now from Russia. And first re-action your body has – no, NO, that’s not right and you are pissed of and crying on a shoulder of your friend. Sounds and looks emotional (: And it is. We are humans and that’s normal – you say to yourself. And time goes by and it’s getting better. Really (: There are 33 countries Russians can go without visa. Venezuela and Brazil few of them (; And you have this people in your skype/facebook! So, let’s put it this way - it’s just a matter of time & there are certain number of destinations to visit!
For Russian speakining people (well, you can understand picture anyway):
Why majority of trainings finish with reflection time? Review what it was about. For - digest all food for your brain you were given.
I consider 10 month in Latvia as a training. It finished. So, enjoy the meal. It would be short & to the point (:
Work. That was what in fact brought me to Riga. As we with our AIESEC in Latvia team agreed the year was tough though interesting. For me it started from writing to national media and gathering communication responsible people from local level and ended up with rebuilding contacts with all companies AIESEC worked on national level and organizing a workshop for Coca-Cola Hellenic Baltic’s. In between driving exchange program with my teammates – Simo & Premek; organizing and delivering Outgoing Preparation Seminars (seminars about cultural differences for AIESECers going abroad), training my Corel Draw abilities with perfect coaching form Marcio, updating and than moving national web-site on a new platform. Plus reviewing budget with Karina and getting to know Latvian alumni.
Yes, how to work with this different young people?
There is a bench amount of materials, formulas, and concepts on how to work in a team or how to lead a team. And it really makes sense to go trough it, attend trainings, search on TED… In a business school where I worked in international office I often dealt with students (local and international) and honestly sometimes missed a bit ‘being a student’ feeling, when ‘to learn’ is your job, though, of course you learn all your life (yeah-yeah – lifelong learning - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_le
But no matter how practical examples are it is still a theory. And theory sometimes doesn’t want to appear like it described.
Of course I do not claim to truth in the last resort but so far thing number one to face reality and be able be a team-player/leader is patience. It is applicable for all teams you work. AIESEC in particular.
Just asking question why you can really challenge the Truth and create yours.
Why not to perform opera in tiny jeans, naked bally and on high-hills? (I visited Carmen in Riga National Opera with my Lithuanian friend Lina and was surprised to see it in the beginning but after – really, why not??)
Why not to go to Estonia, bring Russian vodka and drink it with Estonians on the kitchen of interns. No matter on complicated history (as one alumni Estonian told) our countries had.
Who told that +2 and snow is not a May weather?
Train you patience (;
Cheers from Russia already!
Profile.
Young. That’s the essence of organization. Young not even in terms age (it depends on a country – in each country average ‘student’ age is different) but experience. Actually lack of it (and again it depends on time in AIESEC).
What are the associations you have with word young? Right – ambitious. Level of ambitions varies but usually from ‘upper than average’ to ‘the sky is he limit’. Sometimes it really helps to move things up and forward – people do not afraid to start something even if they do not know all details.
As small kids that do not afraid to touch, to smell, to taste, to lick, to try, to push everything because they are just curious. And good if a person mature enough to feel the right moment and can control level of ambitions and able to learn from other people with more experience. So this is healthy level of ambitions.
Than we have those ‘stars’ with symptoms of narcissism. Usually overestimating and exaggerating them and underperforming and leaving unfinished things. Things are not finishing because teammates can be totally frustrated or the Star is tired of ‘stupidity of teammates” and quit or he/she is kicked out by a team. Disable to learn from others (I am the only truth in the World!).
And there are some AIESECers who are underestimating them but performing or over performing. That 80 % from Pareto Rule.
Ok, so what else? Well of course there are 11 other competences that AIESECer should have as competency model says (here should be a link on this model but I really doubt that I can find it on external recourses). But ‘young’ is the main one. I would also some AIESECers can have high level of tolerance and adoptability – as organization is global and you constantly face with cultural/behavioral differences you have to get used to handle with it. The level depends on time or experience.
Ok, profile defined. Now how they interconnect without killing each other (:?
That is usually not a question for me: if you want it – go ahead. Measure your investments and the outcome. If first is bigger – floor is yours! Simple. That is in theory.
In reality people face with other factors like external reasons or circumstances or ‘They’ – government (behaving in the most stupid way usually), the boss (the same as government), the global crisis (of course all-absorbing), colleagues/team members (disabled people) and so on. And internal factors or ‘You’ such as your skills and abilities - smart guy/girl vs. circumstances (i know i sound a bit ironic).
Also you have to plus to it specific characteristic of industry/sphere.
Specific of AIESEC is constant ‘blood change’. Once per year. People and generations change fast. Also you have to take into consideration average age of those volunteers, AIESECers. They (we:) are most of the time students or recent graduates in their twenties, i.e. young and ambitious with slight maximalist attitude.
So, it is a perfect cocktail to move the world forward, isn’t it? These young & ambitious individuals gather together to measure investments and outcome, scan external reality and start up relevant projects! YeeeHaa!... But after my 3+ years in AIESEC I cannot say this scheme works all the time. It doesn’t work most of the time.
Why? That’s what I keep asking myself. And have some explanations and it will be later.
You can often hear things like ‘I need motivation’ (I am always wondering how person imagine this process - motivation..), ‘I do not know how to do it’ (and it will be like this if you continue waiting someone putting USB in your head with clear instructions), ‘I do not have time’ (prioritize, baby).
I haven’t made special survey but that’s 20/80, Pareto Principle. Yes, yes in a leadership organization only 1 person out of 5 people (ok, maybe sometimes a tiny bit more) can produce not just words. And in corporate world situation is not better (it’s in Russian and meaning is ‘smart people’ and sorry ‘assholes’ the author is founder of one of the biggest searching engine in Russia).
Oh! Right word appeared – people. It’s all about people and how you communicate with them. True. Dialog can be a solution. Train your patience and talk to people, ask what they want. If you manage to have an answer that’s good (‘I do not know’ is not an answer). And if the answer is ‘money and fame’ even better! (Oh, yes, now some of you wondering – we are not-for-profit so it can not be about that. Can be – ‘not-for-profit’ doesn’t mean ‘without money’). If the answer is experience or international experience that’s the best you can hear. Ok, those interested people defined. What’s next? To do.
To do or not is not a question for me. That’s why I am here.
- :!
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