Moving to a Different Country

[minicoopkart]

Well, I just moved from New Jersey USA to Bogota, Colombia. My parents said it would be for the best of us, without any consulting, they decided to take the job offer and move here. So, first to begin this, I have mood swings, so this would make more sense though this
Anyway, before I moved, it was my first year back in Public School, 8th grade. It was the best year, since I got to see my old friends again and me many new ones. I met someone who became my best friend, and I would always tell him my problems or if anything is wrong.
Then, I moved here. It was over the summer, and a week after we moved, school started. I'm still living in a hotel as I type this. So after about the first week and a half, no one is talking to me, while other new kids already have parties and talk and everything. Fast forward 2 more weeks, and I talk to some more people. Still, I get depressed because I can never really make good friends. Since people here speak spanish, and my spanish is minimal, so i get excluded from almost everything. The stress is also not allowing me to think, and they said I'd probably fail the school year if I keep my grades like this. Almost all classes are in spanish, so I barely understand. I'm not allowed to walk anywhere since my spanish is minimal and not used to the city. I just see everybody talking and doing whatever, and I'm just standing in the corner. And whenever I try to speak spanish, they say "say it again" because they just think my accent is funny, and I could never stand being different, like not blending in. So if anybody has some advice, please post

[disassociation2016]

If you have any family in the USA I'd recommended staying with them. While I'm sure Colombia is a fine place, the United States is much safer in terms of statistics and there are more opportunities. Also drugs are a big issue there and many cartels make them there and sell them in the USA and more importantly there where you'll be living.

Ex/
Homicides per 100,000 residents - 2009
Columbia 35
USA 5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_homicide_rate

[Art_dude]

I think you're just experiencing the transition of any major living change - just give it some more time. It sounds like typical 'not fitting in' material from anyone, whether it's moving from state to state, or in your case country to different country. It sounds like the language barrier is the biggest issue right now, so I suggest trying to take extra time to improve your Spanish. Being immersed in the culture will only help you pick it up quicker, so try and encourage yourself to get out and at least hear it being spoken. If you know someone who speaks good english, try asking them for some advice. I think you're just off to a rough start as anyone would moving to a foreign country. Stick with your studies, and in time things will turn around.

[kidkizzet]

Alex is right, you're just experiencing the transition of a major living change. Of course it's hard when you move far away from what you're used to, and obviously it's harder when you have to learn a new language too. As your new to the area, you're not going to have a large group of friends or anything yet. The language barrier is definitely a big problem right now, it's preventing you from making friends, and it's also probably stopping people from approaching you and making conversation. You've identified that your spanish being minimal is causing problems. Even though you speak only a little spanish, it would be good for you to go out with someone and try to engage in a conversation and try to pick up the language. Your spanish will improve over time.

And it's understandable that you're stressed. Moving is stressful, especially when you're moving to a whole new country that speaks a language that you're not fluent in.

And the people asking you to say things again because of your accent - you're going to have to put up with that for a while. Things will settle over time and you'll become fluent in spanish and make friends.

It will take time, but things will get better.

[minicoopkart]

thanks all of you, yea some friends here think it'll take maybe untill march for me to speak really close to fluently, and yea i have a ton of stress because the transition, where I'm living isn't a great place and im getting depressed less frequently, so thats good

[Syvelocin]

It can definitely be a huge stressor. While I've never moved while in school, moving to a different country is a huge culture shock. I've made friends over here, but a lot of people still make fun of my accent (can't really change that) in some horrifying ways (let's just say they need practice and a reality check on our real lingo and slang). It's going to happen, as long as I have my accent. But I don't mind it too much, because I like my accent. I'm proud of where I'm from.

It really does take time to adjust. Best wishes.

[tatuboy327]

If you have any family in the USA I'd recommended staying with them. While I'm sure Colombia is a fine place, the United States is much safer in terms of statistics and there are more opportunities. Also drugs are a big issue there and many cartels make them there and sell them in the USA and more importantly there where you'll be living.

Ex/
Homicides per 100,000 residents - 2009
Columbia 35
USA 5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_homicide_rate

Yes and the majority of people here speak english, and you can relate to them more in many different ways.

[closed]

I understand it must be really hard for you, but i'm sure you've been through hard stuff. the language barrier is temporary, and within a year you'll speak spanish really well. just don't give up, you still can do it. i'm pretty sure your parents thought about you before they moved. try to find friends, or just other people that are having the same problems. good luck :)