The editorial team of the CELOP Sun went out to the lobby one day, and asked them questions about transitions, like: how did you adjust to living in Boston? How are you preparing for the cold weather? What are your plans for Halloween and Thanksgiving?
Hammad Alolyan and Abdulaziz Aldamashqi
On transitioning to life in Boston: We weren’t surprised a lot, because we know a lot about America. We were just surprised about the weather. How it’s freezing. Because we don’t have experience with this. We didn’t think it would be that cold, like minus 32. At the beginning, we were happy, because we hadn’t seen that before, and we had snowball fights.
On plans for the upcoming holidays: Now I’m looking on Amazon for a costume. We will go to Salem. There will be a big event.
Meaghan Bolduc
On transitioning to life in Boston: It’s different than New York, the food is different, the transportation is different, so I found it a little rough in the beginning, but I caught up.
On plans for the upcoming holidays: Halloween? I have a neice who is 2, so I’m going to watch her trick or treat. And, Thanksgiving I’m going home to New York.
In December I’m going to Miami, trying to get out of the snow.
Yoshiyuki Shima
On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it’s pretty good because before coming to Boston, I had been to Los Angeles, I think it’s also good, but Boston has more public transportation, so I think it’s good.
On plans to prepare for the cold weather: On Columbus Day, I bought many clothes, and three jackets.
On plans for the upcoming holidays: For Halloween, I’m going to Salem. And on Thanksgiving Day, I’m going to New York, and Philadelphia.
Hussain
On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it was really difficult because I couldn’t speak English and I had a lot of trouble communicating with others.
On plans to prepare for the cold weather: To stay warm.
On plans for the upcoming holidays: I don’t have plans now. I will probably stay in Boston.
Dana
On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it was very nice, but it was a long trip from my country to here. It was a new experience.
On plans to prepare for the cold weather: It’s already cold. Get out and attend events before it gets too cold.
On plans for the upcoming holidays: It depends on my husband because he is studying at Harvard and he is a doctor, so he doesn’t have that much time to take trips. However I can plan some for myself.
Ibtihal
(The below answers are paraphrased)
When she came, she was surprised. She found a different environment.
Her plan for next month is to improve her skills in English.
She didn’t take a flu shot yet.
For Boston winter she bought snow boots, gloves, and scarves.
For Halloween she wants to wear a costume.
Samuella
(The below answers are paraphrased)
She didn’t feel any big change… just food.
She will be studying in Celop for the next month.
She didn’t take a flu shot.
She has already bought warm stuff.
She wants to go to Salem on Halloween.
Jing-Wei
(The below answers are paraphrased)
He is from Taiwan, but he was in Florida for half a year. It is totally different.
For next month he will continue at Celop
He didn’t take a flu shot.
He will go shopping to get warm clothes.
He is planing to go to Salem for Halloween.