Hi everyone,

"How to adjust to a new environment" - This week’s theme really hits home for me.

As someone from Indonesia who has lived—really lived, not just visited—in Japan, Uganda, and the Netherlands, I know how exciting, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming it can be to step into a completely new world.

Each time I moved, I had to start from scratch. New language. New culture. A whole new "normal." It wasn't always easy, but each experience taught me so much about myself, about people, and about finding comfort in the unfamiliar.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that might help you too—whether you're moving to a new country, starting at a new school, or simply facing a big change in life.

1. Be Curious, Not Critical
When I moved to Japan, everything felt unfamiliar—from how people communicated to how quiet the trains were. It would have been easy to feel frustrated, but I chose to approach things with curiosity.

Instead of thinking, "Why don’t they do it like we do back home?" I started asking, "I wonder why they do it this way?" That simple shift made all the difference. Suddenly, everything became something to learn, not something to resist.

2. Speak the Language (Even Just a Bit)
For example, during my time in Uganda, I made the effort to learn basic Luganda greetings. Even simple words brought huge smiles and helped me connect more deeply with the people around me. You don’t have to be perfect. Just showing that you’re trying goes a long way.
P.S. I’ve also included a short video summary of my volunteering experience in Uganda in this column—feel free to check it out if you're curious about what it was like!

3. Find or Build Your Community
In the Netherlands, it took a while to feel at home. What helped most was joining international groups and multicultural meetups. Being around people who understood the feeling of being new made all the difference. And these days, communities aren't just offline—there are great online spaces too, where people from all over the world come together to learn and grow.

4. Keep Something Familiar
Whether it’s making your favorite dish from home, listening to music in your native language, or sticking to a morning routine—having a few familiar habits can help you feel more grounded in a new place. These little rituals can be a quiet reminder that you’re still you, no matter where you are.

5. Be Patient with Yourself
Adjusting takes time. It’s okay to feel homesick, to make mistakes, or to feel a little lost now and then. That’s all part of the process. Celebrate small wins—like navigating without Google Maps or having your first real conversation in a new language. Every step forward counts.

You’ve got this.
Stepping into a new environment might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s also where the most growth happens. Every challenge you face is shaping you into someone more resilient, open-minded, and confident.

Thank you for reading! If you've experienced a big change or moved somewhere new, I’d love to hear your story too. Let’s keep sharing and learning from each other.

A Little Personal Update
I’m excited to share that I’ve been featured in the Cafetalk Tutor Rankings!
#5 in Academic Tutoring – Most Repeated Rankings
#2 in Academic Tutoring – Trending Tutor Rankings

I'm so grateful for all of your support, it truly means a lot to me.

To celebrate, I’m offering a 30% OFF coupon for all lessons, valid from May 1 to May 5, 2025.

If you've been thinking of taking a lesson or trying something new, this is a great time to jump in. Let’s keep growing and learning—together.

Warm wishes,
Cindy