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Sofia
COUNTRY
Greece
Current School
Cox High School
How did you feel when you learned you’d be moving to the Hampton Roads area in the US?
I felt excited since I knew it would be a new start for me. It was definitely shocking news that I was going to live here. Hampton Roads area is really beautiful and I knew I would like it here.
Was the educational system in the US different from your home country’s? If so, do you prefer it or not, and why?
The education system is way different in the US than it is in Greece. I prefer it here because it is less stressful for me. I find it easier here. We use our chromebooks to do everything which is easier than carrying so many books everyday. Assignments are not difficult to do. Unlike in Greece, teachers don’t assign a lot of homework because most of the work is being done in class.
Did you keep in touch with your friends and relatives from where you previously lived? If yes, what method worked best, and/or how often are you able to contact them?
I did keep in touch with my friends and relatives. I always try to make time for them. I call them as much as I can. Even though calling can be difficult with the time difference, we text during the day.
Are you in touch with any other NATO officer kids? Tell us a few things about that experience.
Yes, I am in touch with a lot of NATO kids because I have a friend group with only NATO kids. It is really interesting to learn about their cultures. I learned many things about their countries that I didn’t know of. I even learn words from their languages. It is nice to know other people that moved to the US just like you. It feels like they always understand you since they went through the same thing as you. Moving to a new country can be really difficult.
What do you usually do for fun after moving here? Do you have any suggestions for activities we could try?
For fun, I try to do different activities with my friends. For example, we might go bowling, shop at the Lynnhaven mall, walk at the beach, or eat at different restaurants.
Have you been on any trips within the US or to the surrounding countries? If yes, tell us a few things about the experience and make some suggestions on what the rest of us could try.
I have been to New York City twice. It was a great experience and I would love to visit again. Going to a broadway show is definitely something I suggest when going there. I really do suggest going there because it’s worth it. I recommend visiting the museums, central park, and a tall building, like summit vanderbilt, for the best views!
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities either in your school or in outside organizations? Tell us about your experience.
I play soccer at the school team which is pretty fun and it helped me meet more people. Before starting soccer, I went to the Greek Church in Norfolk and volunteered to help with the little kids.
How did the language barrier (if applicable) affect your experience? Do you have any tips for future newcomers struggling with learning English?
Personally, I didn’t have a problem communicating because I knew English. Watching movies or videos in English will definitely help you learn faster. Reading English books will help you expand your vocabulary.
What are a few difficulties you faced when moving to the US that you haven’t already mentioned?
I found it a bit difficult to make friends in the beginning, but it didn’t take long for me to adapt and start talking to others. Other than that, everything else was perfectly normal for me.
What do you wish you had already known before moving to the US?
There isn’t anything that I wasn’t aware of because I had done a lot of research before moving to the US.