Transition to the US

[msheesha 548]

Since there are several people whose MENA spouses are scheduled to arrive in the next couple of months, I thought I'd start a topic for discussing what has helped MENA spouses transition to living in a new country. Any ideas, tips, thoughts on what helped and what did not help. And, for people like Aya, who have experienced it, hearing it first hand would be great. Thanks everyone.

(Please leave in MENA).

[Nothing1234 2]

if you do a search there are actually a few threads on this that you could revive and add things too.

[Mithra 1,185]

One of the first things I did was tape coins to a notebook with the amount written next to it so that my husband could remember how much certain coins were worth. This was very helpful to him since he didn't have any experience with American coins.

I drew a map of the streets nearby with stores that were in walking distance highlighted so he would be able to get out while I was at work and he was still unable to work or drive.

Transition may be difficult but it may be really easy depending on the man and how much knowledge of the US he already has. I still find myself teaching my husband about certain things that hadn't come up before 3.5 years later.

[Nothing1234 2]

I bumped one thread for you....there are tons of suggestions.

[msheesha 548]

Thank you

[Nothing1234 2]

You're welcome!

[LaL 418]

I bumped one thread for you....there are tons of suggestions.

I liked this thread too :

Tips to help your SO adjust

[msheesha 548]

One of the first things I did was tape coins to a notebook with the amount written next to it so that my husband could remember how much certain coins were worth. This was very helpful to him since he didn't have any experience with American coins.

I drew a map of the streets nearby with stores that were in walking distance highlighted so he would be able to get out while I was at work and he was still unable to work or drive.

Transition may be difficult but it may be really easy depending on the man and how much knowledge of the US he already has. I still find myself teaching my husband about certain things that hadn't come up before 3.5 years later.

Thanks. I've heard the suggestion about the coins before. I've left American coins there in Morocco with the info about them.

I've checked online and it seems the international drivers license he can get in Morocco (with his Moroccan drivers license) will be good for up to a year in the state we will be living in. Has anyone's spouse used the intl drivers license?

Great idea about the local map! Thanks very much.

I liked this thread too :

Tips to help your SO adjust

Thank you!

[And_Sam 44]

I liked this thread too :

Tips to help your SO adjust

I got alot of tips out of this link too! I ordered the prayer rug for my husband, and got the hand held sprayer put in too. I think I like that just as much as he does!!! But we still use alot of TP!!!!

The one thing that I did do once my husband got here was getting the iphone from ATT for him. It has a GPS and apps so he can put in addresses and shows him how to get around. PLUS it has arabic language option so all of it is in arabic.......

[Mithra 1,185]

We still use a big plastic cup in lieu of the sprayer although we always talk about getting one.

My husband would be so jealous knowing you got your husband an Iphone, And_Sam. We have regular old ####### phones that we've had for 3+ years. I'm just too lazy to look into new ones and new plans/phone companies. Again, another thing we discuss but never do. I did get my husband an iPod touch for an anniversary and that has the GPS thingy. That came in handy when we were shopping for a new home.

My husband brought a prayer rug from Egypt but it sits in the basement untouched. So much for that.

[moroccogirlny 100]

When my husband(fiance then) first arrived I gave him a grand tour of the neighborhood.....local Mosque, supermarkets, Costco, the library, a local map, fire dept, local police, hospital ..... and so on.

He joined a writing class at the local library which helped him so much, also he got a chance to meet others from different cultures.

I made sure he got acquainted with our kitchen appliances

I had purchased many spices in Morocco...especially CUMIN. I cook a lot of Moroccan food which makes him feel at home.

I encourage him to talk to his family often, thank goodness for the internet

I decorated our living room with Moroccan design and put his family pics all over the walls, tears came to his eyes when he walked in.

Next adventure is learning how to drive it's bad enough New Yorkers are the worst drivers

[Staashi 371]

I would say to take everything with a grain of salt. Ask God for wisdom to understand the transition - that it will be one for both of you and not just your immigrating spouse. I don't care how much you thought that something was quaint in his country, it might begin to bug you in your own home. I also advise to prepare yourself for the rest of the visajourney - getting the visa is the first step - AOS, Removal of Conditions and maybe even citizenship are all stressful. Be ever mindful that your lives are subject to review and approval by USCIS. It adds additional stress, but if you are prepared for your upcoming interviews or various process stages (like knowing your crucial dates for applications) you will find it to be somewhat gratifying that you aren't running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.

[msheesha 548]

When my husband(fiance then) first arrived I gave him a grand tour of the neighborhood.....local Mosque, supermarkets, Costco, the library, a local map, fire dept, local police, hospital ..... and so on.

He joined a writing class at the local library which helped him so much, also he got a chance to meet others from different cultures.

I made sure he got acquainted with our kitchen appliances

I had purchased many spices in Morocco...especially CUMIN. I cook a lot of Moroccan food which makes him feel at home.

I encourage him to talk to his family often, thank goodness for the internet

I decorated our living room with Moroccan design and put his family pics all over the walls, tears came to his eyes when he walked in.

Next adventure is learning how to drive it's bad enough New Yorkers are the worst drivers

I really like the idea of putting pictures of his family up! (and the other ideas as well) Thank you

Edited July 7, 2010 by msheesha

[msheesha 548]

I've found him a writing class as well that he's scheduled to start soon after he gets here. It also has a business class for new immigrants - what the American business establishment expects vs. what it was like in country of origin. I think that will be helpful.

Also looking for adult soccer leagues, and a mosque where we will both feel comfortable.

[Berber Mama 5]

I would say to take everything with a grain of salt. Ask God for wisdom to understand the transition - that it will be one for both of you and not just your immigrating spouse. I don't care how much you thought that something was quaint in his country, it might begin to bug you in your own home. I also advise to prepare yourself for the rest of the visajourney - getting the visa is the first step - AOS, Removal of Conditions and maybe even citizenship are all stressful. Be ever mindful that your lives are subject to review and approval by USCIS. It adds additional stress, but if you are prepared for your upcoming interviews or various process stages (like knowing your crucial dates for applications) you will find it to be somewhat gratifying that you aren't running around like a chicken with it's head cut off.

Amen to that!