Three Years in Serbia: From an Abandoned Plot to a New Home and Full Assimilation

The Beginning of the Journey: Moving and First Steps in Serbia

The story of life in Serbia began at the end of 2022 with a move to the country, knowing neither the language nor the local realities. The starting point was a 22-are plot of land, on which there was nothing but old rotten stumps and several dilapidated buildings.

The main house was in such a deplorable state that it was dangerous to be near it—the roof, a brick, or a tile could fall on your head at any moment. Everything that was achieved in three years, including the construction of a new house, didn't just fall from the sky but was the result of persistent, daily, and sometimes excessive labor.

During this time, active integration took place, and communication, business, and economic ties were built. It was a path started from scratch, based solely on personal efforts to achieve the set goals.

Assimilation: Full Immersion into Serbian Society

A key difference in the approach to moving was the refusal to seek out Russian-speaking communities, kindergartens, or schools. Instead, a strategy of maximum integration into Serbian society was chosen.

• Learning the Serbian language.
• Adopting Serbian traditions.
• Understanding the Serbian worldview and customs.

Over time, this even led to acquiring a Serbian name—Aca. It stuck so well that many locals no longer know the real name given at birth. Participating in events important to Serbs, such as weddings and funerals, became the norm.

A special indicator of successful integration is being regularly invited to Slava—the main family holiday. One can only attend such a celebration by being a truly welcome and respected guest.

Personal Transformation: How Hardships Forge Character

In three years, life in Serbia has radically changed my inner state. A sense of greater strength, confidence, and self-sufficiency has emerged. The reason for these changes lies in the difficulties that had to be overcome, as it is these that forge character.

This process can be compared to the work of a blacksmith who, by striking hot iron with a hammer, creates a true masterpiece from a simple blank. In the same way, the difficulties and challenges encountered along the way shape a strong and self-confident individual.

When you face problems in a foreign country, where there is no familiar support and you have to find all the answers yourself, the difficulty increases manifold. Overcoming such challenges makes a person more courageous and teaches them to appreciate the simple joys of life, just as a piece of sugar tastes especially sweet after stale bread.

The Language Barrier: Secrets to Mastering Serbian

The decision to move was made back at the end of 2020, and preparations began in advance. One method of passive language learning was listening to Serbian radio. This helped me get used to the sound of the speech, the dialect, and the intonations, so upon arrival, the language did not feel completely foreign.

A huge help and a kind of 'springboard' in learning Serbian was the knowledge of another Slavic language—Ukrainian. Although I was born and raised in the Moscow region, my parents are from Ukraine, and Ukrainian speech was often heard at home in the evenings. This experience helped to remove the psychological barrier to communicating in a non-native language.

The same principle applies to other Slavic languages. For example, an acquaintance who knew a little Czech noted that it was easier for him to master Serbian. The kinship of the languages significantly facilitates understanding and speeds up the learning process.

A Perspective on Life: How to Find Your Place in a New Country

Life in Serbia continues, and there are many plans and projects for the next ten years. The question often comes up: 'How do you like it in Serbia?'. The answer is always individual. What is good for one person may not suit another at all.

There are examples of people who left the country after a few weeks with negative impressions. The success of adaptation largely depends on one's internal attitude and focus. It's like adjusting binoculars: at first, everything is blurry, but with a slight turn of the dial, the picture becomes clear.

Your perception of a new country depends on what you are looking for and what you focus on. If a person arrives with respect and an open heart, they will receive one thing. If their attitude is initially skeptical and demanding, the result will be completely different. Ultimately, the country and its people will reflect the attitude you bring to them.