If you are ready for a hard work, come to the USA: Kazakhstani about the disadvantages of living in America
'13.02.2019'
Source: NUR.KZ
The family of Almaty women, Mira Soltybayeva, has been living in the United States for the fifth year, where Kazakhstan is an active volunteer in the Kazakh community and the Kazakh school in Houston, Texas.
World 34 of the year. Her family has been living abroad for 10 years, tells NUR.KZ
“We lived in the UK for five years, and in 2014, for work, our spouse moved to the United States, first to California, and in 2018 to Houston, Texas. Houston is known as America's oil city. Almost all the offices of the world's oil companies are concentrated here. "
The woman studied and worked hard for many years, but after moving to the USA she decided to devote herself to her family.
“After moving to America, I decided to devote myself to my family. Now I am on maternity leave to care for children, I will also volunteer in the Kazakh community and the Kazakh school in Houston. ”
According to Mira, compatriots who at least once came to the United States should be aware of this community.
“I heard about him when we were still living in the UK. This community was created precisely in order to preserve our traditions and culture and pass it on to the younger generation.
When you live in Kazakhstan, you don’t think about it, as it is a daily, common affair of every Kazakh family. For example, hear Kazakh speech everywhere, watch our programs, stories, aytys and holiday programs.
Also, visiting each other without an invitation, just going to tea with friends, leaving children with relatives - all this ultimately is our culture. This is probably why many who move to America try to be closer to each other.
Of course, I can’t speak for everyone, because there are such families and people who feel comfortable being away from all this. But in fact, we see that the further we are from Kazakhstan, the closer we are with the Kazakhs. ”
Mira notes that the Kazakh school of Houston plays a huge role in the preservation of Kazakh traditions.
“The school unites our children, and this is another step towards the convergence of generations. The Kazakh school has been around for 6 years and is funded by parents and volunteers. The curriculum, textbooks and teaching materials were collected by grain, so that the study was understandable for each child.
Also, the school has a music club where children learn to play dombra, and a dance circle, where we are trying to teach children Kazakh dance. Each parent is trying to contribute to the children to know and love their language.
This is not easy, as children spend more time in an English-speaking environment, but they are very motivated. There are children who did not speak at all or did not understand Kazakh, but after a few months of classes there was already progress in their speech. This motivates not only children, but also parents, as there is a tangible result.
Kazakh lessons are held on weekends. The youngest 3 students of the year, and in the senior class children up to 10 years. All children are very good friends between themselves and outside of school, as we try to get together more often, we spend all holidays and birthdays together. The Kazakh holidays are especially noisy. ”
Almaty also shares that it is difficult for Kazakhs in America to get used to local food, especially meat.
“Probably the biggest disadvantage for our newly arrived person is food. It is very difficult to get used to food, especially meat, salt, sugar and fruits. The hardest thing is to get used to meat, as it is still difficult for Kazakhs without our meat.
In addition, local prices are offered without taxes and no interest on the service, which is very inconvenient. At first it was wild for us, now we are used to the fact that the prices of things and products go without tax. You should always add from 7 to 10%. Tax depends on the state.
Another disadvantage, I would note, is health insurance. It is very confusing and very expensive. If you don't work for a company that pays for good insurance, then think twice before moving to America. Of course, they will not leave a sick or dying person on the street, they will do everything for free, but I would not hope for it. "
But the disadvantages are compensated by the pros, the former Almaty woman said.
“Clean and smooth roads, I think, is the main advantage of this country. Since there are a lot of Americans behind the wheel, the roads are developed. Taxed by the people. Without coordination with the people, nothing is built or renamed. Also from the state is very good assistance to the poor, including with medical insurance.
Even in America, responsive people, even completely strangers, but at the same time, the next day they may forget about you. ”
A Kazakh woman warns that living in the States is not as easy as some people think.
“Many come to America in the hope of earning big money. Yes, if you know how to work, if you are not afraid of the black work, if you are ready not to sleep, not to rest and huddle in one room, then you will earn, but will you need this money if you plant your health?
Many hope for a higher education received in Kazakhstan, but here your diploma is just a piece of paper. It is very difficult to get a job in top companies that pay well. But, of course, if you are purposeful and know what you want, you can walk the path to your American dream. "
In turn, Mira confesses that one day her family will return to their homeland.
“Wherever we are, we always compare Kazakhstan with this place. If we see mountains, then we remember Almaty, if the sea, then Aktau, if it is snow, then Astana.
We constantly listen to Kazakh songs in the car, we are very happy when new items appear, although sometimes it happens that this song is already outdated in Kazakhstan. Of course, we miss food, especially sweets. Tried a lot of foreign famous desserts, but have not yet found anything tastier than our cakes and pastries.
We never thought that we finally left Kazakhstan. Still, this is our native land, and with age we more and more understand that we will return to our homeland. ”
