Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-01-01 / 1. szám
MEMBER PROFILE good to get insights from both sides of the Atlantic. Q. Obviously, your teaching experience in Hungary impacted you to such an extent that you returned to the U.S. with a Hungarian wife. How did you meet her and how have you coped with language and cultural differences since returning to the U.S.? A. I met my future-wife at a party in Budapest and had an amazing time with her there. Having a Hungarian girlfriend in Budapest really allowed me to learn about Hungarian culture. She speaks excellent English so there has not been much of a language barrier between us although I know she would love it if I spoke Hungarian. We cope with cultural differences basically through our own curiosity about each other's culture. Now that we're living in America, she has probably had to deal with many more cultural differences than I ever had to deal with living there. Q. What advice would you give others who are considering following your career path and teaching or working in Hungary? In other words, what should they expect and what concessions would they have to make to accommodate such differences in language, culture, and lifestyles? A. Anyone I have spoken with who was interested in working overseas, I have encouraged them to go. It's such an eye-opening and educational experience and really allows one to learn about the world form a whole different perspective. There are accommodations that you have to make when traveling, but nothing too severe. When I first arrived in Hungary, I rarely knew what I was ordering at a restaurant, but it almost always turned out to be great, and now I am a fan of all Hungarian food. Q. What are your future plans? Do you see yourself returning to Hungary or how will you maintain the relationships and friendships you fostered during your tenure there? A. If the right opportunity presents itself, I would love to return to Hungary, particularly Budapest. Budapest is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to live. I have remained in touch with a few friends from my time in Hungary through email and actually met up with some of them the last time I was in Hungary. Q. How did this experience of teaching in Hungary change you as a person? What was the impact on your outlook, your awareness of globalization, your value system, and your own family's acceptance of a foreign wife? A. It was my family who encouraged me to go overseas, so they have overwhelmingly embraced my wife and Hungary. The experience had a huge impact on me because now I never look at international issues from a solely American perspective, but I also draw on my understanding of Hungarian culture and history to better analyze the issues. Q. As an American, I, too, married a Hungarian so I know what it takes to accommodate another's language, culture, habits, likes, and allegiances. How have you adjusted to making your wife comfortable in America when the only life she's known is as a Hungarian? A. We've adjusted basically by embracing everything Hungarian in the Washington, D.C. area that we can. Actually, there are many Hungarian activities that we take advantage of, and I think that gives my wife the opportunity to use her language and feel involved in her culture here. And, as a matter of fact, I like doing those kinds of activities, such as the movie on the anniversary of the 1956 revolution in Hungary, Mikulás Day, and various lectures by Hungarian authors or politicians. Q. Because of your wife and your teaching experience in Hungary, you purchased a policy from HRFA. But what advice would you give to others who don't have that immediate a connection to Hungary about the value of purchasing a life insurance policy from HRFA? In other words, why do you recommend HRFA to others? A. I would first recommend HRFA because it is good value and offers security for my money - it is a great investment in my future. Not many young people have life insurance, so, it is a great step in that direction and young people have got to start building security for their futures, especially in these tenuous economic times. Additionally, being involved with HRFA allows both of us to be informed of and engaged in cultural activities throughout the area and the country. Q. In light of your commitment to the country and its people, how important was it to purchase from a company that supports the Hungarian language, culture, and religious traditions? A. Very important. Hungary will always be a huge part of my life and so whenever I am able to involve myself with Hungarian organizations, it is fulfilling socially and culturally. Q. What is the impact of purchasing from a faith-based religious organization as opposed to a commercial company? A. I think that you know that they are working for more than just "the bottom line." When I have spoken with other HRFA members, I always see that they are concerned with doing much more than just making money - and that is a great FRATERNITY - TESTVÉRISÉG 23
