Kateryna Gorodnycha, a refugee who had to escape the Russian invasion of her country, shared her surprising journey of making a new home in Wales. Coming to Wales, Kateryna had limited knowledge about the country, having only visited the UK as a tourist before. The experience of being a refugee is vastly different from simply emigrating – it involves coping with sudden changes and adapting to unfamiliar conditions without prior planning. She highlighted how immigrants, including herself and her Ukrainian friends, go through similar emotional stages of adaptation when moving to a new country.
Experts have outlined five stages that newcomers typically experience when settling in a new country. These stages include Euphoria, Tourist Phase, Orientation, Depression, and the Active Phase. Kateryna, having spent three years in Wales, shared her insights on the process of adapting to a new culture. She reflected on the beauty of Welsh nature, which may seem ordinary to locals but appears fascinating and picturesque to newcomers, reminiscent of scenes from movies they have watched.
One of the aspects that surprised Kateryna was the warm and welcoming nature of the Welsh community. She recounted her son’s birthday, where he received cards from all their neighbours, a gesture that was both unexpected and heartwarming. The cultural differences in communication and traditions between Ukrainians and Welsh people provided interesting insights, with Kateryna noting both similarities and disparities. She also touched upon the historical parallels between the suppression of the Ukrainian and Welsh languages by conquerors, highlighting the shared struggles of reclaiming native languages.
Attending a football match between Wales and Ukraine, Kateryna experienced a profound moment when the entire stadium sang “Yma o Hyd” with Dafydd Iwan, fostering a strong sense of connection between their two nations. The cultural exchange and sharing of traditions between the Ukrainian community and the Welsh people further deepened her appreciation for Welsh culture. Despite initial misconceptions and humorous encounters about life in Ukraine, Kateryna found herself embracing Wales as her new home, with the red dragon emblem symbolising a place in her heart she never anticipated.
Through her personal journey of adapting to life in Wales, Kateryna’s story sheds light on the challenges and rewards of starting anew in a foreign land. Her experience serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength displayed by refugees who seek refuge and build new lives in unfamiliar surroundings. As she continues to embrace Welsh culture and share her own heritage with the community, Kateryna’s story stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and understanding in fostering unity and compassion among diverse populations.
Immigration stories like Kateryna’s provide valuable insights into the human experience of displacement, resilience, and adaptation. They offer a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of individuals who embark on a journey to find safety and belonging in a new homeland. Kateryna’s narrative serves as a touching reminder of the universal desire for acceptance, connection, and community, transcending borders and cultural differences. Her journey of making a new home in Wales exemplifies the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity and embracing hope for a brighter future.
As Kateryna continues to navigate the complexities of cultural integration, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and acceptance in building bridges across diverse communities. Her reflections on the surprising moments, cultural exchanges, and heartfelt connections formed in Wales highlight the transformative impact of embracing diversity and celebrating shared humanity. Kateryna’s journey of resilience and adaptation stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, unity, and mutual respect in creating a more inclusive and harmonious society for all.