Jenny Infante-Reyes

My husband got accepted into Kenan-Flagler last March 2008, and we made the confirmation and down payment before I found out I was expecting our first child. Though it is my first time to live outside the Philippines, I was more apprehensive about leaving my trusted OB GYNE and all the practices I knew about child labor and raising children behind and into a different culture and system.

Kenan Connection helped dispel those worries and fears right away. Even before we left I was able to exchange emails with some new moms who had given birth here in Chapel Hill. They taught me about midwives and doulas, maternity support groups and pre-natal classes, and shared their personal experiences as well. It made my coming here much easier knowing what to expect and what I needed to adjust to.

The care we received when I gave birth to Samantha was excellent, and the support we received as well from the partners in Kenan Connection was overwhelming. Everyone offered to help, run errands or prepare a simple meal for me. They also threw the expectant moms a baby shower – which allowed other new moms to connect and exchange stories. It made all the changes easier.

Mayuko Ashida

We visited Chapel Hill on February 2008 from Tokyo, Japan, with our then 17 month old daughter, when my husband Mark was applying for Kenan-Flagler. We were very much impressed by how beautiful Chapel Hill was and how attractive UNC Kenan-Flagler was. When we were visiting Kenan-Flagler, some students came to us and talked about their life with children in Chapel Hill. I was very thankful to the admissions office and students for their welcoming atmosphere for families like us. That trip made us feel certain we and our daughter would have a wonderful experience in Chapel Hill and with Kenan-Flagler.
 
At the end of May 2008, my daughter and I moved to Chapel Hill with my husband which I believe is unusual for many of the international families. When Mark started his ASW Summer Classes, I was left alone with my daughter since I didn’t have any friends here. The only thing we did for several days was to go to the pool in our apartment complex. After awhile I started to get messages from Kenan Connection and found out about the Families Club’s weekly playgroups. Even though I was very nervous when I first joined the group since I was the only international partner that time, it helped us a lot in settling in. There I got to know many places like playgrounds, a library, kids museums, story times and events I could enjoy with my daughter. Also it was a very good chance to meet other moms and kids. I learned about preschools, pediatrics, birthday parties and many other things and events from them.

Now there are more international partners in the group and Toko and I are looking forward to meeting new moms and kids next year.

Livia Braga Felinto

My husband and I, both Brazilians, have been living in Chapel Hill for almost a year; my husband is part of the Kenan-Flagler MBA class of 2010. When we were deciding which school would be the best one for us, we considered which one had a great program and which one would provide us with a good life experience. Prior to moving we were already living in North Carolina and we already loved the environment and the people.
 
Our final decision came after the Experience Weekend. This event, organized with the support of Kenan-Connection, was helpful as we learned more about the University and we were able to meet some MBA spouses. That was my first time in Chapel Hill and I was really happy to see how everyone here was so friendly. During the Experience Weekend we also got to know the area better and looked for places for us to live.
 
I am glad that we made the right decision to come to Chapel Hill. My husband is enjoying the program and I have a unique opportunity to meet wonderful friends. Moreover, as an international I am glad that I had the school and the support of Kenan-Connection to quickly feel at home.

Dina Fifadra

Moving to Chapel Hill could have been a lot tougher! My husband, Chirag (MBA Class of 2010), had spent half of his life in India and half of his life in the US, and I had moved for my job 5 times in the past 7 years, most recently from Chicago. Although we both were accustomed to picking up and moving to a new locations, we were also used to living in places that were known to be cosmopolitan - places that had large Indian communities where we felt we could display our culture and heritage.

We underestimated some of the benefits of being part of a smaller community. We soon found our favorite ethnic restaurants where we could get great Curry Mee at Penang on Franklin Street, Vegetarian Manchurian at Inchin's Bamboo Garden or Methi Malai at Tandoor in Durham. Granted that you may not find a Thai restaurant on every street corner like you do in downtown Chicago, as long as you find one that serves a mouth watering Pad Thai, what more do you need? We even found the local Indian grocery store and became more involved in the local religious community. I soon located a dance studio where now continue teaching Bollywood Dance. The fun part has been that when I walk into the local grocery store or Tandoor, I am no longer just a customer, but they know my name! The community embraces new residents, and we've welcomed the charm of the South and love the friendly atmosphere that we feel when we meet new friends.

It is not an easy transition by any means, no matter if you are moving within the US or from abroad, but the best advice I can make is to get involved in different activities on within Kenan Connection or within the community. Once you start to make friends, you'll soon be calling Chapel Hill home. If you're ever looking for good restaurant recommendations, just call or email me --- I'd love to take you to some place new!