The Ilona Interview

This video follows Ilona’s journey as an ARD student at LCC who moved from Armenia to Lithuania and shares her personal experience of adapting to a new country and culture. She speaks about the differences she noticed in daily life, communication styles, social norms, and expectations, as well as the small but meaningful adjustments she had to make in order to feel comfortable in her new environment. Her story highlights the emotional and practical sides of immigration—learning how to navigate unfamiliar systems, building new relationships, and finding ways to feel at home while still holding on to her own cultural identity.

Through Ilona’s reflections, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges immigrants face that are often not visible from the outside. The video offers an honest look at the process of adjustment, resilience, and growth that comes with starting over in a new country, while also showing how support, openness, and time help transform a foreign place into a place of belonging.