"If adaptation and integration courses had existed in 1971, it would have been much easier for our family," says Majdulin Oostrom

She ensures that translation and interpreting for the "Welcome to the Czech Republic" adaptation and integration courses run smoothly and to the highest possible standard. Majdulin Oostrom knows firsthand how difficult it is to start a new life in a foreign country. She moved to what was then Czechoslovakia from Jerusalem with her family as a child. "If a course like this had existed in 1971, it would have been much easier for us," she emphasizes.

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How did you and your family end up in Prague, anyway?
It was 54 years ago, when my father was deported as a result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I was three years old at the time. So, I don't actually remember much about my first encounter with the Czech Republic. I just know that I didn't speak Czech. And when my parents put me in kindergarten, I spent the whole day crying.

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So, what is your advice for people starting a new life in the Czech Republic?
Learn Czech as soon as possible. And if you are required to take a course, don't put it off—go as soon as you can.

And most importantly: don't be afraid to reach out to non-profit organizations. They are here to help you.

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That brings us to your role in the Slovo 21 project "Welcome to the Czech Republic," which helps newcomers navigate their new country. What exactly are your responsibilities?
I am the translation and interpreting coordinator. My work is quite broad—I ensure that the interpreting for the adaptation and integration courses is high-quality and professional in all nine core project languages, as well as in other "rare" languages that we can provide upon request. I handle training, supervision, and methodology meetings with interpreters, as well as updating course materials. And I still enjoy it. I really love my job.

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You’ve already hinted at it… Why do you think adaptation and integration courses are meaningful?
Because I had to go through integration myself. It’s not an easy process for anyone. And our courses really help foreigners get their bearings in the Czech Republic faster and gain a basic overview.

If a course like this had existed in 1971, when my family and I arrived in Czechoslovakia, it would have been much easier for us.

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The Welcome to the Czech Republic project is funded by the Ministry of the Interior.

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