Answering American Univ Student's Questions on Serbia

Hello Charles:

I am a 19 year old American University Student, visiting my mom's (Who was born and raised in Serbia, then Yugoslavia) family this August. I am very interested in Serbian history and culture, and it will be the first time traveling outside of the United States by myself, and I am more than a little nervous. I went 10 years ago with my mom, but that is too long ago for me to remember anything about the country. I have a few questions regarding my trip to Serbia:

-I do not speak Serbian, I know a few words and phrases, but nothing more than that. I tried to learn the language by myself, but my study of the language was interrupted constantly. What is the probability in becoming more fluent in the Serbian language during my month long stay?

-I am going to Smederevo and Belgrade in particular. I bet a lot has changed in 10 years, so are these cities relatively safe? My grandmother calls my mom to tell her of attacks on Western visitors in the town, and this is what has me worried, and even causing me to doubt if I should go.

-Will the fact that I am from the United States and speak English, and some German, draw unwanted attention or could I expect to be ostracized, due to the history between the two countries? I try not let past tensions and politics get in the way of making friends and having a good time, but will the locals think the same way? How widely is English spoken?

-What is the general attitude of Serbs towards foreigners? I work with a lady from Serbia, but she is kind of the opposite of open and welcoming, and I am wondering if I can expect this feeling when I go there. I don't mean to stereotype, but my curiosity has questions racing through my mind.

-I want to try and make friends over there, so what are some do's and dont's in social situations? Is there anything that I should do so I don't end up being ostracized?

-What is the chance of having interactions with the Roma people, and what is the best way to react in those situations?

-How much money should I bring, considering that I am on a college kid, shoe string budget, haha

I apologize if my questions seem ignorant, and if this seems like a long email to you. I hope to hear back from you!

Sincerely

Видео Answering American Univ Student's Questions on Serbia канала Charles Cather