Moving to Belgrade

**mels** · 24-07-11

Hi, My name is Mel and I am moving to Serbia with my husband in about 2 weeks. We lived in China for a year in 2010, and are currently living in the Middle East (UAE), and counting down the days until we get to Serbia. We have never been before. We are from Australia (although im originally British) and my Husband has a job in Serbia for up to 2 years, starting in Belgrade then moving on to a small town in Eastern Serbia.
I want to join a class when i arrive to learn Serbian quickly, I have been talking to a teacher at the srpskijesik school and am keeping my fingers crossed that i arrive in time to start in that class in August. Does anyone else know of any classes available if i dont arrive until mid August and miss this course? Currently on unit 4 of the 'teach yourself complete Serbian' course.
We will be living in Novi Beograd to begin with and look forward to all those walks by the river, it looks really nice. Cant wait to get there.

**Philo** · 24-07-11

Hi Mel,

Welcome (in advance) to Serbia and welcome to the forum.

You'll certainly be having a good cross-section of cultural experiences what with moving from China, to the UAE and then to Belgrade.
Your mention of Aussie jumped out at me as that is where I am originally from although I've not really lived there for about 14 years.
There is a smallish group of Aussies here and plenty of Brits but I do know you will enjoy mixing in with the locals here as people are very friendly, warm and welcoming.

In terms of language schools/classes, have a look back over previous postings as I know the question has popped up a bit recently. There will also, no doubt, be some forum members who will be happy to give you their tuppence-worth as I know a few people who have recently done intensive classes. If you are happy to do just private lessons at your home I can also recommend a teacher.

Enjoy Novi Sad!

Cheers
Philomena

**SlavicMuse** · 24-07-11

Welcome!! You'll love it here more than likely.

As for classes, from my experience avoid SrpskiJezik. I did a three month course with them in 2010 and didn't learn anything. It's an expensive course that should have given results. I would suggest emailing Natasha at Azbukum (www.azbukum.org.rs) and see when the courses start back up in August. If money is right for me, I'll be attending another one of their courses. I finished a 2 week intensive course in June/July and LOVED it! Helped a great deal considering I'm having issues with hearing... other story though!

I would highly highly highly recommend Azbukum though.

You'll have to let us know when you arrive! You'll be in time for the Sept. Quiz night at least!!

Safe travels!

Pozdrav,
Kiki

**mels** · 24-07-11

Thanks I will try Azbukum and see what they have available and when.

**SlavicMuse** · 24-07-11

Not an issue! If Natasha asks how you found out, just tell her Kiki Spiwak sent you. She knows me very well. Hehehe. I do not think you'll regret Azbukum if you choose to go with them, though.

They publish their own books, which you can buy without attending a class, and the teachers are amazing! Some might take time to warm up to, but they are generally great teachers and know what they are talking about. It is also a nice way to meet others, too!

**Jovana** · 24-07-11

Hi Mel,

You're going to love it here! Trust me!!

**mels** · 25-07-11

Hi, i have tried the email address for azbukum (azb@eunet.yu) but delivery was failed due to non existant email address, Does anyone know another email address to contact Azbukum on?

**Philo** · 25-07-11

Originally Posted by mels

Hi, i have tried the email address for azbukum (azb@eunet.yu) but delivery was failed due to non existant email address, Does anyone know another email address to contact Azbukum on?

I love it! Those ".yu" addresses are hanging around on so many websites still.
Mel, they dropped ".yu" over 18 months ago but people still don't seem to have updated their new ".rs" address on their websites in many instances.

I just sent a test message to azb@eunet.rs and it has gone thru just fine, so give that a go.