Ask people lots of questions. About language, culture, history, whatever. People are experts in their own language and culture. By asking them, they feel like the experts they are and will be surprised by how much they know and how valuable it is to you. They will like you for it and perhaps be amused by your wonder and appreciation. This is a very fast way to make friends and learn a LOT quickly! I'd suggest keeping a blog, a simple one on blogspot. Document differences between your new culture and old. Your family and friends will enjoy living vicariously through you, you'll have a record of the things you did, and writing the blog will give you time to reflect on what you've learned, prompt you to learn things more deeply and give you direction for finding new things you think you might want to learn. You're going to love it! Good luck!