Settlement

I would like to tell you my story about settling in Spain. I never thought that I would live in a foreign country and would speak any different language than mine.  It happened and I'm glad that I had this opportunity because it is always interesting to learn other cultures and languages.

My parents decided to go to Spain to see if they would like to live there. They were looking for a better life because in my home country during that time the situation was unstable. They left me with my grandparents in my home country. After one year of living in Spain, they asked me if I would like to live in Spain. I told them that I would like to live with them and it did not matter where. For sure my parents were afraid to take me to a different country to start a new life. They didn't know what was better to go back to Moldova or to live in Spain.

I believe that they made the right decision when they took me to Spain when I was fifteen years old. I arrived in Santander in December. I cried for a couple of days because I missed my friends.  Two weeks after arriving, I went to school. I didn't know Spanish at all, but I remember that I was happy during that time because it was something different for me.  I soon made new friends and they were kind to me, and tried to explain everything, which was new for me at the time. 

After a few months, I started to understand Spanish. I made more friends with time, learned their culture and I finished university there. I was completely happy to live in such a nice country with a lot of sun, a lot of parties and very kind and open people.

I would like to suggest everyone not lose the opportunity to try to live in other countries; it gives us new experiences, new friends, possibilities to study languages and it makes us more open minded. You can visit any country for some months, and finally you can like that country for the whole of your life.

Today is much easier to travel, specially for young people. Every country has Newcomer Centers which are ready to help each newcomer that needs assistance. Don't be afraid of changes in your life. I wish you all good luck in your travels.