Galery

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I wanted to try my luck, to spread my wings and to have a good life. Life was pretty hard in the Philippines financially. No matter how good a professional one might be in my country, getting a wage of 500-600 euros is a tall order. So, I was motivated by money. I didn't know the language at all, and that was a big hurdle.

My first job was in a house. I didn't understand a word! Unfortunately, I still have problems with the language, but at least can make a living as a cleaner, and sometimes as a nanny. I learned Greek from the children I looked after, and from my 6-year old son. Greece is a free country and this is why I love it so much. My son was born here and this is his home country."

Valentina Ursache, 50, Moldova, singer, musician and conductor

Greece is full of music

"I came to Greece in 2011 with a concert troupe and decided to stay for one year at first. My husband, an economist, stayed back in Moldova, but two years later came over here, along with our 14-year-old daughter.

Things were pretty hard in our country. We were dreaming of a better life.

First I worked for an elderly couple, former teachers, for 14 months. They taught me to speak Greek very well. When my family came over, I was already working as a house cleaner.

I couldn't find work according to my qualifications, but I never sought too hard. In Greece, there are wonderful singers and composers, this country is chock-full of music!

Today, I'm still working as a cleaner, my husband has a job, too. My daughter is studying tourism. Greece is my second homeland. "