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Isabel is a beautician who has lived in Malta for the past 7 years. She was born and grew up in Columbia before moving to Malta when she was 19 years old.
Isabel migrated from Colombia to Malta initially to learn English on the recommendation of her mother’s social network but also to see the wider world as some of her extended family had experienced when they moved to Australia. In Malta, Isabel feels safe and free so she has taken educational opportunities.
Isabel contrasts how women can feel safe and walk around freely in Malta but not in her home country – migration has allowed Isabel to live a life without fear, however, it is without many of her family.
During her interview, she states that “Moving in different ways, it makes me strong. It makes me appreciate every single thing. The distance…. The beginners are always hard and it was hard when I came as I didn’t know the English, the culture, the people I didn’t know. But hard times always give the best lessons for life and always to get with a good attitude, to decide to be happy and go ahead for the dreams».
Interview conducted online by Elaine Moriarty on 10/12/23
To cite this interview, Moriarty, Elaine (10/12/2023). Interview of Isabel (from Colombia to Malta) (length: 2:08mn).