“Almost four years ago, my husband and I moved from Moscow to Slovakia for his business. After ten years in the bustling metropolis, I felt a little unprepared for the calmer pace of Bratislava. I must admit, at first, I was really surprised. Everything was so… different. But over time, and thanks to the incredible openness and kindness of Slovaks, my initial emotions transformed into a feeling of home."

"Paradoxically, the war in Ukraine strengthened this bond even more. My interactions with refugees, among whom I found new friends, made me feel more rooted here.

And then came the job. In Russia, I worked as a successful graphic designer, but here, the situation was more challenging—Slovak language was not essential, English or German were more in demand. I remembered my degree in social pedagogy. I knew there was a shortage of teachers here, so I thought I could help. The Slovak course for teachers from Ukraine at NIVAM opened the door for me. Even though I’m not Ukrainian, they welcomed me with open arms. The state exam at the end of the course became my springboard."

"I found a job as a teacher's assistant. But after three months, an obstacle came. They required a recognition of my foreign diploma. When I started, I had been repeatedly told that an official translation was enough. I didn’t know what steps to take to have my education recognized. That’s when the Migration Information Center (MIC) extended a helping hand.

Thanks to their support, the entire process was expedited, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Without their help, I would have been unemployed and lost in a maze of rules and regulations. Everything was sorted out within a month! Without MIC, I don’t know how I would have managed.

Now I feel truly at home in Slovakia. The language, the mentality—everything feels close to my heart. I also know that I can contribute to Slovakia. I believe that Ukrainian teachers could fill the gaps in education here. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

My advice to anyone coming to Slovakia? Learn the language—it’s the key to integration. And don’t hesitate to ask for help. Organizations like MIC are here for you.”

This story is part of the campaign by the IOM Migration Information Center Slovakia, "Together We Make Slovakia."

Find more information about the campaign here: INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY: IOM LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN - International Organization for Migration (IOM) Slovakia

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