Gerard Horgan talks to a foreign national who arrived in Ireland in 2003. The interviewee, who asked to remain anonymous, talks openly about her experiences of living and working in Ireland.

Why did you decide to come to Ireland?

- I am always interested in improving myself. I have always wanted to speak English so I thought it would be a good idea to go to an English speaking country, so I decided on Ireland. I am also interested in learning about another culture, its society and people.Was Cork your first destination?

- No, actually I first went to Portlaoise but I didn’t enjoy it there at all. I found a job in a hotel and signed a contract when I was at home. When I arrived things weren’t organised at all. I found my Irish workmates unfriendly and close-minded, the majority wouldn’t mix with the foreigners. Others made life difficult for me, I was a fast worker but they used to hide the working materials on me. The manager of the hotel failed to honour my contract, I wasn’t paid on time, my accommodation wasn’t provided, I had to fight for my rights a lot. I felt there were two standards, one for the Irish workers and one for the foreign ones. Nobody provided me with any information on PPS numbers, accommodation, advice on Ireland, nothing!How did you feel after these experiences?

- I returned home and felt depressed, my friends could see a big change. I am outgoing and very social but when I went home I had no interest in going out at all. After about one month I was back to normal.

So you decided to return even though it had been hard the first time?

- I am someone who always finishes something I start. I couldn’t give in that easily. So yes, I came back to Ireland but I decided to go to Cork. As the second biggest city in Ireland I expected it to be more open-minded with more opportunities for employment and meeting people.

What was your first impression of Cork?

- I didn’t know anything about Cork before I arrived. When I got off the bus I said to myself "Is this Cork?". I thought it was so small, I expected it to be much bigger for a second city. Dublin, which I really like, is a large city. I think Cork has huge potential but it could get so much more out of itself. At home, the aesthetic of a town or city is very important, I didn’t get the impression that it is taken as seriously in Cork.

Did you feel it was going to be a similar experience to Portlaoise?

- No, not at all. My luck changed in Cork. I found both a place to stay and a job very quickly. I also applied for a course in UCC and my English is improving. I started meeting some really nice people and have made a few friends here.Having lived here for over two years what are your observations on Irish society?

- Like anywhere else, I guess, you meet nice people and people who are not so nice. I have been here nearly two years and see a lot of things. I think Irish society has a problem with violence against women, I see a lot of reports about this type of thing. I feel also with the economic success, people have more money to spend on alcohol and drugs; I think this is causing problems also. I am interested in psychology and I am fascinated to see the changes Irish society is going through.

- I think some young men for example are spending their money on cars and clothes and are less interested in their studies. I feel after a few years some of them get disillusioned and maybe that is one reason why Ireland has such a high suicide rate. I think in life you need a certain amount of struggle and discipline. As for Irish girls, I have the impression that some of them are competing more with their waistlines than with their minds, this can lead to other problems like anorexia. I hope this is only a temporary trend and that things will improve in the long run. Let me also say that in my country we face some of the same problems.

Despite the challenges you have faced and the issues you have discussed what is your feeling about being here?

- I am very happy to be in Ireland. It is a great opportunity for me to learn a language and live in another country. I plan to study in UCC, so that means another three years here hopefully. I have met good people in Cork and I am enjoying myself. I like my job and I like seeing what another culture has to offer. I think the future is going to be very interesting here.