Carla and Federica
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview Federica and Carla, two young girls working as interns at EazyDublin.
Federica is 18 years old and comes from Foggia, Carla is 20 years old and comes from Battipaglia. From Southern Italy to the the capital of Ireland! Here’s their double-interview!
1. What do you like and what don’t you like about Dublin?
F: I do not like the fact that there’s not a subway, transport is rather slow and the traffic is very stressful at certain times of the day. I like is the fact that it is a big city, there is life and bustle, with many shops open till late!
C: I don’t like single bus tickets: you need the change because the rest is not given in cash but by a receipt. Better to buy a monthly ticket or a Leap Card! Other things I don’t like are the weather and the food… they’re so different than the Italian-ones! I really like the efficiency of post offices. I also love street artists!
4. How did you get the opportunity to live this experience?
F: I attended an English course with my school. At the end of the course there is an exam and I’ve been chosen because of my good grades!
C: I also attended an English course at school. Actually this is my second experience of this kind, the last year I was in Malta. Having a good rating-average high I decided to participate again, and here I am!
3. Do you think this experience will be helpful in your career?
F: Of course, because in Italy, English is essential! A decent level of English is required for any job.
C: Yes, because we are introduced to the world of work and we can get an idea of our future!
4. What advice would you give to a young person who wants to leave for an internship in Dublin?
F: I would say “you should do it”! I would say to commit to participate in the courses, actively following the lessons and study every day in order to have this kind of opportunity!
C: I would say that once you get here you will have to engage in social interactions and make an effort to speak English, to really improve.
5. What are your aims in Ireland? What do you want to earn from this period abroad?
F: First of all, want to improve my English skills. Also, I hope this experience will help me find a job in the future, giving me an advantage over other candidates.
C: I want to improve my English first. But I like art-history then I visit exhibitions, monuments and museums. And I also love music. There is a shop dedicated to traditional music close to the office and I often go there. So that it’s not just a work experience, but also a cultural experience!
6. Do you think you could live here someday?
F: No. Because I don’t want to leave Italy, I know I would not feel good in other Countries. I could stay here at most for one year, but Italy will always be home for me. Because of the food, the sun, the people I know. And young people have to to raise up Italy!
C: Yes! I feel good anywhere, and I don’t like Italy so much. Italy is a difficult place for young people right now. I saw both the North and the South of our Country, but I think that unfortunately there’s no future for us in Italy.
7. What was the first difficulty of your experience in Dublin?
F: No doubt, to get used to city transport: so stressful!
C: The fact that I don’t speak English very well. And above all, to say goodbye to Italian espresso, it is impossible for me to drink Irish “coffee”!
8. What is your favorite place in the city?
F: O’Connell Street! It’s always full of people and open shops. There is life at anytime. Inmy town yu can’t find anyone walking down the streets in the early afternoon, here it’s very different! The supermarket is open 24 hours a day and there is always someone walking around!
C: Grafton Street, because I love the music! I found a street pop-rock band there: they’re great! I oftem spend my lunch break listening to them. It’s my favorite moment of the day!
9. What will you miss about Dublin?
F: Life, people on the street, shops … but not only. Above all, I have to go back to school i Italy! To work is very different, and I will miss him!
C: Almost everything, because I was very impressed by the city! I love it and in my small town I will feel the difference. The museums, street music, people shopping everywhere: this city will remain in my memory forever!
Luca Cattaneo
