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Paula Roese Mesquita

"One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve faced around here was getting to know the International Citizen Hub Lund. It is not only a place where you can and should feel at home. Is where you experience the support you find yourself in need when your life has this big change. I met wonderful spouses that were here for some time willing to help and newcomers that were discovering all the same things, that you feel you are not that alone as you thought in the beginning."

When you move to a new country you have this random idea of how things will be, without really knowing what to expect. Coming from Brazil directly to the south of Sweden is an adventure per se when you think about the climate, the language and the culture clash yet to come.

I moved here 10 months ago due to my partner’s hiring to work in a game development company in the region. During this time I learned a bit of Swedish, faced the Swedish winter, moved apartments (an adventure in itself due to the queues), participated in the MINE mentoring program, was admitted to a master in Lund University, crossed by the amazing Kick-Start Program (life changing experience!), made new great friends and decided to challenge myself in a new job!

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve faced around here was getting to know the International Citizen Hub Lund. It is not only a place where you can and should feel at home. Is where you experience the support you find yourself in need when your life has this big change. I met wonderful spouses that were here for some time willing to help and newcomers that were discovering all the same things, that you feel you are not that alone as you thought in the beginning.

The Kick-Start Program gave me the confidence to challenge myself more. The attention of the staff and the content of the program taught me how to navigate in the Swedish society in an easier way. I felt so inspired by their work that I volunteered to help in welcoming international spouses from my partner’s company to make sure that they too find special this beginning in a new city. This courage that I got from the Hub turned into my first hiring in Sweden to coordinate their program and opened a whole new world for this lawyer that was keen for new experiences.

If I can say some things about this south American expat coming to Skåne is: Don’t be afraid of winter time, the summer compensate all the darker days. Get yourself out there and network as much as you can, the region is full (really!) of the most nicest people willing to give you a helping hand and please stop by the International Citizen Hub Lund for the Kick-Start Program, the lectures or at least a cup of coffee (Drop-in Thursdays are the best!) and a nice chat with the most welcoming and amazing staff of Lund!

/ Paula Roese Mesquita

To the Linkedin profile of Paula Roese Mesquita

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