Marcela Lungu is a 29-year-old woman who has been working in the Italian town of Como for three years. She lives there with her husband and daughter. The dream of having a better life came true, but she still wants to have a better life at home, in Moldova. By this interview, Info-Prim Neo News Agency tried to find out how Moldova is seen by the Moldovans working abroad at the 18th anniversary of Independence. [ - How did you decide to go abroad three years ago?] - When I decided that I must go abroad to work and support my family I was an employee of the Center for Combating Corruption and Economic Crime. I always dreamed of a career and graduated from the jurisprudence faculty of the Police Academy “Stefan cel Mare”. Then I studied for my doctorate. I was a patriotic woman and could not image that I will leave my country someday. But it happened. I could not stand the bureaucracy, subordination and continuous stress anymore. I realized that it’s not worth sacrificing myself and that I must focus on my family. [ - How did things develop in Moldova in your opinion?] - The first thing that I think of now is the extremely high prices. It is hard to imagine how one can live with European prices and miserable salaries. In such conditions, the people have to look for solutions to be able to manage on low incomes and therefore become corrupt, indifferent, but simultaneously very patient. [ - How do the Italians regard Moldova?] - The Moldovans are praised and respected in Italy. Our children do well at schools there. But they consider that the country is corrupt and are afraid to invest here. [ - Did Moldova change now, three years later?] - Before departing, I did not have enough money to maintain my family. After living in a different environment for a period, I realized that we lacked a lot of things then, but I did not notice. You understand better Moldova when you compare it with another country. I see a sad and very poor Moldova. When I came home on vacation, I was asking myself: doesn’t our president see how his country is? Doesn’t he see how the people that remained in the country live? He travels to many countries and sees the living standards there. Moldova is like a home without owner. [ - Would you like to return home?] - I want to. It is hard to assert yourself on foreign land. At first, I did the most difficult works. When I looked after an old man, I wondered why I cannot look after my grandfather who remained helpless at home. I want to contribute to the development of my country. It’s not right to work for the welfare of other countries. But I realize that our work and devotion is not properly appreciated at home. [ - What would you advise your fellows that intend to go abroad to work?] - When I left three years ago, there was ‘silence’ in the country that promised nothing good. I saw no other solution then and I left. Now I realize that the future of this country depends a lot on the young people. Today, when we see the signs of a possible change, I would recommend these young people not to go abroad, but stay and contribute to the development of their own country by changes.