Carlotta is 22 years old and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Training Sciences from the University of Catania. She has always been passionate about working with children-especially about understanding how they see and interpret the world. After graduating, she went through a tough period: sending out dozens of CVs every day, without finding a stable, well-paid job that truly matched her studies. Then, almost by chance, a Facebook post changed everything: a childcare educator opportunity in Ireland supported by EURES TMS. Today she lives in Dublin, growing professionally and personally, and building her independence step by step.

Educational background, passions, and career path

“I’ve always had a passion for children, and especially for trying to understand their view of the world.” Carlotta explains that her university path helped turn that passion into real skills, also thanks to internships. This experience in Ireland is her first official job as an educator, yet she felt trusted right away: “Even though it’s my first official position, they already assigned me a class of my own. They really believe in young people’s potential.”

Deciding to work abroad and discovering EURES TMS

After graduating, Carlotta struggled to find the right opportunity: “Every day I sent dozens of CVs, but none of that guaranteed a stable job, good pay, or even something aligned with my degree.”

The turning point came unexpectedly: a Facebook post promoting an educator job in Ireland with EURES support. “I applied almost as a joke-I didn’t fully believe it was real.” About three months later, she received the call: she was eligible for the programme. “I couldn’t believe it. And now here I am, living this wonderful experience.”

The role of her advisers: constant guidance and real support

Carlotta highlights how important it was to feel accompanied throughout the process: “Bernadette was my adviser in Italy-she was extremely helpful and present during the entire journey. Mrs Cathy was my adviser in Ireland, and she was also incredibly supportive.” What reassured her most was their teamwork: “They were constantly in touch with each other to support me during the whole procedure.”

From application to arrival: long paperwork, smooth departure

“The process was quite long-four months-just to get the required documentation.” There were a few issues along the way, such as incomplete or incorrect documents, but they were resolved: “Nothing that couldn’t be fixed, luckily.” Once the administrative part was completed, everything moved quickly: “From the interviews to the actual departure, it all became fast and easy.”

EURES TMS benefits used: Recognition and Mobility

Carlotta used the Recognition and Mobility benefits: “Payments were always perfectly on time, and the website procedure was clearly explained through the documents my adviser shared with me.” For her, these supports made the move and the transition much more manageable.

Life in Dublin: work satisfaction, personal growth, and kindness

“From a work perspective, I honestly can’t say a single negative thing-it’s fantastic!” She also describes a strong personal transformation: “I feel great-not only with my colleagues, but also with myself-because I finally feel truly independent and like I’m achieving something.” One of the biggest cultural highlights for her is the warmth of people: “What I love here is people’s kindness-everyone is helpful, generous, and ready to support you.”

A meaningful moment: realizing you matter

One of the most unexpected moments happened during her second week: a child in her class had to move to another crèche for family reasons. “The mother, even though she had known us for only a short time, gave both me and my colleague a gift on her daughter Emilia’s last day-thanking us for being wonderful teachers, because her daughter was always happy to go to school.” For Carlotta, it was a defining moment: “It made me feel truly accomplished and proud of my role.”

Advice for others thinking about taking the same step

“I strongly recommend an experience like this to everyone, because it really changes you as a person-and it makes you feel that you also have a place in the world.” Her message is clear: stepping outside your comfort zone can be challenging, but it can also unlock independence, confidence, and a new sense of direction.

What I love here is people’s kindness-everyone is helpful, generous, and ready to support you.