From Spain to Sweden: How EURES changed a tourism worker’s life

At 26, Adonis left his homeland of Cuba and found a job in Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. Thanks to his EU citizenship, he was later able to move to Sweden. He has been working as a bartender and head waiter on Öland for a couple of years, and as a head waiter at Icehotel – the world’s first ice hotel and the largest of its kind in the world.

How did you learn about EURES and the opportunity to work in Europe?

I learned about EURES through the website of the employment agency on the Canary Islands, and it seemed to be a very good opportunity to continue growing professionally and personally.

Why did you decide to apply for a job in Sweden and how did you end up there?

I have always had an interest in getting to know the Scandinavian countries. I saw a job advertisement for a position at Ekerum Resort on the EURES portal. Then I contacted EURES Adviser Daniel Bellon in the Canary Islands, and later I got in touch with Banna Thioubou at EURES at Arbetsförmedlingen in Sweden. They helped me with everything I needed to apply for the job. They followed every step I took, and I am very grateful for their support and help.

How was the procedure for moving to Sweden? What support did you receive?

The process was quite simple. Daniel gave me all the necessary instructions, and then I also received assistance from the EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme, which covered a large part of the moving costs.

What has been the most challenging part of working in Sweden?

Learning the Swedish language has been the major challenge for me. I love languages, but Swedish is very difficult. But I have decided to overcome it. I must say, I will always be grateful to EURES. I discovered the service at a very important time, and coming here has been the most significant and best experience of my life.

Interested in working abroad? Check out the EURES portal’s vacancies or contact a EURES Adviser for support.

Related links:

EURES: Find a job in Europe

Contact a EURES Adviser

Targeted Mobility Scheme

Read more:

European Job Days

Find EURES Advisers

Living and working conditions in EURES countries

EURES Jobs Database

EURES services for employers

EURES Events Calendar