International experience, career at home: How can Moldova bring young people from the diaspora back?
More than 150 young Moldovans, both from the country and the diaspora, gathered on Sunday for the Diaspora Youth Forum, themed "From Education in the Diaspora to a Career at Home." Participants discussed the possibilities of returning to the Republic of Moldova and identified the changes needed to ensure that the education and experience gained abroad can be effectively utilized at home.
Vlad has been living in Paris for five years, where he has built his academic career. However, he envisions his future in the Republic of Moldova. After completing his studies, he plans to return home and contribute to the training of future lawyers.
"I have made up my mind; in about three years, I will return home as a doctoral student in international law at USM and try to teach French law to our young people there," says Vlad Batog, a student in France.
Mihaela Ursu, also studying in France, is still contemplating whether she will return to the Republic of Moldova after graduation. She notes that the uncertainty back home can lead many young people studying abroad to reconsider their plans.
"Young people don't feel the need to come home because they have immense potential, which often goes unrecognized due to inadequate remuneration. Most of us go abroad with nothing, work hard, and learn. Returning home to a job with a salary that does not reflect our abilities is discouraging," explains Mihaela.
However, gaining international experience is not exclusive to studying abroad. Andreea Grigoriu, a student at UTM, has participated in scholarships and international projects in the Czech Republic, China, the United States, Italy, and Poland, and she is soon travelling to Vienna.
"You don't need to study abroad to participate in various projects. For instance, I went to Poland in April, and I had this opportunity because I discovered the project. I also applied to a program in China because I am an engineering student here," Andreea says.
Organizers emphasize the importance of maintaining and encouraging connections between young people and the Republic of Moldova, regardless of where they choose to study or work.
"Even if they opt to study or live abroad, they still want to contribute to the future of the Republic of Moldova. That's why we're gathering over 150 young people at this event, where they can share their experiences from the diaspora," says Daniela Duca, an organizer with the League of Native Students of the Republic of Moldova.
"We believe that young people should be encouraged to stay connected to their homeland. They can—and should—play a role in making decisions and shaping the future of their country, even while living in the diaspora," adds Liudas Dabkus, a representative from the Embassy of Lithuania.
The Diaspora Youth Forum is now in its fifth edition, organized by the League of Students from the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with EURODEV.
