Stefania Cannone

I lived in Milan, I worked as shop assistant in an Orthopaedic shop. My hobby were waterpolo, learning foreign languages. I was trying to study english and german. I was thinking to move out in a country for better job opportunities.

What do you do in your life in London?
I work as orthotist, I still like learning new languages and in my free time I study Spanish and I meet people to practice Spanish.

What is the reason to leave Italy and come to London?

Reason : I’m qualified as orthotist and prosthetist and I couldn’t find any job in this field. The only offers were as shop assistant in Orthopaedic shop. I felt like I was wasting my time and my skills. I was unhappy because of the job.

I tried to look for a job in Switzerland too, but they wanted experienced professionals. Here in UK, when they need a professional, they are happy to train him/her.

What were your best and worst experiences in London.
Best moment : when I received a job offer in what I was dreaming for.

When I fall in love with an English guy and may started to love London and part of the English culture more.

One of the Worst moment: my first trial job in a restaurant. The manager found out that I didn’t have any day of experience in the catering field and also my English was really bad. After 30 minutes he asked me to leave the trial and go home. I left the restaurant silently crying, thinking that I would never be able to find a job. Everything was so difficult. ..

I asked you to choose a place in London that you like or you are tied to, what was your choice and why you made it?
There are so many places that I love.

A- Covent Garden : I always feel like a tourist when I walk around Covent Garden. It reminds me how much I was surprised of this amazing magic place.

B- Primrose Hill and Camden Town: the best beers I ever drunk in London were sitting on.the top of the hill (Primrose Hill) or sitting close to the canals in Camden. …With a very good friend and a off licence beer in our hands. …chatting and talking about life, issues and happiness.

During your early times in London, did you have any problem?
Yes. I did. I choose to come in UK alone. One way ticket. A poor English. No friends here. It was the start of a new life. I had difficulty with dodgy landlords, few times with the burocracy, lot of misunderstandings ect..

What do you think about this project ?
I really like this idea.

How do you think you could support and promote Italian culture?
Even if I’ve been living here for years, I’m very italian! My accent, my way to speak, the food I prepare for my friends. …All my foreign friends learn a bit about italy when they get know me.