Expat Interview: Ekaterina Popova

Meet this 25-year old entrepreneur from London who has already started her own marketing agency.

EW: About yourself:

Tell me about yourself and your family (if applicable):

Hi! My name is Ekaterina. I'm a 25-year old entrepreneur from London. Despite my young age, I've lived in 4 countries, got my BBA in Finland, earned my second citizenship and started my own marketing agency.

Where do you live and how long have you lived here?

In June 2018, I moved to London and I currently live here.

EW: From where did you move?/strong>

Before moving to London, I used to live in Finland for 7 years. I moved there in summer 2011 for studies and then stayed for work.

EW: Why did you move?

My mum has friends who live in Finland or sent their kids there for studies. In 2011, higher education was free for non-EU citizens, and thus we decided to grab the opportunity of getting European education that could potentially open up great career opportunities.

EW: What do you wish you’d known before you moved?

If I could go back in time to before I became an expat and give myself one piece of advice, it would be: "Being an expat won't be easy and you will have to work twice as hard to prove your worth. But at the same time, it will open new opportunities for you and make you twice stronger, twice smarter and twice wiser."

EW: What were your challenges during the relocation and adjusting to life in a new country?

Language and cultural barriers were the biggest challenges. However, the emotional adjustment was easy - a few of my school friends moved to the same town to study at the same university 1-2 years before me. My hometown was very close as well - 70 km away, and my parents could come and visit me regularly and easily. That's why I can honestly say that it was very easy for me to settle in. Besides, it was a new chapter of my life - university years - that are always full of joy and amazing moments!

EW: What have you been most surprised about?

How closed Finnish people are. They don't let people in their personal space, and you need to try hard to make new friends here!

EW: Why do you like living here?

Safety. It's unbelievable how safe life in Finland is! You never need to worry about anyone trying to rob you or hurt you. Besides that, Finland is a very clean and environmentally friendly country.

EW: How do you enjoy spending your free time?

In Finland, I used to spend my free time writing for my blog about life in Finland and career development. In London, I love having long walks and exploring new areas - London is soooo huge, and whenever I have a day off, I want to learn more about my new city.

EW: What is your favourite spot in your new home town?

In Helsinki, I loved taking a ferry and going to Suomenlinna island. In London, it's very difficult to pick one favourite place. I'm obsessed with rooftop bars, and The Shard is one of my favourites!

EW: What top tips do you have for anyone considering a similar move?

If you are moving to Finland, I would highly recommend investing time and efforts into learning Finnish. If you want to land great career opportunities and have a comfortable living, language skills will help you a lot in it. As for moving to London, you should be ready for big city life. By this, I mean getting used to noises, traffic, crowds of people and other sins of a big city. However. it will reward you with amazing opportunities and people!

EW: What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learnt as an expat?

Home is not a place. Home is a feeling. Russia feels like home. Finland feels like home. London feels like home! No matter where you go, you take yourself with you. So take good care of yourself, keep a positive mind and be good to local people!

EW: Based on your experience, would you recommend this transition to anyone else?

Yes, I would recommend both Finland and the UK for comfortable living!

EW: What’s the best thing about being an expat?

You don't take things for granted. Especially if you are an expat coming from a non-EU country. To be granted a residence permit, you (as an expat) need to meet many requirements, follow strict rules and always prove your worth to be able to stay in the country you want to live.

EW: How do you keep a little bit of home with you as an expat?

My traditions, my cuisine and my knowledge that I share with others who are interested in Russia and Russian culture. I also listen to Russian music daily!

EW: Is there anything else that you’d like to share with us about your expat experience?

If you feel like moving to another country - do it. We are all lucky because we live in the 21st century and have free access to information. Learn about different countries, career opportunities, practicalities, pros and cons and start building your way to where you want to me. An international move is not scary - living an unhappy life in the wrong place is scary.