I started this project because of my job as an interpreter for the Scottish Court service and the NHS, which allowed me to meet many people, who haven’t yet settled in the UK, often during the difficult moments of their lives. I wondered why they chose to leave their country, chose an existence, rather than a life, surrounded by unfamiliar culture they will never be a part of. Who are those people? What did they leave behind? What did they get instead? Are there moments of happiness that make up for the long hours of work? If greater financial stability comes with great difficulties and new challenges to face everyday - why are they still here?

Below are the photographs that became the chapter covers in the final book. Some more photographs can be seen here http://www.flickr.com/photos/anastasija_s/sets/72157629996612384/

The photographs from this project were also featured in a small exhibition. Below is the poster that I've created for this exhibition.