Samuel comes from the Philippines. Harsh economic conditions in his native country forced him to leave five years ago, in hopes of finding a better life.

After online research, he found Albania, where he sent a work application, which was later approved. Samuel tells Euronews he was happy to get the news, even though it meant leaving behind his two children.

Despite the distance, he says his children call to encourage him all the time.

“My son told me, father, be good at work so that we can live. I had to do it, I am the man of the family and I had to make money to live, so that they can get better education. They are living with my aunt in the Philippines,” Samuel tells us in tears.

He confesses, he would only make 150 dollars in a month back home, which wasn’t enough for his family of four.

His goal is to some day bring the children to Albania, given that he and his wife are already here.

Samuel works as a gardener and he enjoys the country so far.

“I did research on the internet before coming here. People are very friendly, there are nice places, too. It’s a lovable country. Sorry to say, but the trash is everywhere,” says Samuel when asked about the positive and negative aspects of Albania.

“I’ve adapted very fast to my life here. To be honest, I decided to come here because it is a quiet place. It is very noisy in the Philippines,” Samuel concludes.

Catch up with Samuel’s story here.