Daryna Ariamnova – Frauenfeld, Switzerland

Kyiv Post: Where are you from in Ukraine?

Daryna Ariamnova: Kharkiv.

KP: When did you leave; why did you leave?

DA: I left Ukraine in September 2006. I received a scholarship and went to study to Germany for a year.

I liked Germany very much and decided to stay there, so I stayed there for the whole course of studies. I was fascinated by this country and felt myself very good there.

KP: How did you end up in Switzerland?

DA: During my stay in Germany I met my future husband. We’ve got married. He lived in Switzerland, so I moved to Switzerland too.

KP: Do you ever regret that you are not in Ukraine – why or why not?

DA: No I do not regret. Moving to another country was an amazing experience that enriched me so much.

KP: What do you miss most about Ukraine?

DA: I miss my family and my friends.

KP: What do you miss least about Ukraine?

DA: I do not miss dirty streets with holes in them. And I do not miss night trains.

KP: Does Switzerland have more opportunities for you than in Ukraine?

DA: Switzerland has really a lot of opportunities. Ukraine as emerging market has also a lot of potential, which has not yet been realized. Opportunities are not the only factor for success.

You have to work really hard to turn opportunities into real achievements. But in Switzerland the everyday life is of course easier. Some things can be done a lot easier than in Ukraine and you don’t have to spend an energy doing these things here.

KP: What relatives/friends are left back in Ukraine?

DA: I left all my relatives and all of my friends from school and university.

KP: Do they visit you or do you visit them? Often?

DA: I try to visit Ukraine twice a year.

KP: With Ukraine coming up to its 20th anniversary of national independence, how do you feel about your homeland? Is it making progress as a nation? Or not so much?

DA: I think that Ukraine is making a progress in some areas. Several years ago it was not possible to buy tickets online, now it is possible (with some difficulties of course, but the fact is that it is possible). In other areas there is no progress, things are getting worse.

I think that the freedom of speech and human rights are very important issues. The rights of the citizens have to be protected by the officials. Now the situation in these areas is only getting worse.

KP: What would it take for you to return?

DA: A demanding job in a high position with very good salary.

KP: What do you wish for your country?

DA: I wish my co-citizens have more self-respect and dignity and to not have fear. I wish that people in Ukraine have courage to realize their ideas and projects and to make Ukraine a better place to live.

KP: Do you think that wish will come true?

DA: With God’s help, yes.