A celebration of Cambridge’s different nationalities
To take part, email timgillett99@gmail.com
Franci is originally from the coastal town of Vlorë in Albania. Both of his parents are Albanian, but when he was seven the family moved to Greece. He grew up there but spent every summer back in Albania, so always felt deeply connected to both places. “I moved to Cambridge in the summer of 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge and am proud to be a member of King’s College. Right now, I’m focused on completing my degree and planning to build my career here after graduation, having really enjoyed being part of the city’s academic community. I love Cambridge’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and green open spaces. Still, I miss Albania’s stunning coastline, amazing food, and long, sunny summers.”
Daniela moved to the UK at 23, intending only a brief European adventure — that was 17 years ago. Her sister was already living in Cambridge, and the UK’s musical scene made it the perfect base for travelling to guitar festivals and learning from different teachers. “I’m a classical guitarist and teacher, giving lessons here and masterclasses internationally. I perform, collaborate with composers, and record albums. I love how multicultural and intellectually vibrant Cambridge is – a beautiful city where ancient colleges and modern ideas coexist. Still, I miss Argentina’s warmth, music, and spontaneity — especially the folk songs I used to play with my dad – and of course my friends and family. I now hold three nationalities but, deep down, I will always be Argentinean.”
Ofelya is from a small village called Chinchin, in the mountainous Tavush region of Armenia. She arrived in Cambridge in 2019 to study Finance and Economics, and stayed in the city to work as a software engineer. In her spare time she loves baking cakes, and making art with beads as well as macrame – as well as enjoying the “beauty and calmness of Cambridge”. She visits Armenia around once a year, and misses her family the most: “I also miss the Armenian bread, Lavash, and the vibrant city of Yerevan – especially during warm summer evenings.”
Sam grew up in Canberra, Australia – and left with a plan to backpack around Europe for a couple of years. But he found a great job and “a cool French girl”, who he married. He still has the backpack. He’s lived here since 2006, and works in the software teams at Arm. He plays ukulele with a group, takes photographs, and BBQs in all seasons. He describes Cambridge as an ‘incredibly energising place where innovative things happen every day’. Of course he misses Australia – family, the warmth, light, the openness and the larrikin spirit.
“We were born and raised in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and moved to Cambridge three years ago for Ismayil’s work – he was offered a role as a Principal Software Engineer. I hold a PhD in geography and hope to continue my academic career here in the future. What we appreciate most about Cambridge is how safe, peaceful, and intellectually rich it is. As a city centred around education, the people are open-minded and well-informed. We still travel back to Azerbaijan twice a year to visit our families. What we miss most is the food – especially Shah pilaf, kebab, and dolma – and for me, the beautiful architecture of Baku, particularly the Old City, holds a special place in my heart.”
Shahida was born and raised in Cambridge with her four siblings. Her father emigrated from East Pakistan in 1957, followed by her mother in 1964; just two days after her birth, East Pakistan became Bangladesh. “My father was among a small group from the Sylhet region who made Cambridge home. Now I’m married with three sons, a daughter, and a granddaughter. I work at Cambridge University Press and Assessment and am the author of two historical fiction novels, Lascar and An Ayah’s Choice. I also serve as a trustee of Cambridge Central Mosque and the Karim Foundation. I love Cambridge’s historic colleges, punting, and bustling market, but I miss Bangladesh’s lush greenery, vibrant towns, and deep sense of community.”
“I’m from the beautiful but tiny island of Barbados. In 2014 I met my British husband on a bicycle tour in Colombia – and, after two years long-distance, we got married in Barbados and I moved to London. In 2021 we moved to Cambridge for a job opportunity – I work at the Cambridge Judge Business School. In my free time, I run a literary and arts society from my home. What I love most about Cambridge is the incredible feeling of community here. I really appreciate the creative arts scene, the distinctive architecture and the narrow streets. From home, I miss my family and friends, wriggling my toes in the sand and soaking up the sunshine and sea breeze on a catamaran cruise!”
Eugene is from Minsk, and came to the UK in 1998 on a one-year work experience programme, planning to finish his PhD and return home. But in 2000, he moved to Cambridge – and stayed. “For more than 20 years I’ve been helping bioinformaticians develop tools analysing genomic and genetic data that support drug discovery and development. In my spare time I love playing sports. Cambridge is the best place – I love how vibrant and cosmopolitan it is, all wrapped in history! It also seems like a place where bleeding edges of various sciences meet. I miss reminiscing with old friends and I love going back to places I frequented as a child – and of course I miss draniki – potato pancakes. Unfortunately, due to a difficult political situation in Belarus, it’s not clear when I’ll taste them again.”
Jill is from Mechelen, a town in Belgium. It was her lifelong dream to live in the UK – a fascination sparked by devouring Agatha Christie novels as a child. She first moved to London around 16 years ago before settling in Cambridge, which quickly became home. “I work as a hypnotherapist and mindfulness facilitator, and also at the University of Cambridge. When I’m not doing that, I love my part-time role as a guide at Royston Cave – and I also foster cats and dogs for a local animal charity. Cambridge is a wonderfully vibrant city to walk around and take in the emblematic sights. There is so much to explore in terms of culture and history, and there are lovely nature areas on the doorstep. I visit Belgium two or three times a year and always miss my family – and, of course, the fritkot culture.”
Dino was born in La Paz, Bolivia, to a British father and Bolivian mother – one of five siblings. When he was 14, his family moved to Wimbledon so the children could experience a British education. After completing a PhD at UCL and research positions in Chile and the USA, he joined the University of Cambridge in 1996, where he’s now Professor of Developmental Cardiovascular Physiology and a Fellow of Gonville & Caius College. “I love Cambridge’s beauty, diversity, and sense of community. Outside work, I enjoy cooking, carpentry, real ale, and watching my son and daughter play football. What I miss most about home are our huge Sunday lunches for 30 people – music, laughter, and my parents’ unforgettable Bolivian feasts.”
“I’m from the ‘Girl from Ipanema’ land – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I grew up. As a child, my mum said that I dreamed of living on the ‘Castle Islands’ – UK and Ireland – and now I’m here. I first lived in Ireland for four years, and then I came to Cambridge – aspiring to work for the University, home to many world-changing scientists. I’m a librarian in an innovative building supporting the STEM community. I love to cycle around the countryside and every summer I go up to Scotland to try some trekking and enjoy some wild adventures. I love many UK cities, but Cambridge’s diversity, inclusivity, embracing people from everywhere – plus this beautiful landscaping with tones of history and science – made me fall in love with it. Of course, I miss my family, friends – and Brazil’s stunning landscapes of mountains and beaches.”
Sofia left Plovdiv – the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe – to live in Cambridge 10 years ago after joining her husband Mihail on a business trip and falling in love with the city. She loves the atmosphere, the history, and the people here, but misses her friends and family – and the snow – in Bulgaria. “I work, look after our kids, run, and love to wander around town taking photos. I’m involved in a charity called The Little Bulgaria, which is all about preserving, promoting and celebrating Bulgarian culture and traditions. Our goal is to share the beautiful aspects of our heritage with the Bulgarian community and wider public in the UK.”
Sarah is from Toronto, and arrived in Cambridge in 2011 to open the second branch of her shoe shop, Modish. When she is not working she loves to go to gigs and eat out – particularly in the restaurants on Mill Road. She loves the fact that Cambridge is ‘quirky, friendly and full of incredibly interesting people’ – she once lived in Oxford and found it ‘stuffy and boring’ by comparison! The thing she misses most about Canada is her dad: “I was adopted at birth and only met my biological father last year. We’re racking up the air miles to make up for lost time!”
Chile – Margarita
Margarita is from Temuco, in southern Chile. She arrived in Cambridge in 2005 because she wanted to be closer to her children’s grandmother. She is a self-employed art and music teacher working in different projects in Cambridge and London (pictured here playing the Charango, an instrument from the Andes region). “I love connecting with people through music! I am the music director of the Frida-Violeta band and the Kipu-Orchestra, a diverse multi-instrument ensemble of nearly 20 children performing Latin American folk music. I also work at Escuelita (a Saturday Spanish school) as a music teacher and I am a member of the Moonlight Mandolin orchestra. Cambridge is a beautiful city, perfect for cycling and raising a big family. I love it! Unfortunately I don’t visit Chile very often because it is too expensive. I really miss my family and friends.”
Freya was born in Harbin, in the northern part of China, and moved to Shanghai when she was seven. She first visited Cambridge in 2018, while travelling, and met her partner here. “We moved back in 2020, during the Covid lockdown, with a newborn child to have more support from my in-laws – and soon fell in love with the city. I now work at Cambridge Judge Business School as the Communications and Marketing Manager in the Careers team. Cambridge is a wonderful place to raise a child, with its family-friendly spaces and welcoming community. Like many Chinese people, I miss the food most, especially the variety of dishes and ingredients that are hard to find here.”
Carolina is from Bucaramanga, in the department of Santander, known as “La Ciudad Bonita de Colombia” (“Colombia’s Beautiful City”). She arrived in Cambridge in 2018, to learn English and look for job opportunities. She is still learning English, and also runs her own company. Carolina loves Cambridge’s history, architecture and multiculturalism, but misses Colombia in many ways – its beaches, mountains, people and cuisine, and of course her family and friends.
Karin moved to Cambridge in January 2025 to join the University as a Change and Engagement Manager. After living in Copenhagen since 2001 to reconnect with her Danish roots, she’s now enjoying time back in the UK, reconnecting with old friends and welcoming visitors from Denmark. Home, for Karin, is wherever she lays her hat — for now, Cambridge: “I love exploring local treasures such as Kettle’s Yard and the Botanic Garden, swimming at Jesus Green Lido, and walking my dog along the River Cam and on the city’s commons. Though I miss the sea, salty liquorice, and fresh Danish rolls with cheese (boller med ost), I’ve happily embraced scones and clotted cream!”
My three sons were all born at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and lived in the city for their whole childhoods. Louis is now a process engineer, Victor is travelling in Asia and Australia, and Sid is a full-time student in Liverpool.
Georgie has lived in Cambridge for over 13 years. She was adopted as a child and moved here because it’s where her parents had settled, after spending her early years in Ethiopia. “I went to secondary school and sixth form here, and worked in tech retail from the age of 16 to 19. Now I work in marketing and PR, mainly with local businesses, which has helped me meet lots of new people around the city. What I love about Cambridge is how small and familiar it feels – you can rarely walk into a pub without seeing someone you know. I haven’t been back to Ethiopia in a while, but I miss the culture, the music, the people – and definitely the food!”
Originally from Besançon, a small city in the foothills of France’s Jura Mountains, Lisandre arrived in the UK in 2000. Her intention was to stay 3-5 years to improve her English and work as a software engineer, but she met a “warm, smiley Australian” who would become her spouse.
“In 2006 we visited Cambridge and instantly loved this remarkable city. It has a perfect balance: a human-scaled city where everything is accessible by foot or bike, yet brimming with cultural richness. I’m constantly inspired by the diverse, open-minded community from all corners of the world. While I’ve embraced life in the UK I miss my family, the hills, and the taste of a crisp fresh salad leaf!”
Jan-Moritz is from Laubach, a small town near Frankfurt, Germany. Three years ago, he came to Cambridge to teach German and intercultural communication skills to engineering students at the University of Cambridge. “In my spare time I play a lot of tennis and am a keen board game enthusiast, but my favourite time is spent with my son, who was born here 16 months ago. I love how green Cambridge is, with its wide open spaces and cosy streets, and the vibrant, international atmosphere during term-time. We return to Germany about three times a year, and I miss the deep, peaceful forests of home – places where you can walk for days and feel completely at ease.”
Michael is from Nkwatia-Kwahu, a mountainous town in Ghana’s Eastern Region, though he spent most of his life in the capital, Accra. He arrived in Cambridge on 29 September 2024 to pursue further studies. “Inspired by the late Professor Alexander Kwapong — the first African Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and a King’s College alumnus — I long dreamed of studying Classics here. That dream became possible when my current supervisor invited me to collaborate on a Plato project, leading to my PhD and a fully funded scholarship. Now in my second year, I research Plato’s Republic through Kwame Gyekye’s African moderate communitarian theory. I love Cambridge’s peaceful, walkable streets, green spaces, and the quiet beauty of the River Cam, though I miss my family and Ghana’s warmth, sunshine, and food.”
Paulina and Peter were born and raised in Patras. They arrived in London in 2014, during the Greek crisis, determined to take their future into their own hands. A year later a friend suggested they visit Cambridge and, from the moment they arrived, they knew they had found ‘home’. Paulina is an Undergraduate Administrator and Departmental Secretary in Sociology and Peter is a Porter in Sidney Sussex College. “We love everything about Cambridge! The endless green, the history and the peaceful rhythm of life (and yes, the cows!). We miss the three big S’s: Sea, Salt, and Sun; not just swimming, but that deep blue horizon, the warmth of the sun, and the salt on your skin after a day by the sea.”
Sunny’s father was of Indian descent, and was born and raised in Guyana – her mother is from Eire. She was brought up in the Fenlands of north Cambridgeshire and moved to the city at the age of 18, after hairdressing college, to work in a salon. She is still a mobile hairdresser and stylist, and loves singing in her spare time. She still loves Guyana – “It’s so colourful and you’ll always hear the sound of steel drums. I have very fond memories of floating on the giant water lilies as a child.”
Pauline came to the UK to study at Birmingham University for the final year of her degree, and moved to the Cambridge area 14 years ago. She is a freelance coach and workshop facilitator, “empowering professionals to take charge of their lives and careers, develop leadership skills, and cultivate well-being”. She also co-founded ESEA Cambridge to bring East and Southeast Asian communities together. “Outside of work, I enjoy yoga classes and walking in the nearby green spaces. I visit Hong Kong as often as possible and miss its vibrant energy and unique culture.”
Anita is from Sárospatak, a small town in northeastern Hungary. In 2016, she came to the UK on a whim — a Hungarian friend in Cambridge mentioned a spare room next door, and she thought she’d stay for a year to practise her spoken English. “But I liked it here and never left! For the past six and a half years, I’ve worked in professional services at the University of Cambridge across various departments. After the pandemic, I also took a part-time job as a pub bartender to stay social, and still enjoy it. I love Cambridge’s multicultural, inclusive spirit and its beautiful walks, especially along the river to Grantchester Meadows. I visit Hungary three or four times a year and miss my family, the hills, hearty cuisine, and the feeling of being known in my hometown.”
Joise came to the UK two years ago from Palakkad, in India’s Kerala state – following his wife Reema, who arrived a couple of years earlier. She is a specialist nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, while Joise is a software test engineer (and a keen photographer in his spare time). They both love Cambridge for its long heritage, world-renowned university, infrastructure and culture. Unsurprisingly, they mostly miss the weather in India – especially when Cambridge’s skies are grey.
Atiyeh is from Tehran, and moved to Cambridge about three years ago for a postdoc in behavioural economics at the Cambridge Judge Business School. She loves Cambridge’s blend of history and innovation, from the grandeur of historic college buildings and serene riverside walks to the “vibrant energy” that fills the city. “I try to go back home at least once a year, as and when the political situation allows. What I miss most is celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, on the first day of spring (21 March). There’s something so special about that time for me, the smell of spring in the air and the warm sunlight every day. So many happy childhood memories are wrapped up there!”
Idit grew up in Jerusalem in a family that escaped Europe. She arrived in the UK in 1990 to study for a masters in theatre design, and moved with her partner to Cambridge four years later. They still live in the same house near the train station. Idit works as a visual artist, and appreciates that the city is ‘much more international’ since they arrived. “Though I still miss my elderly mum and a few friends that couldn’t leave Israel/Palestine, as well as the landscape, I would never return. Since I can remember I’ve been deeply ashamed and furious about it, and it gets worse with time. That doesn’t mean Cambridge is perfect, but it’s been a great place for us.”
Maria Stefania arrived on a cold Cambridge day in February 2018 with the goal of learning English for a year – but seven years on, she is still here and loving the city. She has been working as a chef for six years and has also been studying for a degree in business management. She likes working out and swimming, and has made a lot of good friends in the city, which she loves for its internationalism. What does she miss about Italy?
“Simple. Family, sun, food!”
Hiro, who is from Saitama, came to Cambridge in October 2024 for his PhD research program in stem cell biology – after finishing his undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley and working in Boston at a biotech startup and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “I mainly conduct research all day, every day, but I also I enjoy going to the gym. I really want to own my lab in the future, so I’m highly motivated; I love doing research! I love the fact that Cambridge is a city of contrasts, and the diversity of people here. I really miss Japanese cuisine, as well as my family and friends – but food is not something I can get through FaceTime calls!”
Elmira is from from Almaty, in Kazakhstan. She moved to Cambridge two years ago, following her partner, who began working at the University of Cambridge. “I work as a research coordinator in the Department of Sociology and also run my own project — an online creative writing course for women from Central Asia, exploring family histories and how they shape our lives today. I love how diverse Cambridge is; you can meet people and hear stories from all over the world. What I miss most about home are the mountains and landscapes — wherever I travel, I still find myself searching the horizon for them.”
I’ll start by saying Monty is a much better photographer than I am, and a wonderful friend as well. He comes from Baalbeck, which has a history that dates back at least 11,000 years, and arrived in Cambridge in 2021. Aside from his job as a photographer and videographer, he says he is “in love with everything in the city – from the parks to the people, to its beautiful scenery.” One thing he particularly misses is Lebanese food, which he describes as “without doubt the best cuisine in the world”.
Rugile grew up in Venta, a small Lithuanian town named after the river that runs beside it. At 18, she came to Cambridge with her mum – joining her father, who was already here. The stay was supposed to be for just three months, for a summer job, but life had other ideas. “I studied Leisure and Tourism Management, worked in hospitality, and started a family – my husband is English and we have three daughters. Now I’m training as a nurse. I love picnics by the river, the museums, and the botanic gardens. I go home twice a year; I miss my family, mushroom-picking in the forests, and the taste of traditional Lithuanian food.”
Gabryaelle is the daughter of one of my oldest friends, Penny, who I have known for more than 40 years. She arrived about a year ago from Albion, in Mauritius – “the dodo island” – as she calls it, to look for work challenges and a change of scenery. She loves riding her bright orange tricycle and discovering new parts of the city, and is always on the lookout for foodie spots. “The architecture, green spaces and river make Cambridge like living in a postcard – albeit a very different one from home. I miss the beach, the warmth, island life and of course the food!
“Nothing beats my Grandma’s pumpkin (giromon)!”
Catalina is from Monterrey, a city surrounded by spectacular mountains in the north-east of Mexico, and arrived in Cambridge in 1997. She visits home once a year and misses her family and friends as well as the country’s food and music – but loves the quietness of Cambridge and its proximity to London and the coast. Her background is in accountancy but last year founded a business, FermenTABLE: “I do workshops and teach the science behind good gut health, the gut microbiome, and the benefits of fermented foods to maintain health and reduce inflammation.” Editor’s note: Catalina’s fermented food and drinks are delicious 🙂
Mailis is from Kerkrade, in the province of Limburg – she left more than 20 years ago, after her undergraduate degree, to explore the world. She’s lived in Cambridge for 12 years. “I studied host-pathogen interactions and genetics of Typhi and Tuberculosis here, completing my master’s and PhD at the university. I love Cambridge’s peaceful, village-like feel and cultural diversity – it’s a great place to raise a child. I visit home twice a year and miss my family, Dutch chip shops – and the Pinkpop music festival, which has been going for more than 50 years in the village where I grew up.”
Sophia is from Dunedin, on New Zealand’s South Island, and moved to Cambridge in 2017 “for love and money”. After years of a long-distance relationship, she and her partner (a British citizen) were finally able to live and pursue their careers in the same place. “I work in biological sciences, wrangle children, and run Dungeons & Dragons sessions for dads. I love Cambridge’s people, pubs, rich history, summer Shakespeare, and the fast train to London. But I miss the mountains, the sea, and places where you can’t hear any other humans – being able to walk and be really alone.”
Katerina was born in Skopje; before moving to Cambridge with her family 10 years ago she lived and worked in Budapest, Hungary. “Each place has enriched my life with its culture and experiences. I work in human rights law, defending people’s rights to gather, form charities, and speak up for causes they believe in. In Cambridge, I love spending time with my diverse group of friends – walking by the river, cycling, punting in summer, and attending the Literary Festival. I miss the spontaneity of life back home; the mountains, Macedonian cheese, and ajvar – our beloved relish made from roasted red bell peppers and eggplants.”
I met Zuzia by chance when she was working on a fabulous hat stall on Cambridge market, and she kindly agreed to have her photo taken. She came to the UK from Central Poland when she was six years old, and moved to Cambridge for school when she was 16. She misses many things about Poland – particularly her wider family – but loves Cambridge’s mix of modern and classic architecture.
Rita arrived in England in November 2016, from her home city of Porto, to follow a career in archaeology. She is also a yoga instructor here, as well as a brilliant artist. She misses ‘the sea, the weather, and the people’ of Portugal – but loves her friends in Cambridge, and also appreciates the green spaces, the river, and the city’s calmness.
Kristina was born and raised in Moscow, from a mixed ethnic background. She studied at Lomonosov Moscow State University while working part-time, torn between her love for mathematics and literature. In 2014, Kristina left Russia to pursue a second master’s in Sweden, followed by a PhD in Italy and Belgium, and worked in Amsterdam. “Since early this year, I’ve been a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge, focusing on AI-related topics. I love long walks, getting lost in bookshops, and the city’s ‘normalised nerdiness/quirkiness’! Classical Russian literature is always with me – I read plenty of books as a child, so they likely contributed to my shaping. And my language is with me as well.”
Eleanor was born in Germany while her dad was in the Army, but her home was always Crieff in Perthshire, where her mum is from and where she went to school. She moved from Glasgow to Cambridge in 2010. “I work as an account manager for a media company and in my spare time I love swimming at Jesus Green Lido, walking in Grantchester, or just messing about on the river or in a beer garden. I love the beauty and history of Cambridge — the river, the cobbled streets, the old buildings — and the sunnier weather compared to Glasgow! But I really miss my family, friends, and the beautiful hills of Scotland.”
Vidya was born in Glasgow to Indian parents and raised in a vibrant mix of Scottish and Indian cultures — temples and Hindi classes on Sundays, Scottish schools during the week, and home-cooked Indian meals. “I started teaching Indian dance at 15 and performed across Scotland, which still fills me with emotion. After roles in science and teaching, I moved to Cambridge for a job in antibiotic discovery. I now work as a senior clinical trial manager, but I’ve also taught dance, performed, and now write fantasy novels. Cambridge has given me years of creative opportunity and community — I especially love the city’s beautiful swans. But Glasgow will always be home – I love the Scottish air, which feels different to English air when you breathe it in. I will always be Scottish at heart.”
Julia is from Košice, a city in eastern Slovakia close to the Hungarian border. After spending six years in Iceland, she was looking for opportunities in international education and found an exciting internship in Cambridge in 2019. She fell in love with the city — and, six years later, is still here and now a British citizen. “I work in the careers department at the Judge Business School, helping students plan their next steps after university. I love that Cambridge is so cycle-friendly and wonderfully diverse, and that there are plenty of places to dance salsa or bachata.
I go home to Slovakia about twice a year and miss my family, friends, and the beautiful forests, hills, and mountains.”
Rene is from Johannesburg, and arrived in Cambridge three years ago “for work and an adventure”. She works at a publishing company in academic business development, and in her spare time is involved with her local church and is also a governer at her daughter’s school. She loves the diversity here, which made settling in very easy for her. “I love hosting other families in our home, and it’s always an eclectic mix. I go home as often as is viable for four people to fly for 11 hours!”
Angela is originally from Valladolid, Spain. She moved to Cambridge at the end of 2021 after getting a job at AstraZeneca – working as a Clinical Scientist, currently involved in a large clinical trial for breast cancer patients. “What I love about Cambridge is that it’s a small, beautiful town, easy to get around, and surrounded by lovely natural areas. I travel to Spain three to four times a year. What I miss most about my country is my family and the food, especially tapas.”
Deborah was born in east London but her heritage is 100 per cent Caribbean; her Dad was from St Kitts and her mum from Nevis – twin islands just a few miles apart. She moved to Cambridge around 15 years ago, and has set up an ‘alternative woodland classroom provision for children, their families and the whole community’. She still has a lot of family in the Caribbean and has visited several times – she loves the islands for their “warmth, friendliness and the intelligence of the people”.
Suzzy was born in Dublin but grew up in Stockholm. She moved to the Cambridge area in 1995 when her father got a job offer, and has stayed here ever since! She works for the University’s information service as a Lecture Capture Support Analyst – and loves paddle-boarding, going to the gym and spending time with her two children. “I love the fact that you can walk any direction for 10 or 15 minutes and you’re in the middle of greenery, often complete with a herd of cows. I love the history of the place. I miss lots about Sweden – the sweets, fika (it’s not just food, it’s a way of life), the crunch of snow underfoot, and the trees and lakes all intertwined in the archipelago.”
Anita is from the city of Bern. Her connection to the UK began as a teenager, backpacking around the country with her anglophile mother many times. “I fell in love with Britain – and then an Englishman – which brought me to Cambridge after my studies. I lived here from 2005 to 2011, and returned in 2017. I’m an author and writing coach, and recently became a qualified Cambridge Green Badge guide.” Anita loves the city’s quirky intellectualism, cultural richness, and green spaces – especially the cows and wild swimming in the Cam – and wishes more colleges would replace their lawns with wild flower meadows. She particularly misses Swiss chocolate, mountain hikes, and good public transport!
Iman arrived in Cambridge six years ago. Her home was in Tartus, a major port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. She lives in Cambridge with her four children – and, even though she misses ‘everything’ about Syria, is happy here and particularly loves the river Cam.
Nur moved from Istanbul to the UK in 2001 for her children’s education, and then stayed to pursue her own studies. She has been living in Cambridge since 2002, and completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Fine Arts here (she’s pictured in front of one of her fabulous paintings). “Living in Cambridge makes me feel incredibly fortunate – this historic city gives me the sensation of living in ancient times. The only things I miss from my home country are my family and the sunshine.”
Caroline is from Soroti, Uganda. She moved to Cambridge in 2004 to study at Anglia Ruskin University, earning a degree in Business Studies and French in 2007, and has lived in Cambridge ever since. “I appreciate the cosmopolitan nature of the city and have made friends from various countries. I love the learning and innovation hub, the green spaces, the nearby countryside, and the closeness to London. The chaos of Covid inspired me to follow my dream – I am now a fashion designer, specialising in blending vibrant African prints with plain fabrics to create modern styles. I also enjoy dancing and attend weekly socials, but miss my family, the food, and the sunshine. Uganda truly has an amazing vibe!”
Mariya is from Berdyansk, a Ukrainian city by the sea. Twenty-two years ago, she came to Cambridge after meeting her husband. It became their real home, where they built their family. She has always enjoyed living in Cambridge – with its vibrant, international energy – where she never felt like a foreigner. Here, she developed as a social surrealist artist, opening her studio doors to the public and teaching art. Her main interest and direction in art became the human mind and society. Exploring the borders of reality and humanism, Mariya believes that home is not a fixed point on a map: “It is a state of mind, with a strong connection to society, ideas, and inner freedom. I still miss the seaside calm of Berdyansk, the city of my childhood. But it has changed. Now under Russian occupation, it exists more in memory than in reality – a painful political reminder that some places cannot be returned to.”
Kristin grew up in Kansas City. She met her husband, Dino, on a flight to the UK – and, after a long-distance romance, moved here in 1997. She worked as a physiotherapist at Addenbrooke’s and, in 2003, opened a private practice – PhysiOptima – which is still going strong. She raised a family in Cambridge, along with her adored pug Nancy. Kristin spends her free time teaching pilates, cold/wild swimming, painting and life-drawing classes, live music, and travelling. “I love Cambridge, being able to cycle everywhere and being surrounded by spectacular architecture. The people are intellectually stimulating, interesting and worldly. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the United States, though it’s not the same place as when I grew up there. Cambridge feels like home now.”
Elena is from Uruguay’s capital Montevideo, and first came to the UK in 1988 on a British Consulate scholarship to study for a Master’s at King’s College London. She is a scientist, and for the past 24 years has worked in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. More recently, she became fascinated by the history of Cambridge and its colleges, and has qualified as a Green Badge Tourist Guide. “I love how walkable the city is and how it blends history, culture, and global perspectives — all within a world-class scientific hub. I go back home every year or two. I miss my family and friends, beautiful beaches, the people’s commitment to democracy and freedom, and their continuous involvement in political and social changes.”
Dante is from San Antonio de los Altos, a small town in Miranda, Venezuela. “In 2018, my best friend came to Cambridge looking for an adventure, and I decided to follow him — I fell in love with the city from day one. Now, I work as the Assistant Manager for the Food and Drink department at the Hilton Cambridge City Centre. What I love most about Cambridge is its cultural diversity and the calm rhythm of life here. Still, I miss the warmth of my people back home — that open and welcoming spirit which, looking back, I realise I didn’t fully appreciate at the time.”
Valentine was born in France and grew up in France, Vietnam, India, and Singapore. “My family is Vietnamese, and in our culture your “quê” – where you are truly from – is your father’s birthplace, so mine is Nam Định, near Hanoi. I moved to Cambridge in 2023 to to start training at a law firm – a leap of faith! I love to explore the city on foot and rarely fail to stop for an ice cream at Jack’s Gelato! I love that Cambridge is home to people from all horizons. I miss my family and the incomparable food – a warm crunchy bánh mì, a sizzling bánh xèo, or a fragrant bowl of phở – back in Vietnam.”
Pete was born in Dolgellau, in north Wales – and also lived in the seaside town of Barmouth – before moving to Cambridge just before his 20th birthday in 1999. He had been offered a room here and realised his home town was a ‘ghost town’ in the winter. His work life here has been varied – working in scientific publishing, the NHS, double glazing and energy management. He loves the diversity of Mill Road, Cambridge’s varied bars, its music and comedy shows – and the many ‘friends for life’ from different cultures that he has made in Cambridge. He misses the sea and the mountains in Wales, and hopes to move back there for his retirement.
Tim Gillett, journalist 