César came to Ireland in 2004 to find better job opportunities. He stayed for seven years as an irregular migrant, and loved living in Ireland. After the recession began, César could not find steady work and was unable to support himself.

He saw an advertisement in a Brazilian magazine for IOM and contacted them to ask about voluntary return. He received assistance and learned that he could apply for a grant to help him start a business or receive training.

After returning, César was very happy to be closer to his family. He was disappointed at first by the low salaries in Brazil, but applied for the reintegration grant immediately so that he could get certified to teach English.

IOM staff contacted César six months after he began his training. César explained that he would be starting work as soon as the course was finished. He is looking forward to teaching because the income is good, and he is glad to have a career where he will continue speaking English.

César said that he is glad to have used the reintegration grant for the course. “I think this training will be very useful as the certificate I gained proves that my level of English is advanced, and that I am fully qualified to teach.”