Peter Nientied 

​Three years ago in Havana, Laura did not hesitate when the opportunity arose to continue her biology studies in Spain. She moved to Huelva in Andalucia, where she completed her degree and then began an internship in pedagogy, a step that will help her become a science teacher.

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Laura has no regrets about leaving Havana. The Cuban economy is in a dire situation, and basic services are unreliable—electricity in particular is a constant problem. However, her decision also has a downside: she has not seen her family for three years. She is saving to visit them next year and hopes to talk with her younger sister, who is studying to become a nutritionist, about coming to Spain as well.

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Spain increasingly recognizes the need for migrants to care for its elderly population and support the economy. “Spaniards do not want to work in agriculture; Spain needs people from outside,” Laura says—a view shared by many. By 2025, an estimated 600,000 foreigners are expected to settle in Spain, which has a population of 49 million. While many EU countries are wary of immigration, Spain acknowledges that newcomers are essential for the functioning of an ageing society.

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Laura also enjoys being photographed. “But I have no ambitions,” she says. “I did some catwalk work in Havana, but here in Spain you have to be very tall and thin. Still, photography as a form of self-expression is something I truly enjoy.”

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Laura's IG ​​​

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