| Originally from Scotland, Colin has been living as an expat in Albania for the past dozen years. In that time he's learned to speak the language fluently, made friends, got married, and now calls Albania his home. |
 Colin Stephen |
-Where were you born?
Aberdeen, Scotland
-In which country and city are you living now?
Shkoder, Albania
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my wife ( she is Albanian) and our 3 sons
-How long have you been living in Albania?
12 years
-What is your age?
43
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Albania?
Missionary spoke about Albania after communism
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No
-Do you speak Albanian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
When I first came to Albania, I lived for 2 years with an Albanian family that did not know English. That helped me greatly in learning the language and culture. I now speak fluently, understand it, but still make grammatical mistakes!!
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Not really, home is now in Albania. I do crave a white pudding supper and a bottle of Irn Bru from time to time.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We own an apartment. 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms. 140m2. £30,000.
-What is the cost of living in Albania?
Low, but a lot of imported goods are more expensive than in the UK.
-What do you think about the Albanians?
Great. They are warm and friendly. Hey! I have got to say that I married one of them!!
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Albania?
Negatives - power cuts. Time with no water.
Positives - so many, but the people, the style of living, the friendliness.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Albania?
Lots - but if anyone is really serious about visiting or living in Albania, it would probably be better to contact me by e-mail.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Albania?
My web blog: www.shkoder.blogspot.com
living in shkoder
He, I'm Elisabeth from Genova. Excuseme for my English language but I don't usually it from ten Years old. I hope that you understand me, despite my miserable English.
I am married to an Albanian boy of 15 years from Shkoder, and we probably will live there permanently. In Italy now Life is terrible ... too stess.
Good evening and greetings to your family.
Lisa
Amazing place to stay whole rest of my life
Dear Colin,
Hi this is yashar from Iran...i mostly visited some part of the world..but in fact i dream to come and live in Vlore city where i like its nature with beautiful seashore...i surmise i will stay there...
For Now...
Yashar
LIVING IN ALBANIA
Hi
I left Albania when I was 15 years old for a better life in America. Now, I am 26 years old and I am married and have a 10 month old baby (Marina) and expecting a boy.I like America becasue it gave me schooling and a great job. My husband has a business, but still he wants to live in Tirana. Life here is good but stressful. I am a little afraid to leave averything good that I have build here and come to live there. As I here from others that live there, life is not that bad. You have time to spend with your kids and vacation for yourself, coffe with friends, family gatherings .....
I guess it is ok... I am afraid that I wan't find a good job, and hospitals are not in the best conditions... for the rest I will be ok ... I guess I lived there for 15 years and survived, I can do it again...
well, Good luck to me and all of you!!!! Maybe in 2 years I will see you people in Albania.
Ps. I have never been to Shkoder, but Vlora I love it there. It is on of the best city's in Albania..
Hi Colin, I am a British
Hi Colin,
I am a British woman, moving to Albania in the next 2 months, do you please have any advise on finding jobs out there. I do not speak Albanian i speak fluent Spanish & English, I have a degree & four years work experience as an interior designer, I have been trying to look but no joy yet. I couldnt see your e-mail address.
Kind regards
P
hi colin
hi colin ,this is prakash from india ,,i wanna move to albania for forever , but as indian passport holder ,very difficult to get visa for albania ,,,,
how is it like ?
questions????
hello Colin
my name is elizabeth i live in nyc been wanting to obtain info on moving to albania. Now i work in a hotel but was planning to take a course in tefl. I am sorry but i have nobody to ask any info you could give me would really help. I do not speak albanian only a few words. thanks for any info you would be able to give me.
elizabeth