HARSH TRUTHS ABOUT LIVING IN ICELAND AS AN IMMIGRANT

Living in Iceland is not always glitz and glam. In this video, im gonna be talking about the negative things about living in Iceland as an immigrant

[@Leif208]

The main reason why Iceland is considered to be a desireable place to live is that the people tend to not be so individualistic and self-interested at the expense of the community (self-interest is balanced with being civic-minded). The best communties are those where most everyone is civic minded, which is most often the case when a people basically see themselves as part of a large extended family. People tend to, of their own free-will, follow rules and laws, when they feel part of a community. Why would you harm or commit a crime against anyone who with which you feel a strong sense of community? In America's diverse, multi-cultural society, there is NOT a strong sense of community but rather a strong self-interest. If you combine that with a the lack of basic virtue and rule of law, that some segments of American society have, you'll also have increased levels of crime. If other cultures or races immigrate to Iceland, eventually, they'll have the same problems that exist in the US. For all the people who think Iceland is a great place to live because of it's laws, or the land, or it's resources, that's incorrect. IT'S BECAUSE OF IT'S PEOPLE. If you change the people, Iceland as you know it, won't exist anymore. For people who leave other countries to escape the problems that exist in their own country of origin, they're just bringing their problems with them. All you have to do is look to the examples of other Scandinavian countries. Sweden's level of crime has skyrocketed. Ethnic Swedes are becoming less trusting of their government. People are polarizing. Politically, ethnic Swedes are shifting to the far right.

[@DankTruck]

thank you! Your spot on!

[@oluwaseunakanbi8317]

Uhmmm you are right. Some disadvantages of encouraging migration but don't forget that capitalism is not that bad. It is what drives an economy and redistributes power. Even Iceland's socialism has its major flaws. I see the city and ask: this boring scanty city why do migrants go there thinking they will find high paying jobs? Look at the landscape generally compare it to Australia, Germany , USA can it meet the expectations of educated citizens looking for jobs? Then what if a war takes place in Iceland tomorrow, they will turn to so called capitalistic countries like Germany , USA, China etc to rescue them financially and militarily and this asset is achieved from the tenets of unbridled capitalism. Let us just face facts here. A balanced one is Finland and Sweden Industrial and at the same time capitalism. But nations that are highly capitalistic are the most powerful but with deplorable conditions for its citizens because they acquire the wealth enmasse in dubious ways. It is a law . You wanna be most powerful , most feared, most economically bouyant , you have to embrace corruption and its attendant effects on morality, etc. They choose to be low-key as you say but has its own side effects some of which I have mentioned. In short, there is no perfect socio-economic system that ensures better HDI

[@oluwaseunakanbi8317]

My own opinion: I think after one has acquired high savings in a highly capitalistic country though it has its wide range of shortcomings; At a time when you are no longer fit to hustle for financial success, best to retire to countries like Iceland and enjoy the natural landscapes and safe social environment cos I'm sick of the social ills of a highly industrialized capitalistic country. 🤢 To be honest but for now, one must just endure the socio economic crises associated to these countries at one's youthful stage to make some money enough to let you live in a place like Iceland cos forget making money there for future emergencies.

[@Leif208]

@@oluwaseunakanbi8317 Actually, Iceland wouldn't be a great place to retire due to it's extremely high cost of living. And, unless you contributed to it's social benefits throughout your career, you shouldn't be able to participate in the social benefits.

[@Leif208]

@@oluwaseunakanbi8317 Don't equate "civic-minded" with socialism. Let's change the word "capitalism" to the more accurate term of "free-market" system. I think the free-market is the ideal, but it works the best if the people are basically a virtuous, law-abiding, civic-minded people. The more purely self-interested people are, the more laws you need to govern them.

[@sarahr.6520]

Im planning to further my studies for a masters at Iceland, so this video was really helpful. thank you!

[@Leif208]

Here's a taste of what's in store for Iceland. Regarding different ethnic groups, here's the latest from Finland: "In the Nordic countries, university admissions work solely on grades, which leaves no room to account for different student contexts. This creates inequality, as it incorrectly assumes everyone to have the same background and opportunities to receive excellent grades. In the interview, Vesa Puuronen agrees that “the Nordic university admissions system does not include any attempts to level inequalities”." So, not due to any fault of native Finns, but simply due to the fact that often different ethnic groups don't integrate well, now native born Finns, with the same or better grades, are going to be passed over in favor of non-native immigrants, or just someone of a different ethnicity. Can you imagine how this would make you feel and your identity as a Finn, when the government forces penalties on one in order to benefit another (done in the USA all the time). It pisses us off! It makes us less empathetic. It makes us distrust the government. Be less civic minded, etc. You create an environment where people become more individualistic and try to protect their own interests, even at the expense of the community. For all you people who think Iceland or Scandinavia is "magical," the "magic" is in an ethnically homogeneous community. (note: it IS possible to have all the good things you want in a society and be ethnically diverse, BUT it is only possible with a common and strong religion, which, is not a reality right now, pretty much anywhere).

[@LorenzoJose-jb1xu]

Some people of Iceland are rude and when you say something in Icelandic any answer? Is that true?

[@marlia1251]

Rude people are everywhere.

[@LorenzoJose-jb1xu]

@marlia1251 Yep, I agree with that, there are rude people everywhere, just focus in the great people, and let it go to the people is not making real different in our lives! Thank you for your answer, have a great day, and protect your energy 🙏

[@byhisgrace4958]

How can I contact you?

[@adamcohen69]

sounds like Iceland is really a bad country for an immigrant. If so, why are you still there?

[@Merciless_au]

Too invested already and now she knows the language

[@marlia1251]

@@Merciless_au unfortunately yes 😅

[@juweknows5377]

In the UK and even in Germany it can take u weeks to see a doctor. Yours was just a day and you're complaining. 😂

[@oliver_958]

This isn't about you

[@Avarua59]

Like hearing those Budgies in the background.

[@iesroo]

Leaving Iceland would be great in this case.

[@legendslivehere6180]

All these things are normal in every country. These are not new. Even in Canada 🇨🇦 it's worse. I can see you are not integrating properly.

[@marlia1251]

Thsi was some year or more ago . But I’ve integrated well now

[@Die_Salzstreuerin]

I‘m very sorry for the racist comments here. Thank you for your opinion and sharing your experiences.

[@jaycarbos]

hi po may i ask pede po ba akong mag work dyan kasi may na send akong resume sa isang rooms attendant kaya na interested ako dyan cause i love nature and i love tahimik na place.

[@jaycarbos]

tsaka anu po yung milasuptom ba yun kasi yan sabi ng auntie ko eh my auntie is from Grindavik hope masagot nyo po

[@henryguthery5311]

❤

[@binmer9687]

Thank you

[@oninrog5174]

Thanks for your being honest about your personal experience po. I really find it interesting about living in Iceland. 😊 As an immigrant po, maganda po ba jan when planning for retirement po? Curious lang 😅

[@marlia1251]

Actually a lot of people opt to go to cheaper countries to retire. For example, Spain

[@nabilzouitini5054]

thank's a lot for your advice .

[@empress0180]

Hello Marlia this video was really helpful. I am a pharmacist too. Trained in India but originally from Nigeria. I have gotten an admission in Iceland. I need help with the health insurance. The cheapest health insurance on Sjova is 2m ISK anyobe who can recommend a cheaper alternative please let me know

[@ricoplatz5844]

I heard the government automatically gives health insurance to international students after 6 months of their study.

[@empress0180]

@@ricoplatz5844 yeah that's true. Thanks

[@SimoneGiura]

So didn't they accept your degree at all?

[@marlia1251]

It wasn’t accepted for hospitals. But found good job in biopharmaceuticals

[@adubimpong4095]

So, have you forgotten about your pharmacy entirely?

[@mrwizzardknight]

What about you name/identity? Can you keep that or do they force you to adopt an Icelandic name? Because of the Icelandic naming custom! Not having proper surnames! It’s whatever your dad’s first name is with the suffix “son” if you’re a guy and if you’re a girl, again! Whatever your dad’s first name is with the suffix daughter! Oh yeah! And it must accommodate and be relevant to the Icelandic language! So, again! If I wanna go immigrate to Iceland will or will I not be allowed to keep my name Michael Galan-Diaz or will have to have a new Icelandic name like Bjorn Bjornson wether I like it or not?

[@mrwizzardknight]

Wait! I googled it and the big answer is no! You don’t have to change your name to make it Icelandic at all! So I was wrong!

[@kyronyt6497]

Okay lang po ba mag pm ?

[@lanouek]

I think its awesome Iceland puts the people born there first. Iceland is the way it is because it hasnt let to many outsiders in too change the fabric of who they are. Why aren't you back in Philippines if you think it's superior. Sounds ungrateful sadly

[@iamalavalamp]

Of course Iceland should prioritise their own citizens and speaking Icelandic the national language is essential for jobs. This happens in most countries and is expected. There is lots of discrimination and racism for non locals in many countries. Try being a very dark skinned person in many parts of Asia or a very visible orthodox Jew in a Muslim country.

[@giorgosandrianis7694]

Is disabled people care a promising job in iceland or doesnt pay that much ?

[@unknownperson-hg4wr]

it is poorly paid and knowledge of the Icelandic language is increasingly required

[@Naeromusic]

❤❤❤❤

[@marlia1251]

❤❤❤❤😊

[@BOBJOHNSON-v6u]

PINAY TAGA SAAN KA SA PINAS?

[@marlia1251]

Taga Ilocos po 😊

[@BOBJOHNSON-v6u]

OK KA PINAY

[@BOBJOHNSON-v6u]

KABAYAN NAG SUBSCRIBE NA AKO SAYO

[@youneslarsson5691]

what a awfull country 😢 freezing the whole year .u must b really desperate to live there 😮 like coming from phillipin etc....

[@porterwake3898]

Go home then.

[@marlia1251]

Nah thanks