A new podcast series is setting out to explore questions of identity, culture and belonging among young Europeans living in Scotland.
The podcast, called I’m Migrant’, features stories from young Europeans based in Glasgow who migrated to Scotland either as children or as adults.
In the two-part programme, launched today (11th December 2024) by researchers from the University of Glasgow, new Glaswegians chat about everything from being bilingual and living between two worlds to loving the Scottish weather and avoiding sliced bread.
The podcast is one of the outcomes of a three-year research project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) examining life after migration for young Europeans in post-Brexit Britain.
The project, which has surveyed over 1,500 young Europeans aged 16-26, tracks their experiences navigating education, employment and citizenship in the UK.
The podcast showcases dialogues between young people about topics which matter to them, highlighting issues that continue to shape the wider politics of migration and integration.
In the first episode of ‘I’m Migrant’, Alan, Maja and Adrian talk about growing up and fitting in as Polish kids in Glasgow. They discuss their connections to Polish culture and retro TV, the feeling of imposter syndrome and what the word ‘immigrant’ means to them, comparing their experience to contributor, Yuliia, a young Ukrainian displaced by war.
In episode two, Katja, Mila and Tamaze discuss the difference between moving to Scotland in childhood and adulthood. They reflect on their experience of study and work, the culture shocks and everyday idiosyncrasies of Glasgow life.
Dr Kate Botterill, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, is the project’s principal investigator. She said: “Our research casts new light on young Europeans’ transitions through key life stages – leaving school, renting their first home or getting a job – against the backdrop of significant political change.
“The study has revealed how young people navigate the complexities of their changing immigration status since Brexit, which has led to changed in rights and entitlements for young Europeans during their formative years.”
“The podcast gives voice to the everyday experiences behind the politics of migration, with contributions from young people who have lived through very different experiences of coming to the UK and making a life here, from EU citizens who came as children to those arriving for work or seeking sanctuary.
“When debates around immigration have become hostile and depersonalised, hearing directly from young people, who’ve grown up in Glasgow schools and call this city home while maintaining connections elsewhere helps to challenge stereotypes and shows the lived reality of migration.”
The podcast was created through a series of workshops facilitated by Telt Media, where young Europeans were given complete creative control over content and direction. The accompanying artwork for the podcast was created by Yuliia Drymalyk, a young Ukrainian participant studying graphic design.
Next year, the research team will release detailed policy briefs based on the outcomes from the study which will help practitioners in education, employment and healthcare to better support young Europeans through complex transitions as they navigate new e-visa systems and make decisions about whether to stay or leave the UK.
The project team is Dr Kate Botterill and Dr Bozena Sojka of the University of Glasgow, Professor Daniela Sime of the University of Strathclyde and Dr David McCollum of the University of St Andrews.
‘I’m Migrant’ is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible.
