[originaltext]M: Hello and welcome to our program, "Working Abroad". Our guest

M: Hello and welcome to our program, "Working Abroad". Our guest this evening is a Londoner who lives and works in Italy. Her name is Susan Hill. Susan, welcome to the program. You live in Florence. How long have you been living there?
W: Since 1982, but when I went there in 1982, I planned to stay for only 6 months.
M: Why did you change your mind?
W: Well, I’m a designer. I design leather gores, mainly shoes and handbags. Soon after I arrived in Florence, I got a job with one of Italy’s top fashion houses, Ferragamo. So I decided to stay.
M: How lucky! Do you still work for Ferragamo?
W: No, I’ve been a freelance designer for quite a long time now. Since 1988, in fact.
M: So, does that mean you design for several different companies now?
W: Yes, that’s right. I’ve designed many fashion items for a number of Italian companies. And in the last 4 years, I’ve also been designing for the British company, Burberrys.
M: What have you been designing for them?
W: Mostly handbags and small leather goods.
M: Has the fashion industry in Italy changed since 1982?
W: Oh, yes. It’s become a lot more competitive, because the quality of products from other countries has improved a lot, but Italian quality and design is still world famous.
M: And do you ever think of returning to live in England?
W: No, not really. Working in Italy is more interesting. I also love the Mediterranean sun and the Italian life style.
M: Well, thank you for talking to us, Susan.
W: It was a pleasure.