reporter: nataliya knows what it's like to be a migrant.and her husband are originally from ukraine. they came to portugal illegally. she worked as an au pair and then studied administrative law. now at the age of 47 she's planning to earn a phd. >> many people here in portugal helped me when i first came. they gave me the sense that i could be useful and that i could help other people too. reporter: she arrived in portugal 13 years ago and now feels at home here. she's fully integrated into society. she wants the same for the refugees in penela and everywhere. michelle: it might seem like the past year has been dominated by images of despair and suffering. but there are also many new opportunities. one young man who fled his native syria for germany has an unusual talent, he's able to play one of the world's oldest instruments, the oud. his passion for music and his desire for a new life in a peaceful place have brought him further than he ever could have dreamed. reporter: thabet azzawi likes to come to the river elbe to clear his head. h

reporter: nataliya knows what it's like to be a migrant.and her husband are originally from ukraine. they came to portugal illegally. she worked as an au pair and then studied administrative law. now at the age of 47 she's planning to earn a phd. >> many people here in portugal helped me when i first came. they gave me the sense that i could be useful and that i could help other people too. reporter: she arrived in portugal 13 years ago and now feels at home here. she's fully integrated into society. she wants the same for the refugees in penela and everywhere. michelle: it might seem like the past year has been dominated by images of despair and suffering. but there are also many new opportunities. one young man who fled his native syria for germany has an unusual talent, he's able to play one of the world's oldest instruments, the oud. his passion for music and his desire for a new life in a peaceful place have brought him further than he ever could have dreamed. reporter: thabet azzawi likes to come to the river elbe to clear his head. h