Dude, thats such a shame.

Dont let it get you down, keep trying, as you said the country is in a state, belts are tightened everywhere so there are less chances. Keep going for it, keep pushing and developing. As said try freelence or tutorials as as well as building your portfolio.

Dont give up with it. As Laurie said, there may have been an intern that they had an eye on, you got to the interview so that means a lot.

P.S. Also i would edit responses, you never know whos looking on boards.

Cheers

Steve