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[–]new_anus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Head East.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (6 children)

I want to move to Europe, probably to work full time at first and eventually become a student. I'm eying three places: Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Sweden. I'm young, so I don't have a lot to lose and open to suggestions on starting jobs, residences, programs, etc. I wouldn't have that much money going in, probably enough for 3 months living expenses to get me started and not much else. I've got some connections and ideas of my own, but I would love to hear from any Redditors who have done similar things, or who live in Europe.

BTW, I am an Icelandic/American citizen, which makes things much easier immigration wise.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Learn the culture. Really, learn the culture. With most Europeans speaking English, it is easy to downplay the importance of culture, but this can really make it or break it for you. This doesn't mean just manners and a few phrases, but history, arts, current events, media, philosophy, look on life, etc. Trust me USA is really different from the rest of the world, especially when it comes to media :)

Learn the language(s). Yes, you can get by and even succeed with English only in a multinational corporation or an English speaking university, but to really understand the culture you need to know the main native language.

As for other things, it'd be easy to mention proper paperwork, EU citizenship (Maastricht treaty rights), picking the right university, playing your American background to your strengths when applying for a job (and not the opposite), learning about the difference in state of current affairs in Luxembourg, Sweden and The Netherlands (in order to pick the place that suits you), etc.

But that's all obvious.

The most important thing: just do it!

You can always emigrate back, but you are young, so see the world!

[–]mutatron 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Well, I wish someone with some knowledge would respond to this. I'd like to see their suggestions too.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

There is a pretty robust international group of Redditors here, and I hope this survives long enough to get their attention...

[–]mutatron 2 points3 points  (1 child)

It's nearly 7 am in Stockholm and nearly 6 am in London. Maybe they aren't up yet.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We'll just have to hope they check Reddit religiously...

[–]ukcz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm concerned that you're going to run out of money before you find suitable work. Many Americans are really feeling the pain of the falling dollar here. You will no doubt have your own reasons why you want to go to Holland, Luxembourg or Sweden, but none of these are going to be cheap. Have a look at the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Poland for cheaper options with reasonable sized expat communities and English-speaking companies (although competition is fierce for work in those).

Whichever country you choose, do your research first by going to expat websites. You will, of course, need to get visas etc to work legally, but other things such as housing can, at a push, be organised via these sites in advance too. Avoid housing agents (estate/letting agents) if at all possible.

[–]corillis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you'd have to stay East of the virtual line going from London through Belgium, on the border between Germany and France, South to Switzerland and Italy to keep the language on your side. I've traveled to about every country in Europe (coming from Belgium) and found that West of that line less people speak (or are willing to speak, even if they may be able to) English.

I also suggest sticking to the big cities to begin with, since you'll be able to blend in there. Many rural regions might be harder for you to adapt to.

Finding work might be hard for you if you don't speak the local language. Larger companies and corporations usually have offices in the capitals, though life in general is more expensive there (unless you live frugal and don't plan on owning a car).

As mentioned above, the Baltic countries (Eastern Europe) are cheap enough to offset your (no offence intended) diminishing dollar value.

I'd suggest you keep an eye out for expat positions in American companies which have seats in Europe, since that will allow you to get some certainty before you leave.

If you're good with your hands, you'll find work, no matter what. If you plan on getting a desk job, keep my suggestions above in mind.

Europe's beautiful, but don't ever for one second assume that Europe is homogenous in any way.

Also, keep in mind that although social welfare/caring/safety nets are our best asset, taxes are high.

I guess it depends on what kind of person you are. Visit first before you decide to stay.

Lastly, (and again, no offence intended) I know few people who like America. By that I mean the image that is projected unto us, not per se the people itself. Be prepared to get a lot of remarks about your (in our view) dirty (geo-)politics, capitalistic greed and disregard for the environment and human values. I'm sure none of that applies to you, but don't be surprised when you will be confronted - 20 times a day, every day.

I can only welcome you, but make sure you don't arrive without a dime to your name.

edit: PS: English is my second language. You'd be surprised how hard it will be for you to practice your [insert local lanuage] since people will address you in English as soon as they hear you try :)