Help me move to Europe!

[phazan]

Hey everyone, I am seriously thinking about moving to Europe after highschool. However, I really don't know where to begin. I was thinking of moving there for maybe anywhere between 6 months, to 2 years. First off, I really need country suggestions. Are there any countries that I shouldn't go to as an American? What would a great country with good living conditions be?? Also, I don't speak any languages other than English, so please keep that in mind! It would be nice to get some kind of job there for some money to live off. Is that possible?? Or should I start saving now for 6 months worth of living money? Also, I need a place to live, obviously. Advice on the cheapest place to stay, would be great too. Denmark, England, and Germany look like the coolest countries to be IMO. And also, will travel to different countries be somewhat cheap?? The main reason I want to move to Europe is to visit lots of different places in a small area.

 

I know I will have more questions as time goes on, but any advice from you Europeans would be great!!!

 

Thanks so much for any help.

[Jew]

Better start saving now. And save lots. The Euro (or Pount) is really going to cost you...

[Team Thriller]

For you, England might be the best. Sense you only know English. The problem is, England is VERY expense with the pounds.

 

Being an American and living in Germany (I know the language fluently however) I can almost say that lots of Germans are beginning to understand English. If you live in a Big City, (Berlin for example) you will be surrounded by people who speak all different languages, including English.

 

Problem is, living in the beautiful European country side beats the city. You really don't need to know German to get around. Every buisness hires germans who can speak the main English words like (Hello, goodbye, thank you, A$$ hole etc...

They can all answer you're questions just fine. And at German Theme Parks, the staff can speak wonderful English.

Plus, German is pretty easy to learn.

 

Anymore questions, you can e-mail me

Hope I helped:

 

--James

[Teonanacatl]

Oslo, London, Kopenhagen and Zürich are the four most expensive cities in the world, so keep that in mind.

 

Also it depends a big deal on what you want to do while over here. All the european countries have their own pros and cons.

 

If you want to see a bit more of europe maybe Eurail could be an option for you. http://www.eurail.com/

[Groteslurf]

Some tips :

 

Language : UK will not be problem of course. In most Western European countries (Scandinavia, Germany, Holland, Belgium, ...) , you'll be fine with English. In Southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, ..) it most of the time is a problem if you only speak English.

Of your list, Denmark and the UK are by far the countires with the most expensive living standard. Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, .. are average expensive to live, while Southern Europe is the cheapest to live.

The capitals and big cities will be in any case the most expensive to live, but the easiest to find a job.

 

Why not look for American multinationals searching for expats in Europe ?

[verticalzero]

I suggest Holland, Portugal and Germany, most of Europe speaks

"English" Depends on what type of job you will be looking for.

 

If you stay in England you will be tax'd so much, Diesel for cars is £1.10 a lire or £4.95 a gallon, I bought a bottle of "Beck" lager and a pint of diet coke from a local pub, costs £4.20.

 

I would like to swap and move away from UK.

 

You could move to Canada and you will not be far from all of the wonderful US parks.

[Carnage]

You could move to Canada and you will not be far from all of the wonderful US parks.

 

It sounds like he wants to experience culture that living in Europe would offer.

 

Moving to Canada would be pretty much the same as if he were to stay in the US. The culture in Canada is pretty much the same as the US, only a bit colder, and more polite.

[phazan]

For you, England might be the best. Sense you only know English. The problem is, England is VERY expense with the pounds.

 

Being an American and living in Germany (I know the language fluently however) I can almost say that lots of Germans are beginning to understand English. If you live in a Big City, (Berlin for example) you will be surrounded by people who speak all different languages, including English.

 

Problem is, living in the beautiful European country side beats the city. You really don't need to know German to get around. Every buisness hires germans who can speak the main English words like (Hello, goodbye, thank you, A$$ hole etc...

They can all answer you're questions just fine. And at German Theme Parks, the staff can speak wonderful English.

Plus, German is pretty easy to learn.

 

Anymore questions, you can e-mail me

Hope I helped:

 

--James

 

Yes, you did help, thanks so much! It does sound cooler living in the country side. I think whatever country I move to, I'm going to learn some basics of the language before I go there.

 

Oslo, London, Kopenhagen and Zürich are the four most expensive cities in the world, so keep that in mind.

 

Also it depends a big deal on what you want to do while over here. All the european countries have their own pros and cons.

 

If you want to see a bit more of europe maybe Eurail could be an option for you. http://www.eurail.com/

 

I basically just want to see what everything is like. While I'm there, I want to see as much of Europe as I can afford. Thanks for helping!

 

Why not look for American multinationals searching for expats in Europe ?

 

I'm not really sure what you mean by that. I googled it, couldn't figure it out. Thanks for your help though, I guess I should consider some cheaper places in Europe, haha.

 

You could move to Canada and you will not be far from all of the wonderful US parks.

 

Yeah, same as what Carnage said. I really want to see what other ways of living are like.

 

Again, thanks for everyone's help so far!!

 

Anyone have any suggestions for cheaper European countries?

[Groteslurf]

Why not look for American multinationals searching for expats in Europe ?

 

I'm not really sure what you mean by that. I googled it, couldn't figure it out. Thanks for your help though, I guess I should consider some cheaper places in Europe, haha.

 

 

I wanted to say that there must be American multinational companies who want to put Americans in their overseas offices as expats (ex patriates) and let them make a carreer abroad. I have no clue where you will find these companies but I'm sure they exist.

[ParkTrips]

You can join the military

[ginzo]

You can join the military

 

He said he wants to live in Europe, not the Middle East.

 

Oslo, London, Kopenhagen and Zürich are the four most expensive cities in the world, so keep that in mind.

 

Not really. Of those cities only London is in the top 4, but all of those cities are in the top 10.

 

http://money.cnn.com/2007/06/15/pf/most_expensive_cities/

 

Either way, it's going to be $$$ to live in those cities.

[ParkTrips]

Military bases in Germany will last a lot longer than American presence in Iraq - sure, there will probably continue to be American military in other Gulf States and such, but its hardly the only place Americans are being sent

[Teonanacatl]

Anyone have any suggestions for cheaper European countries?

 

Almost all countries in eastern europe are much cheaper.

 

The "southern" countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece) are a bit cheaper.

 

The "northern" countries are more expensive. (Switzerland, Germany, All of Scandinavia, France, Belgium, Netherlands)

 

Maybe the "Big Mac Index" helps getting an idea.

http://www.oanda.com/products/bigmac/bigmac.shtml

 

@ginzo: In the list that i saw, these were all top 5. Doesn't really matter though, because they are all pretty expensive anyway.

[Ed]

Move to Estonia. That's cheap.

[Tömmioh]

^Estonia is still quite cheap, but it's getting more expensive, as the country develops and gets more and more western all the time, currently it's (or at least the Tallinn (capital) region) is already, really modern and much nicer than I think any country east of Czech Republic in Europe (excluding Greece).

 

Anyway, I think that you could settle for about any western European country and still manage it, once you get a job and rent a small flat or so, of course it isn't just that easy, but I doubt it's really as hard as it seems here. but yeah good luck with the planning etc.

[Steffen_Dk]

Better start saving now. And save lots. The Euro (or Pount) is really going to cost you...

 

And therefore I'll suggest Denmark.. We don't have Euros or Pound - only kroner, and I don't think they're especially expensive.. But I can see that you'll try to learn some basic language before moving to the chosen country. .. Good luck if you choose Denmark!!!

 

 

If you want a country where the population speaks English - then don't go to countries east of Germany. Most of the people there only speaks Russian or German.

 

And then Norway - not a good choice either. You'll die when you see their food prices. And Sweden - no. There it's almost impossible to get alcohol

[Loefet]

And Sweden - no. There it's almost impossible to get alcohol

And if you get any it's ridiculously overpriced, so many people south of Stockholm drives south to the big cheap stores called: Denmark and Germany.

 

Norway is crazy expensive, but their wages are higher.

[Edward]

And Sweden - no. There it's almost impossible to get alcohol

And if you get any it's ridiculously overpriced, so many people south of Stockholm drives south to the big cheap stores called: Denmark and Germany.

 

Norway is crazy expensive, but their wages are higher.

 

Då är det visst tur att jag dricker inte så ofta. Bara ett glas var Special Dag (Nyår, vissa fester (3-5 om året)).

 

Then it's lucky I don't drink so often. Just one glass ever Special Day (New Year, some parties (3-5 a year)).

 

I'd say, if you can live as cheaply as possible (like the Alveys), then you can go almost anywhere you want. You could even come to Sweden if you can keep yourself away from the liqure for a whole season.

 

/Edward

PS. Medelande till alla Svenska YouTubare:

[the sound]

How about Far Eastern Russia (Kamchatka region). You will be much less homesick, being so close to Alaska. It will be really cheap, plus you wouldn't have many problems with language, as you wouldn't have much Human interaction because most of far eastern Russia is deserted.

[phazan]

^I want to go to Europe, not Eastern Russia where no one lives.

 

EDIT:Also, Estonia soudns awesome because it's so cheap, but it just looks wayyyy out there. It looks to me like I would have to travel pretty far just to visit all the different countries, where as somewere like Germany is closer to France, Denmark, England, Sweden...all the places I want to see while I'm over there.

 

Thanks for all the replys, everyone! I have some new questions:

 

-Is it pretty easy for an American to get a job in Europe??

-And how about living there? What kind of place to stay would be the cheapest?? I'm not really sure if the living system is the same as here.

-I proooobably won't have a driver's liscense over there. Would I be able to get around without having a car?

-Oh yeah, and how about dirtbiking over there?? Are a lot of good riding places over there? Haven't heard much about dirtbiking in Europe...

 

And therefore I'll suggest Denmark.. We don't have Euros or Pound - only kroner, and I don't think they're especially expensive.. But I can see that you'll try to learn some basic language before moving to the chosen country. .. Good luck if you choose Denmark!!!

 

I can say:

Jeg elsker dig

God nat

God Aften

God morgen

Sovd God

Tillykke med fodsdsdagen

Jeg savner dig

Kys god nat

I met a girl from Denmark once, she was an exchange student here. In fact, I'm really looking forward getting to see her again!

[Bucket]

Not knowing how to speak any languages other than English might pose a problem for you if you do decide to move to Europe. Sure, most Europeans can speak English (and can speak it quite well) but most prefer to speak their native tongue. I know that I prefer to speak German and not English because it is just easier. It's been said before, but definitely try to learn the language if you do decide to come to Europe (unless you want to go to an English speaking place.)

 

German is quite easy to learn

 

Not to be negative, but this simply is not true. In German, there is a gender for every single word. For example, a lamp is feminine, a table is masculine, and children are neutral. You must learn every single case. In English, everything is with "the" so it is easier. Sure, if you don't know all the correct adjective endings you could still get by but to truly be able to speak fluently is quite a challenge. Many exchange students who study at my university (who study only the German language) have a tough time understanding all the rules and exceptions. It's not impossible to learn, but it definitely takes a lot of time.

 

 

-Is it pretty easy for an American to get a job in Europe??

I don't know how it works in other parts in Europe, but in Germany it is quite difficult to get a good job, especially if you don't speak the language.

 

-How about living there? What kind of place to stay would be the cheapest?

If you are a student, you can live in a Studentenwohnheim and it is inexpensive. I live in Tuebingen, where the rent is actually a little more, and I pay roughly 230 Euros a month. The average cost for a student living in a normal city (not like Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, etc) is 170 Euros a month. Finding your own apartment would definitely be more expensive.

 

-I proooobably won't have a driver's liscense over there. Would I be able to get around without having a car?

Don't worry about that! The public transportation system here is WONDERFUL compared to the States. You really don't need a car to get around.

 

Just one more thing...

 

Make absolutely sure that you want to move to Europe. It might sound wonderful at first, but the culture shock of being in a different country might be harder than you can imagine. The first few months might be fun (your honeymoon stage) but once it sinks in that you don't know the language and can't communicate about the simplest things, are thousands of miles away from home, and everything is a complete 360 from the States, you might want to move back.

 

Not saying that Europe is bad at all (I LOVE EUROPE!) but you should really consider these factors before making such a big decision.

 

Good Luck in everything! If you decide to come to Germany, message me! I can help you out

[Steffen_Dk]

-Is it pretty easy for an American to get a job in Europe?

In the moment we have more jobs than people here in Denmark, so I guess it'll be pretty easy to find a job.

 

-And how about living there? What kind of place to stay would be the cheapest?? I'm not really sure if the living system is the same as here.

I think most of Western Europe has pretty normal prices for an American. But if you want to go to a cheap place I'll suggest either Poland or Czech Republic. They're extremely cheap and at the same time they are close to many countries due the geographical position.

 

I don't know much about the living system in other countries, so I can just tell something about the Danish . but I guess most of the countries in the EU have pretty much the same systems as in Denmark.

Denmark:

1. Driver's license - you have to be 18 to drive a car (I don't know how old you are)

2. To buy alcohol you have to be more than 16 (I'm glad that i don't live in the states )

3. Due the small size of the country, you can easily travel with buses and trains and go from one side of the country to the other side in about 4 hours with train.

4. Don't expect that everything is as big as in USA!!!!

5. Full time job is 37 hours a week.

6. You're of age (free translations translate the word I want to use to that) when you're 18, and you'll get at least 100kr pr. hour before the HIGH taxes. 100kr = approx. 20 dollars

 

And about dirt-biking: No mountain or cliffs in Denmark only regular sand, dirt and so on... And it rains pretty much = Much dirt!!!!

 

 

I can say:

Jeg elsker dig

God nat

God Aften

God morgen

Sovd God

Tillykke med fodsdsdagen

Jeg savner dig

Kys god nat

I met a girl from Denmark once, she was an exchange student here. In fact, I'm really looking forward getting to see her again!

Well that's always a start

[Edward]

-I proooobably won't have a driver's liscense over there. Would I be able to get around without having a car?

 

I know that some parts of Sweden have a good public transportation system. Of course, only places in Sweden I've been to is Gothenburg (hometown), Malmo, Stockholm, and Härnusand (country side). As far as I can tell, Gothenburg is the most complex one with trams, trains, busses and boats that go to almost anywhere in town and the whole region called Västra Götaland. http://www.vasttrafik.se/en/

 

If you're gonna pop over some time, I could give a tour. And maybe a place to stay (depending on your habbits ;p).

 

/Edward

[phazan]

^Haha, that sounds brilliant!

 

Again...thanks for the help everyone!

 

Bucket, I realllly want to move to Germany, but then it seems like there are a lot of things about Germany, that would make it tough to have a good life while I'm there.

What were you saying about being a student?? Are you talking about highschool?? Sorry, I'm a little confused

[Bucket]

^If you're dedicated enough to move to another country, than it wouldn't matter if it was Germany, or England, or wherever. Life in GER isn't too difficult, actually the opposite. Things tend to move a lot slower here than the States I would imagine.

 

As for finding a job, if you live in a University city like Tuebingen (where a lot of people speak English because there are a lot of foreign students) you might be able to find a job with the International program at the Uni and you would be able to speak English. These kinds of Study abroad programs are offered in many Universities... you just need to research it online to find out where they are.

 

I am pretty sure anyone can live in a Studentenwohnheim but most of the time, you are only allowed to live there for 3 years or so and then you need to move out. Studentenwohnheim's are great places to live to meet people and they are usually already furnished!

 

Hope that helped