Looking for some advice from my expat US brothers

[cocsp2002]

So, my wife and I are talking about the possibility of moving to Europe when I get out of the Navy. Of course this is dependent on me getting my bachelor's, and being able to find a job over there.

The thing is, we don't know the best way to make the move. Everything seems WAY more expensive over there, and short of finding a RIDICULOUS job over there, we don't know how we'll be able to make it work.

So bottom line, anyone who has made the move, do you have advice?

And everyone else, here's your opportunity to call me a commie, or unpatriotic, or get a lynch mob together, or whatever it is we knee-jerk Americans like to do to deserters like me.

[bearcat87]

I've had the same thoughts. Probably not a permanent move but I would like to experience another place for a while.

[snusjus]

I've had the same thoughts. Probably not a permanent move but I would like to experience another place for a while.

Same here! I may be leaving the country with my parents in a few years. I want to experience other culture as well.

[TBD]

Re: Looking for some advice from my expat US brothers

And everyone else, here's your opportunity to call me a commie, or unpatriotic, or get a lynch mob together, or whatever it is we knee-jerk Americans like to do to deserters like me.

Fine get out of my country you commie traitor!

Feel better now? :lol:


Really I have no problem with people going wherever they like. If Europe sounds like fun, go for it. I wish I had traveled more as a young'un. A couple of years living in another country would be interesting.

My only advice is based on me thinking about moving to Canada. they are pretty strict about making sure you can contribute to their society. as in having a skill in a needed field. I didn't so I am still in the states, married with kids and stuck for a few more years.

[cocsp2002]

If it helps, I'm working toward a BS in physics right now...I'm not sure what I can do with that, but it seems f-ing cool!!!

[BMasiak]

If it helps, I'm working toward a BS in physics right now...I'm not sure what I can do with that, but it seems f-ing cool!!!

No way of you PCS'ing to Europe? Other than getting those orders, the move would be hellova lot easier :lol:

[Starcadia]

Yeah, that was one thing that was interesting to me when I was thinking about moving to Europe some years ago (~2001). They don't just take in anybody. They generally want you to be a valuable citizen, and they don't want to take on your debt. They want you to be profitable. At least Sweden was like that. I was born there and have lots of family there, but I missed my chance for easy citizenship after I turned 28 or something.

Now the idea seems daunting. It's hard enough to move 30 minutes away, much less another country and another culture, across the ocean. But I still like the idea of having the opportunity to get rid of everything not-important and the adventure of it.

I decided not to, because although there were, at the time, a lot of things I didn't like about America, the process of thinking about it helped me recognize a lot of the things that are great about this country that I'd been taking for granted, which I'd miss. But if I were given an opportunity to do it relatively easily for a few years, I'd do it. Why not?

[luckysealy]

i was considering moving to scotland at one point. i am fortunate that they need tradesmen. i am an electrician so they would love to have me. i have a good friend there that is a lawyer, she was willing to help me, be prepared for a lot of paperwork, and quiet a few headaches. who knows i might still move over there scotland is an awesome place. the weather is lovely.

[holnrew]

the weather is lovely.

Are you insane?

[holnrew]

Re: Looking for some advice from my expat US brothers

The thing is, we don't know the best way to make the move. Everything seems WAY more expensive over there, and short of finding a RIDICULOUS job over there, we don't know how we'll be able to make it work.

I'm not an expat, I just live here... But we seem to get by alright here. You might have to get used to a drop in the standard of living, houses will be smaller etc. but your quality of life will still be great.

You will more than likely have to learn the local language though, especially if you go to France!

Places like Germany, The Netherlands and Scandinavia speak English very well though.

[luckysealy]

lol i keep thinking of little britain. "every year literally 10's of people vacation in scotland"

[outsidelinebacker20]

I am an American here in Germany. As an American, you need a visa to stay longer than 3 months. To get one, you could study. But, then there is the language issue. You might have to look for a university or school teaching in English if you do not speak German. These exist, but I only know of one off hand and they teach people studying to be reverends. Then there is getting married. Not an option for you. Otherwise, you need to have a skill they need badly, as someone alluded to. It is probably similar elsewhere in the EU. I will help in any way I can. Ask me here, on private message or at outsidelinebacker20@yahoo.com.

Kevin