Living in Europe.

[ProgRapture]

This is a looong time off, but I've been thinking about taking a year off to go live in Europe somewhere while I've got the chance. My eventual plan is to have a place to live and a job, but I'm not going anywhere without knowing what I am doing.

I have never tried to go outside the country, and aside from a passport, to get a job and an apartment in Europe, what paperwork will I need to get in order? Work permit? Temporary citizenship?

I know people who have just tented their whole year in Europe, but I'm looking for something a little more permanent, and I don't want to dive in head first without some preperation. Thanks!

[Mark Latimour]

A lot of places offer a two year work/holiday visa which allows you to work temporarily for a limited period (usually 1 year out of the two) and holiday during the remaining part. This is the most common work/travel arrangement which people do. What I would suggest is find somewhere to base yourself where you can earn a half decent living. The UK is pretty good as there are a lot of jobs (depending on your field), but other cities are just as good. Then look at the visa requirements and options. If you have the will, live in a country with a more foreign culture. I really like France, but I hear good things about Germany and Amsterdam. The culture won't be so alien, but its definitely different from the US / UK. Money is the big issue. Europe is expensive, particularly for Americans with the dollar weak. Make sure you can get employment and dont be afraid to take work in a bar or something. In the UK sometimes you can get jobs in pubs where they provide your accommodation for free. If you are going to the UK and you are short on cash, consider living outside of London. London is one of the most expensive places you could find yourself.

[vene-nemesis]

Europe is not small place, where are you aiming to go? What field do you have experience? Have you got in mind the actual economical crisis all along europe before actually deciding such an adventure?

[ProgRapture]

To Mark: That info was excellent! Thanks.

To Vene: Specifically Holland, and I know, everyone thinks I'm going there for the coffee shops and red light district, but I would like to stay there due to the fact that it's a relatively safe place, and a well established tourism site. As for experience, I'm only twenty, but I have experience in factory, retail, and insurance fields, and an Eagle scout, lifeguard and CPR certified. As for the economic crisis, I'm glad you pointed that out. The more people that ask me these questions and force me to answer will help prepare me.