Moving to Europe

[Discombobula]

As a kid it has always been a dream to move to Europe and call it home there, and now that my days are coming to a end in my high school years, I'm considering this thought. I have a lot of questions I wish to ask and hope you can answer them if at all possible, please do not think of this as "An American kid that just wants to come vacation here in Europe" this is as a permanent residence if at all possible.

Questions nowIf you need to know more about the above, feel free to post your own question)
1. I understand high school works differently there, would my US diploma be viewed as the same for applying for colleges/jobs in Europe?
2. If not, will going back to school in Europe be required then?
3. My plans out of high school is to become a EMT-Paramedic and eventually work my way up to a general surgeon then after, go for cardiology. Do you know any schools that offer an EMT-paramedic program? Could I take this course in the USA and still be certified in Europe?
4. I do plan to stay in Europe to actually settle, is citizenship possible? if so how so?
5. If I remember right, USA requires that a citizenship be found at the age of 18 and only one can be claimed is this correct?
6. Obviously I won't be moving in till I know I have a place to settle in and I am slightly prepared for the experience to actually leave everyone behind, what is to be expected job market/school wise?
7. I understand that Americans are sometimes viewed badly in Europe, would me being American cause me any trouble?


These are just some that I have on my mind for now, I'll keep updating as some are answered. Please, post your opinion on this matter, this is all something I am considering but may change my mind.

[Lomppa]

Doubt anyone would care about where you are from, but you should find out what country you wanna settle in. Things about work and school can or is different from country to country.

So i would recommend you to first find out what country you like the most, and then talk to some sort of counsler.

[Nakatomii]

Hi!

Well dont know all the answers to your questions. But I think you worry to much.

First of all Europe is not small so like if you choose a country than answering your questions would be alot easier. Second of all Americans are nog viewed bad in Europe... its just the fact that USA always gets their noses in to other people business when they benefit from it... :P But no I you were to choose The Netherlands and become my neighbor id welcome you here


Well So first of all choose the country you wanna live in.. for example dont like alot of rain.. don't move to England and The Netherlands...

Want people that are willing to speak English id say to my own feelings dont go to France.. Want a warm climate move to spain... Other than that Germany is a very pretty country but most of the things are translated into German (but other than that...)

Well of course The Netherlands also is a very nice country to live in..

But like I said first of alle narrow you're choice down so that people can answer more in detail.

[Deleted]

Americans are not viewed badly in Europe, i believe thats some kinda bias that prolly goes both ways. But where I live people love americans.

[Twinkeltoe]

First of all, it might help if you'd tell us the name of the country you want to go
All countries in Europe have different rules about immigration.
I used to work for Dutch immigration so everything I type about this is how it works for Holland, dunno if it's the same for other countries.

As a kid it has always been a dream to move to Europe and call it home there, and now that my days are coming to a end in my high school years, I'm considering this thought. I have a lot of questions I wish to ask and hope you can answer them if at all possible, please do not think of this as "An American kid that just wants to come vacation here in Europe" this is as a permanent residence if at all possible.

Questions nowIf you need to know more about the above, feel free to post your own question)
1. I understand high school works differently there, would my US diploma be viewed as the same for applying for colleges/jobs in Europe?
2. If not, will going back to school in Europe be required then?

It's kinda dependend on the college/job, you apply for.
For jobs it depends on whoever is hiring.
For schools it's different.
Some schools require you to have certain degrees before you can enter, some don't.
However if you're 21+ you can do an exam for every university in Holland.
It then teaches you the courses needed for the program and if you make that, you've shown that your basic knowledge is enough to have a change to finish the education.
These courses are crash courses and can be done in a few week/months with a maxiumum of 1 year.

3. My plans out of high school is to become a EMT-Paramedic and eventually work my way up to a general surgeon then after, go for cardiology. Do you know any schools that offer an EMT-paramedic program? Could I take this course in the USA and still be certified in Europe?

I did a quick google search and there are courses for it here.
I'm no specialist on it so I can't say for sure but I think it depends on the course you do in the USA.
If you wanna do the course in the USA, ask there if the course has international worth.

4. I do plan to stay in Europe to actually settle, is citizenship possible? if so how so?

Short version:
You need to pay money

Long Version:
It depends on your purpose of stay.
If your purpose of stay is studying, you can get a permit for as long as you keep studying.
You do need to have enough financial backing or a scholarship though and you aren't allowed to work while you're on that permit.
After you finish school you can get a different permit which allows you to work.

You can apply for a working permit but unless they've changed it since I've left the immigration service, you need to have the job before you come to Holland.

You can apply for a permit to stay with a partner.
Since you've never said anything about that in your post, I don't think that's gonna help you

If you've had a valid permit for more then 5 years you can apply for Dutch citizenship (note: unless your purpose of stay is studying (and a few more exceptions).

Immigration site for more information

5. If I remember right, USA requires that a citizenship be found at the age of 18 and only one can be claimed is this correct?

Dunno about the USA but it's possible to have 2 nationalities on Holland (altough it's a point of discussion in politics)

6. Obviously I won't be moving in till I know I have a place to settle in and I am slightly prepared for the experience to actually leave everyone behind, what is to be expected job market/school wise?

Schools are good here and Universities in Holland have special programs to help people from abroad to find houseing and helping with the permits.
The job market is depended on schooling and what kind of jobs you want to do.

7. I understand that Americans are sometimes viewed badly in Europe, would me being American cause me any trouble?

Nah, it's more an us against them thingy.
Unless you start spewing *insert your favorite bash American phrase* you'll be fine.
And else our legalized weed will help

These are just some that I have on my mind for now, I'll keep updating as some are answered. Please, post your opinion on this matter, this is all something I am considering but may change my mind.

My opinion:
If you want it, go for it !!!
I'm hoping to leave Holland in a few years for Japan myself

[herminatores]

Europe is not a country, Europe is a continent
For American guy I d suggest England, you wouldnt have to learn their language at least. Easier to study ect.

[TenDance]

Totally irresponsible that stuff in Germany usually is in German. ^^

Considering the whole Job-stuff i would advise you to speak with the embassy of your desired future homecountry. I believe nearly all of your questions will be answered there.

The hard part for you is to decide WHICH country you would like to go.

If you are willing - and able - to learn a new language, choose the culture you prefer.
If not, I would say choose one of the northern countries. You won't have that many problems with speaking english in most of europe since english is educated in almost any country. But usually roadsigns and stuff is written in the country's language.
So, especially for finding a job, there won't be another way than learning the foreign language.

In the nordic region (norway, sweden) TV and stuff is usually just subtitled if they show Hollywoodstuff. So many people there speak splendid english.

Also something to consider is the quite large american in Germany. There still are a lot of people working there for the army - if you want to start in Europe but are afraid of a "hard cut" then just try to get a job with a civilian contractor there.

[Kesolovac]

You can come to Serbia We are poor, not very developed, you ll need to learn Serbian, surgeon salaries are very low (as everyone else's are) but... boy do we know how to party

[YouAreAllWrong]

As people said, Europe is very diverse, waaay more than US is. That means that countries are different in almost every way (from economy, politics, education, culture etc). So you have to choose where you want to go first, to answer most of your questions.

Also, It's very important to know that you have to learn the country's language in order to work and live there. Yes a lot of people in Europe (in general) can speak English on a decent level, but you have to learn the language if you plan to stay for a long time.

My country has supposedly high "anti-Americanism" rates. All you have to know is that if you treat people with respect, they will treat you with respect too, no matter where you come from. If you're being douche and condescending, well then you will be treated accordingly.

[Kulthor]

Yea, Being American might be a problem.
Seems like almost all Europeans I run into hate me just because I am American but not for who I am.
Then again, I haven't actually been to anywhere in Europe this is all coming from Online experience which might not be much in your case.
Hope things work out.

[boneschaman]

all americans I've met in reallife were very kind people, most of us don't like USA but we've got no problem with the people

You should talk to your embassy in the countries you would like to join. Even if most of the countries in Europe are in the EU (European Union) they are still very different. (I suggest an EU country)
greetings from germany.

[Aylasita]

As a kid it has always been a dream to move to Europe and call it home there, and now that my days are coming to a end in my high school years, I'm considering this thought. I have a lot of questions I wish to ask and hope you can answer them if at all possible, please do not think of this as "An American kid that just wants to come vacation here in Europe" this is as a permanent residence if at all possible.

Questions nowIf you need to know more about the above, feel free to post your own question)
1. I understand high school works differently there, would my US diploma be viewed as the same for applying for colleges/jobs in Europe?
2. If not, will going back to school in Europe be required then?
3. My plans out of high school is to become a EMT-Paramedic and eventually work my way up to a general surgeon then after, go for cardiology. Do you know any schools that offer an EMT-paramedic program? Could I take this course in the USA and still be certified in Europe?
4. I do plan to stay in Europe to actually settle, is citizenship possible? if so how so?
5. If I remember right, USA requires that a citizenship be found at the age of 18 and only one can be claimed is this correct?
6. Obviously I won't be moving in till I know I have a place to settle in and I am slightly prepared for the experience to actually leave everyone behind, what is to be expected job market/school wise?
7. I understand that Americans are sometimes viewed badly in Europe, would me being American cause me any trouble?


These are just some that I have on my mind for now, I'll keep updating as some are answered. Please, post your opinion on this matter, this is all something I am considering but may change my mind.

First off all you speak as if Europe is a country, or the United states of Europe, which we are not. Saying your dream is to move to Europe is like saying your dream is to move to 50 completely different places with all different cultures and languages.

Now the best place to start if you indeed dream of moving to "Europe" is to decide which country you wish to move to. Only 1 part of Europe has English as their first language, The united Kingdom. Other than that you are looking at up to 50 other languages that you might want to think about learning. Without any education or language skills you can pretty much forget about getting a job in these countries.

Education is probably your best bet. Pick a country or a few countries and look into the various universities that offer the courses you wish to attend, then look into the possibilities of you joining them as a foreign student. Then take it from there. Again might want to consider the fact that the studies most likely will not be in English and you will be needing to pick up a some skills in a new language.

You ask if your high school diploma will count towards you getting a job here. No. Not because it doesn't count being a different system. but because what job are you actually thinking of being able to get in a foreign country with only a high school diploma ?

You also ask if you will be viewed badly being an American, somewhat yes. but it's Viewed only and no harm will come to you because of it.

Personally, I think you need to do a LOT more research, specially about the "Europe" that you dream to move to and what it actually is, education programs and options for you to study here, and possibly learn that the magical land of Europe does not exist. In addition to that I would say you need to grow a little bit more up and get some realistic paths set out for you to follow.

With that said, best of luck to you and we'll see you some day!

[Deleted]

There are about 50 countries in Europe. Almost every country has a different language and different laws.

Don't do it! If you did not think about it well enough to realise that Europe is not the EU and the EU is not the U.S. of Europe you do not know enough about the world to make such a decision.

It's like some european kid would like to hunt buffalo with his squaw.


If you are interested in Europe, do a round trip. If you like one country in particular, learn the local language, then visit for six months and then consider moving there.

PS. What most europeans do not like are american manners. If you ride the "we'r #1" bandwagon, block every inch of space you possibly can and display similar lack of common knowledge like in your post, then yeah, most people will not like you.
If you are considerate of local manners, history and culture or at least show that you are eager to learn, only the idiots will hate you.

Your high school diploma is insufficient in most european countries. Some accept very high SAT scores as an equivallent for admission to universities.
But in case of medicine the chances are even slimmer. The numerus clausus is very high for medicine.
In Germany you can bring it down with a three years medical education as a paramedic (its like every kind of EMT training+some more together), but I doubt it would be sufficient.
Once upon a time you could have attended university for free in many europeen countries. Now you have to pay up. Not as much as in the U.S. but some.

[Homsel]

1. I understand high school works differently there, would my US diploma be viewed as the same for applying for colleges/jobs in Europe?
2. If not, will going back to school in Europe be required then?
3. My plans out of high school is to become a EMT-Paramedic and eventually work my way up to a general surgeon then after, go for cardiology. Do you know any schools that offer an EMT-paramedic program? Could I take this course in the USA and still be certified in Europe?

As far as know my sisters career, you simply have to apply to the Red Cross for EMT (this is for Germany). Your diploma must be sufficient for this. But you propably cannot take the course in the US because it's associated to the law of our federal states (like medical degree at an university).

4. I do plan to stay in Europe to actually settle, is citizenship possible? if so how so?
5. If I remember right, USA requires that a citizenship be found at the age of 18 and only one can be claimed is this correct?

I'm not sure what's necessary to apply for a citizenship, but after it is granted you free to choose where you want to settle - except it's in the same country you're working in (but that's very likely to be the case).

6. Obviously I won't be moving in till I know I have a place to settle in and I am slightly prepared for the experience to actually leave everyone behind, what is to be expected job market/school wise?
7. I understand that Americans are sometimes viewed badly in Europe, would me being American cause me any trouble?

Simply: no - not those, who come here. Only ignorants and they stay in their small world .

[Twinkeltoe]

Don't do it! If you did not think about it well enough to realise that Europe is not the EU and the EU is not the U.S. of Europe you do not know enough about the world to make such a decision.

It's like some european kid would like to hunt buffalo with his squaw.

Ooooooh that sounds great, where do I sign up

If you are interested in Europe, do a round trip. If you like one country in particular, learn the local language, then visit for six months and then consider moving there.

I agree on the round trip.
It will give you a better idea what to expect here.

Learning the local language abroad can be tough though.
It's easier to learn it when you're in the country.
As an American you're exempt from learning Dutch if you come here.
1 of the requirements for getting a Dutch permit is to be able to read/write/speak basic Dutch but due to regulations between the USA and Holland you don't have to have that (Getting a visum is also easier for an American then say an Brazilian).
I'd still recommend learning the local language when you get there though.

[Moon-Man]

Come to Australia instead lol

[RoboA]

Yea, Being American might be a problem.
Seems like almost all Europeans I run into hate me just because I am American but not for who I am.
Then again, I haven't actually been to anywhere in Europe this is all coming from Online experience which might not be much in your case.
Hope things work out.

The internet is filled with people that dont speak their mind irl and therefore they may seem very hatefull to you online.

In my country we like americans and most of us speak decent english.

[Noomz]

Europe is a continent not a country, and based on just asking that, no-one can give you any detailed help on applying for citizenship, value of education etc.
Specify a country of your choice and you can get a lot more usefull help other then the broad tips there are now.

[Deleted]

If you were considering coming to the UK i would recommend Northern Ireland, Scotland or the north of England as cost of living in southern England is ridiculous. But to be honest the amount of people who speak English in Holland, Belgium and Denmark is immense. Denmark is quite an expensive country to live in but it has good education and work opportunities. Holland and Belgium have good education and work opportunities and are not so expensive to live in.

Much like the continent of Europe though the individual countries are even fractured, An example or two would be like some parts of Belgium speak Flemish and others French or in my home nation Scotland you will understand people from the south and the east very easily but not people from the north and west.

It will not be easy for you but i wish you luck

Oh by the way most of us(Scots) are moving the other way, Just not too many to the US but instead our nation of choice is Canada!

[Deleted]

I think Netherlands and Belgium would be the best countries for an American to live in, because in those countries people speak English quite well, and they won't care or won't judge you on where you're from. I'm a Belgian and I think it would be cool to know an American. About France, people aren't as good in speaking English and might not be as friendly to Americans as Belgians/the Dutch. In England you won't have problems with your English of course, but in my opinion the English share a sort of unfriendliness(/hate even?) towards Americans. I don't really know about other countries, below France it's nice and warm with generally friendly people, may not be very good at English. Above Netherlands it's colder but also very friendly people (the Nordic people are known to be friendly but to be reserved/introvert also).