Help!! I need some serious advise - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

britkettle · 03-20-2005, 01:19 PM

Okay guys, I need ya!! Shanie (dimples) and I are planning a trip to Western Europe this summer. It was supposed to be a month and a half long trip, but as we have discussed the trip, the idea of us moving there has begun to blossom. We are both kind of feeling like we are floating in the mid-air of our lives and just kind of going through the motions. Moving overseas is something that both of us have wanted to do for a long time, and the opportunity seems to be there. Here is my issue, I am speaking only for myself because I think Shanie will go no matter what, I will go to Europe being prepared to move there, getting everything back here taken care of before we leave. Then when we find a place that we like enough we will stay there. The places that we are most interested in are Spain and Italy. So my practical side (

) is starting to freak out about being able to find a job and an affordable place to live there. Also the fact that it is almost exactly two months away and that means packing up my entire house and getting everything taken care of. I think I will just buy a one way ticket and then if I decide that I hate it and want to go home, I will just buy another one-way ticket.

SO...

Give some advise to a girl who is a little bit scared about making a decision like this, advise can also be substituted by reassurance that I am not making a crazy decision!!!!

**kingcrazylegs** · 03-20-2005, 02:18 PM

If you want it, then you'll make it happen. I ended up in Europe for 5 years when I went over there only planning to be there 6 months or so...so hell ya, go for it. What do you have to lose?

berwin · 03-20-2005, 02:32 PM

I say go for it!! I am, i'm leaving in less than 5 months to move to Europe for a year, and i'm only 16, lol. But i'll be moving back to the states to finish my senior year. But then hopefully i'll move back after high school.

foofiter · 03-20-2005, 05:51 PM

Don't forget visas! You may want to get that squared away first. Being deported would be heartbreaking not to mention a pain in the ass. I am not saying that it is a sure thing but just keep it in mind.

But I wish you the best of luck! I am actually jealous. My plans are to become debt free and then save some money the buy a one-way ticket and work my way around the world. The target is currently 2008.

foofiter

dimples · 03-20-2005, 09:56 PM

brit i say we just say screw it to everything!! Sell it all and just go where ever!!
And to everyone else... on a more serious note...we really do need advice on getting jobs and a place to live in either Italy or Spain...anything helps!

**ChasinJason1313** · 03-20-2005, 10:45 PM

hate to be the bringer of bad news here, and I hope I'm wrong. But from what I understand is it is almost impossible to work overseas legally as an American for any extended amount of time. If you find a way, I'd love to know. Even all the English teaching jobs in Europe are going to Brits and Irish cuz now that the EU is up and running they have no visa restrictions. Most places don't want to deal with the hassle of getting visas for an american.

Like I said, if you find a way to do it please tell me cuz I'd like to try that too.

Jason

**bluepea** · 03-21-2005, 12:19 PM

Hey Brit, I'm with KCL on this - you can make it happen if you want to. While it is increasingly difficult to get legal work, it's most definitely not impossible. If au pairing sounds at all appealing, you can get work doing that. I have a friend that moved to Germany a few years ago doing this. Also, you could possibly get a federal contract job (through the US). That's one thing Jake's looking into.

I definitely recommend calling (not emailing) the embassy for whichever country and talking to someone and see what kind of assistance they offer. That's how my friend got his job.

you could also go to school overseas and ride on a student visa for awhile.

Or, you can do it the illegal way. You risk deportation, but come on, imagine what a story that would make for your kids.

travelguy · 03-21-2005, 12:29 PM

i actually saw quite a few americans giving tours there. if you know a little bit about the history of some cities you can try that. anyway, i wouldnt hesitate if i were you. things always seem to work out in the end. if you decide not to do this, youll probably kick your own ass in 10 or so years.

**kingcrazylegs** · 03-21-2005, 12:57 PM

There is also the option of doing voluntary work...you can often find orgs that will give you a small stipend or room and board if you are doing charitable work. Its usually not something you can arrange in advance, but possible to find once you are there.