Best country in Europe for expat
Jan 22nd, 2005, 05:47 AM
#41
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Hi
I'm not sure language is such a big issue for work.
As an expat I did projects in 30+ countries. With the exception of Hungary, where I needed an interpreter, I managed with English and (poor) French. And I imagine Hungary has more English spoken now. I was there just after the wall came down and the options were Hungarian, Russian, German.
For an american, I would suggest avoiding UK / Ireland. You will learn more about another culture by being in a different European country.
Peter
the-languedoc-page.com
Peter
I'm not sure language is such a big issue for work.
As an expat I did projects in 30+ countries. With the exception of Hungary, where I needed an interpreter, I managed with English and (poor) French. And I imagine Hungary has more English spoken now. I was there just after the wall came down and the options were Hungarian, Russian, German.
For an american, I would suggest avoiding UK / Ireland. You will learn more about another culture by being in a different European country.
Peter
the-languedoc-page.com
Peter
Jan 23rd, 2005, 04:12 AM
#42
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To say that the US and the UK/Ireland have the same culture is just wrong (there are even significant differences between the UK and Ireland). Sure, we share a common language (to a point), but as an American who's lived in Ireland for 3 years, and as someone who's married to an Irishman who has lived in the US for 12 years, I can tell you that there are very real cultural differences, and living here is the only way you discover those differences.
Jan 23rd, 2005, 12:10 PM
#43
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Thanks!
I think we've decided to put Brussels as our number one choice...considering Zurich, Frankfurt, and Vienna for our other choices. Once we select three, the coordinator will contact those offices to see if they have a need for someone with his background and qualifications. Fingers crossed!
I think we've decided to put Brussels as our number one choice...considering Zurich, Frankfurt, and Vienna for our other choices. Once we select three, the coordinator will contact those offices to see if they have a need for someone with his background and qualifications. Fingers crossed!
Apr 9th, 2006, 08:03 AM
#44
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Was going through my old posts and realized I never sent an update...
We moved to Brussels! Our first choice! We've been here for 6 months and are finally feeling somewhat settled. We have already managed to take several trips and already have 5 more in the works through August.
Is Beglium the best country in Europe for an expat? I think so
The weather stinks and the taxes are outrageous, but we are well located for travel, the language isn't a huge issue, the cost of living isn't too terrible, public transport is cheap and efficient, and we have quickly made many other expat friends in similar situations. Oh, and the food and the beer and the chocolate...OH MY!
I must say the expat experience it truly a series of highs and lows...sometimes I go to bed thinking it had been the best day of my life...somedays I pray to get deported because I can't stay in Belgium on more second. But I must say we made the right choice and I would recommend that anyone jump on a chance to live in Europe. We have 18 months left and I plan to enjoy every second of it.
Happy travels!
We moved to Brussels! Our first choice! We've been here for 6 months and are finally feeling somewhat settled. We have already managed to take several trips and already have 5 more in the works through August.
Is Beglium the best country in Europe for an expat? I think so
The weather stinks and the taxes are outrageous, but we are well located for travel, the language isn't a huge issue, the cost of living isn't too terrible, public transport is cheap and efficient, and we have quickly made many other expat friends in similar situations. Oh, and the food and the beer and the chocolate...OH MY! I must say the expat experience it truly a series of highs and lows...sometimes I go to bed thinking it had been the best day of my life...somedays I pray to get deported because I can't stay in Belgium on more second. But I must say we made the right choice and I would recommend that anyone jump on a chance to live in Europe. We have 18 months left and I plan to enjoy every second of it.
Happy travels!
Apr 12th, 2006, 12:07 AM
#47
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What fun to read this and to find out what happened!
And I love the part about lying in bed and thinking it was the best day or wishing to get deported LOL I do that and I am still in the US
Have a good and happy time in Belgium, LG!! and Thank you for telling us about it ~
And I love the part about lying in bed and thinking it was the best day or wishing to get deported LOL I do that and I am still in the US
Have a good and happy time in Belgium, LG!! and Thank you for telling us about it ~
Apr 12th, 2006, 01:11 AM
#48
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No job for me...I looked for a little while and finally gave up since we are here for such a short time. I stay busy enough and have actually enjoyed the time off.
We did bring our dog!!! I think she's pretty happy here but misses our backyard. And we are already sick of putting her on the elevator, down four floors and a block over to the park every time she has to "go" but it is so worth it to have her here! She is one well traveled pup- we took her to Paris and the Christmas markets in Germany. When she doesn't travel with us she stays with a Belgian family out in the suburbs.
We did bring our dog!!! I think she's pretty happy here but misses our backyard. And we are already sick of putting her on the elevator, down four floors and a block over to the park every time she has to "go" but it is so worth it to have her here! She is one well traveled pup- we took her to Paris and the Christmas markets in Germany. When she doesn't travel with us she stays with a Belgian family out in the suburbs.
Apr 12th, 2006, 01:53 AM
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To stay a few years and work I think you need a country where people are relaxed as they speak English. That seems to me to be Sweden certainly and probably other countries of Scandinavia, Finland, the Netherlands, Malta and Cyprus. I am not sure, but think they have no quarantine for pets.
You could think of Ireland or Britain, but would have less that is new to experience.
A firm in Holland, for example, would employ anybody who has skills and experiences useful to them, and who would learn a little Dutch and fit in to the firm’s habits. I was recently advising a man who wanted to come to Europe to do computing: openings were legion.
Ben Haines, London
[email protected]
You could think of Ireland or Britain, but would have less that is new to experience.
A firm in Holland, for example, would employ anybody who has skills and experiences useful to them, and who would learn a little Dutch and fit in to the firm’s habits. I was recently advising a man who wanted to come to Europe to do computing: openings were legion.
Ben Haines, London
[email protected]
Apr 12th, 2006, 11:31 AM
#51
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I'm an expat in Paris and I love everything about it. Just about every other expat I know here feels the same way. Paris is a wonderful place to visit but in some ways, it's even a better place to live. It really depends on your taste, interests, etc. but I think the lifestyle here is really fantastic.
I know 2 expats who brought pets (1 dog, 1 cat) with them. You do have to go through some hoops but you definitely can bring your dog.
AK
www.far-and-near.com
I know 2 expats who brought pets (1 dog, 1 cat) with them. You do have to go through some hoops but you definitely can bring your dog.
AK
www.far-and-near.com
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