As an expatriate living abroad, all I can say is bring money. Living in europe is very expensive, gas, rent, taxes one everything. I live and work in Germany, I got lucky I came over as a military family member and then found a job. It is very difficult to come over and get a work permit without a sponsor. IF you come over on your tourist passport and then try to look for work you may be disappointed because you are only over legally for 90 days. Then you have to leave europe for 30 days and then you can come back. My suggestion to you would be to find a job as a private contractor affliated with the US military, as they will sponsor you give you and ID card that will allow you the same type of privaleges that military folks get, mainly cheap gas!!reasonable groceries, etc. Some of the big techies contractors are SAIC, Littleton, Raytheon they all have websites with job listings. Good luck!!

Hi, <BR> <BR>Thank you everyone, the responses here are so heartwarming. and very very helpful too. I have had so many of you contact me privately about this, and I want you to know I really appreciate the support. <BR> <BR>There are too many of you to name individually - just know that I am very grateful and can only hope I am able to help you all in return! <BR> <BR>I just heard word from a potential employer, they are interested in me however there are many hurdles - first being the Visa issue. But that is a great step - direct contact! No way to know what will happen but it is a positive sign. <BR> <BR>thank you again, maybe at some point I will be able to post adventures here from the UK! <BR> <BR>Beth

Hi, Beth, <BR> <BR>Sounds like a great adventure! Having worked in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand for 4 years (for a US company, working out of Singapore), I know what a great experience working abroad can be. The opportunities are not as plentiful as they used to be -- though I hear the CIA is hiring! -- but I think they are there for those who make it a priority to find such opportunities. It is easiest to go abroad with a US company, as they are aware of, and usually willing to take care of, the work permit requirements up front.Regarding jobs, definitely take a peak at the job listings in the front and back of the Economist magazine each week. Also, for professional jobs, check out Michael Page International (http://www.michaelpage.com). Many other web sites have international recruiting sections now as well. Also, don't forget to check out University or non-profit jobs abroad, especially if they have US affiliations. <BR> <BR>Happy hunting. best of luck. <BR> <BR>John H

Best of good fortune Beth:)

Beth, best of luck to you! Almost 40 years ago I set off for Paris with letters of rec to two American law firms there, with no knowledge of work permits/visas, etc. (you know the expression babe in the woods?) Luckily I landed a part-time job at one, which allowed me to go to school in the AM. They say God looks after fools and children. (I think I was both.) <BR> <BR>I'm sure with your experience, both international travel and work, and your pizzazz, you will succeed. What an adventure--do keep us posted.

Beth--getting direct contact from a company is an extremely good sign. Obviously, nothing may come out of it, but they must be pretty interested if they bothered to contact you. The visa thing is really the worst part of the red tape. The rest of it isn't that bad, except for having to pack up and inventory every single thing you own. I had to provide counts of everything for the shipping company, including books, CDs, glasses, etc. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Beth - <BR>Status? Anything new to report?

Hi all <BR> <BR>Today is my last day at work. It's been a nutty nutty week, I apologize to anyone I owe an email to - I have not been as good at getting back to everyone this week, as I usually am. <BR> <BR>I have made many many contacts, and have gotten my resume out there, way out there, but other than AOL in London have not gotten any nibbles. no word back on that yet, it's been a week.. but it's only been TWO weeks since I started this quest so I am not worried, I expected this to take a while. <BR> <BR>It's been hard to fully devote myself to the search this week, it will be much easier when I am not spending 40+ hours a week trying to wrap up the last year of my life! :-) <BR> <BR>Thank you, everyone, for the moral support and showing an interest in my little world. <BR> <BR>I think I need to keep good notes on what I am doing - maybe I'll write a book about it, after it's all over! projects projects more projects... <BR> <BR>&lt;wink&gt; <BR> <BR>Beth

I wish you all the best. Do not forget to keep in touch. All of us will be keeping our fingers crossed!

Congrats! As an American who has been an expat in Shanghai for 3 years, and before that in Geneva and Paris, I can tell you that my husband and I believe that being an expat is one of the world's best kept secrets!! (Although obviously it's not for everyone.) <BR> <BR>Based on our experience and that of our friends and aquaintances here, if you are lucky enough to get hired in an executive/management position while you're still in the US, you are likely to make a LOT more money than if you are a "local hire" - maybe it's because they know that if you're already in the country, you really NEED a job. Same idea as that it's easier to get a job when you HAVE a job, as opposed to interviewing for a job when you're unemployed. (More on strategies if you post on the board I mention below - hate to be so longwinded here since we're OT). <BR> <BR>The above posters are correct, however, in saying that you're more likely to FIND a job once you're where you want to be. <BR> <BR>I recommend that you visit some expat sites for more info, advice, & tips from those who have done it - my personal haunt is: <BR> <BR>http://boards2.parentsplace.com/mess...triates18.html <BR> <BR> <BR>There are from 2 to 5 million Americans currently living abroad - you can do it too!!! Best of luck. Feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions.

Ireland would be a reasonable place to try first as there is a large telecoms business there with many American companies.With unemployment under 4% there are jobs in many fields and companies can generally get visas for workers without too much red tape.If you have an Irish-born parent or grandparent you can get an Irish passport and work anywhere in the European Community.Try www.irishjobs.com.There are thousands of Americans working in Ireland in recent years.On the negative side wages are lower than in the U.S. and the cost of apartments in Dublin is quite high.

go for yours beth! no time like the present.

Beth: <BR> <BR>Please send your new e-mail address so we can keep in touch. <BR> <BR>Regards .. Ger

Hi all <BR> <BR>more self indulgent news: <BR> <BR>I got a follow up from the employer who seemed interested in me - a phone interview, it's a start! <BR> <BR>yay! <BR> <BR>Beth

Beth-one red-tapey thing I forgot to mention: Not matter where in the world you are living, you are still required to file a U.S. tax return. The form is confusing, particularly the one for partial year residence (my husband's a CPA, and it took him about 3 hours to complete). <BR> <BR>The U.S. has tax treaties with the majority of the countries you're probably considering, so it's not like you'll have to pay extra tax or anything.

Beth, <BR> <BR>I'm new to the post but i wanted to wish you luck and send my congrats on your new adventure!! <BR> <BR>can't wait to hear how this develops. my husband and i are looking at going to dublin in a few months. <BR> <BR>from what i've heard as soon as you give them dates that you'll be in town they are willing to set up interviews like crazy. you'll get there and when you do enjoy it! :) <BR> <BR>good luck! <BR>JP