U.S. citizens: If you live/have lived in Europe, how did you make it happen?
 

Funny question for the 4th of July, eh? :)

But, my husband and I just finished watching Italy and Germany in the World Cup and started talking about how much we think we'd like living in Italy.

Question is: How? I have a close friend living in Shanghai and my sister has dual citizenship in Australia, but they both managed their living arrangements in very different ways - neither of which would be possible for me.

I'm interested in hearing how others have arranged to live abroad, primarily in Europe, for an extended time. Also, any suggestions for doing so? If it helps, I will have my degree in school counseling next year, and my husband is an accountant. We currently have no children.

Thanks!

What type of accountant? If he is a CPA with one of the big firms - you have your answer right there

He's in auditing . . . still working on his CPA. Is being a CPA the ticket or working for one of the big four?

If he has his CPA, works for a big four firm it will probably be quite easy for him to transfer to another office (assuming that he is good). language will be an issue - if he can only speak English he may be limited to the UK. The Big 4 firms frequently transfer people - it is alos very popular to go down to Australia

Have you considered working as a counselor at a Department of Defense school overseas? I lived in Sicily for 3 years and my children attended DOD schools. My husband was in the military so that is the reason we were there.

One other thought - before you take the plunge on the back of the work of either you or your husband make sure that you fully understand and accept the employment opportunities of the other - i.e. if he gets a job can you work and if so at what

JaneB, I was at a conference recently and heard of possibilities for counseling overseas. I would like to research that option more, for sure. I wonder how the DOD does their hiring?

wombat7, I'll mention the big four idea to my husband. I knew they frequently hired for Bermuda, but was unaware the same applied to Europe.

Paucie Usually DOD does most of their hiring in the states. I have been hired two different times here in San Diego. I taught in Germany, came home, then later was offered another teaching job in Spain. However, one of my friends came to visit me and was hired through DOD personal in Germany. Her benefits weren't as good though. But in the long run her "bennies" turned out great as she married an army officer who only had two years left of duty. He's a lawyer and she got to stay home with the kids. Sooo ..

P - usually helps to do a few years with a big 4 "at home" before applying for a posting overseas.

I had the same idea when we would travel to Europe, and took a job as a civilian contractor/dentist in an army clinic. As someone else posted, your best bet would be with the DOD schools. There is a website, and I once had it in my favorites, as my wife is a school psychologist and was going to try to get hired over there as well.
For your hubby, he should contact AAFES (pronounced AYE-Fees) stands for Army/AirForce Exchange services. There is another group of words that they say it stands for, but I won't repeat that :)
AAFES runs the "PX" system, Commissaries (grocery stores) and lots of other businesses..and I would think they need accountants. I am pretty sure that AAFES is owned by Halliburton. HMMMM
SO.....one area to certainly look into is the companies that service the military bases.

We currently live in Germany. My hubby is a civilian contractor for the U.S. Air Force. There are lots of companies that you can work for as a contractor.

You can also look for government jobs at www.usajobs.com. And, as mentioned before, working for DODDS (Department of Defense Dependant Schools) is also a great option.

We currently live in Scotland. We're here b/c of DH's job. He worked for the company in the states and they need engineers here. I know another American couple who is here b/c her husband is a CPA, worked at a big 4 firm, is an auditor, now they're here.

One thing I will say is that living somewhere is nothing like being there for vacation. The ideal is nice, but you need to consider the reality (small washing machines, limited selection at in the shops, anti-Americanism, etc.).

So true, neeps. It is also very unlikely that both of you will have jobs to your liking. Strangely enough, I am a CPA (along the lines of this thread)--and I spent my days playing bridge and substitute teaching in the DOD school. My husband, however, had a wonderful job flying VIP's all over Europe and the Middle East. Compare and contrast our 3 years in Sicily!!!

I have Italian/American citizenship but because my mother's Italian.
To work and live in Italy as a non-European citizen you need a permit of stay (in Italian, "permesso di soggiorno"). Without it you can neither reside or work in Italy. If I'm not mistaken you might be able to get it through your Italian or foreign employer. I'd call your nearest Italian embassy or consolate and ask them what you need to do to obtain a permesso di soggiorno.
Be warned, Italy is a bureacratic nightmare...but if you saw the World Cup and some of the Italian players, the men are to die for (I got me one!!!) and make all the hair-pulling totally worth it. Although, your hubby might not enjoy hearing this!!;)

JaneB - I'm also a CPA. I'm still looking for that ever eluisve job though. Until I find it I guess it's more time on fodors, lamenting the lack of storage in my tiny fridge, and dreaming of Mexican food. The life of an ex-pat wife :-)

The www.usajobs.gov is a good place to start. Also try www.cpol.army.mil and look under Employment. We are here in Germany as DOD civilians and love the benefits (especially the reduced price gas rations :)) Also try the Navy website for jobs, https://chart.donhr.navy.mil as the Navy has a bigger presence in Italy than the Army or Air Force. Auditors usually don't have a problem finding work over here. For you, try the DODDS/DODEA website at http://www.eu.dodea.edu/pers/vacancies.htm

This is our second time here since 2000 and we love it.

Don't mean to hijack, but this is an appealing concept.... At least going abroad for a couple of years would be appealing...

Would love to hear from any lawyers out there who have done this and been able to work. Not just big firm people, though.

Sardog!!! Woohoo! I was just thinking of you the other day. Do you still have your old email address? I would love to touch base. :D

BTW...we're moving again...

Paucie...we moved abroad with a large consulting firm. You probably wouldn't get Italy but anyplace over here is an experience well worth having.

Good luck!

Slojan! Woo hoo yourself! I'm at [email protected] Would love to hear from you. We're back in Germany, but in Wiesbaden this time. Loving it!

sardog, check your email.
Cheers,
J