Xenops wrote:zenmonkey wrote:
Second, one of the easiest way to move abroad is as a student, getting a upper level degree abroad will simplify the paperwork as well as finding a job. Think about how you might get a masters degree after your current one in a university in your target country. Remember EU schools are cheaper and may have funding sources.
This is an interesting point. Some years ago I was looking at doing medical school overseas, and I was under the impression that as soon as you finish school, the country wants you out. They wouldn't consider taking you for an internship. I suppose that this is limited to medical school, and if you go to school for another profession, you'll have an easier time?
Depends on the country and degree. A upper level degree may be a way of getting residency in several countries (It helped me to stay in France with my DEA - a post Master's degree.) Or it allows for a few years to find work (mobility schemes like in the UK and EU). You will also have an easier time finding a job through certain schools, even as a transitional job for a permit, while there as a student. Be aware that often the visas used for certain degrees are not exchangeable or transferable - people taking classes in "art schools" or "hair cutting schools" will find it hard to convert a student visa into a temp residence visa.
Xenops wrote:zenmonkey wrote:This can be a long conversation ... where do you want to go? Remember that it is highly important that you are moving TOWARDS a country and NOT just leaving something behind. If you are just escaping (and we have those expats here) then you'll likely not be happier landing somewhere else - we call those "short-timers" or "broken toys"...
If you are focusing on migrating I'd suggest you stop dabbling in lots of languages and really focus on one until you get it to at least a solid, certifiable B1 level - if you can do that before any thought of migration really occurring, it will be a big plus. As a student, you actually have more time than a person working full time. Get it done.
With the limited knowledge I have, Ireland takes precedence as the country I would want to move to. It sounds like the people are friendly, conservative, the weather's on the cool side but manageable, there's lots of history that interests me, there's lots of diversity, and it's really close to other places I want to visit. A bonus is, I already speak the language.
Again, with the limited knowledge I have, Quebec in Canada sounds interesting. I've heard stories of how when the provincial government tries to hike the gasoline tax, everyone just stops driving. I love their no-nonsense approach to government: the government is for the people, not the other-way-around. But I would have to be fluent in French.
I've also heard good things about Scandinavian countries. The quality of life seems to equal that of the U.S., or even better. My Norwegian side of the family has traced the genealogy back to the 1500's. There are other things I need to consider about these, though, like the taxes I'm not used to.
That's why I begin this thread: what should I consider when I move abroad? How should I start planning? I was thinking of you in particular when I started this thread, zenmonkey, and you gave me some direction that I wanted. Thank you.
Time to open three folders
- one for each country and you can start collecting guides, paperwork, requirements and what not... all three are possible. Canada is a pro-immigration country, particularly if you have health care skills.
Go to each
countries government sites and look at the immigration processes - Canada's is quite detailed and even outlines the entire point system on age, language, skills and the steps one needs to do to validate your degree there. Sites exist for Norway (UDI), etc...
For Norway and Ireland in particular - consider that these countries have strong national board requirements for a med. lab. scientist if you are working in a hospital and that you will need to get those before you can apply - so basically block in time as a student there with that goal. You won't be able to work directly in the medical field without that. Personally I went into the private sector early (pharma and stayed there). med lab scientists are currently certainly with openings in private companies in most EU country. Especially in those target countries.
Stay away from sites that promise easy immigration or help. There are huge scams.
Do go to
expat forums but please do not ask the basic questions "how do I get a job" the forums are tired of that. Look around, get the pulse of the place, read massively on the voice and attitude because some of these can have very caustic interactions for newbies that come in unprepared. But they are also a mine of good contacts and info.
Do look at the
target country universities that you might attend, they also explain funding, visa programs, requirements and language support.
Do talk to your
current school and see what programs abroad exist or what exchanges exists. Take advantage of those. There is probably an office dedicated to that.
Do t
alk to family and firends about history and links and your interest in seeing the old country. You can probably get a first taste in a vacation - and if done right, you might even have your board covered if you stay with relatives. Definitely use the low cost travel opportunities that a student might have to go a little further than "Spring Break in Florida".
Do not underestimate that talking about your dreams and ideas about moving will be helpful - create opportunities by letting people know what you want to do, asking them what they think and how they can help. People love to help. As an introvert you might think you don't want or know how to do this. You do. You did it here.
Talk and create opportunities.
Minor and possibly later, start conversations with some of the firms that might are headquartered in the EU or CA that might be large and possible employers - a few of these have phone numbers dedicated to young students looking for internships that can then lead to jobs and moves.
Language And get that Norwegian or French under your belt - because not only will it make easier but you also become a more interesting hire in the EU with multiple languages, especially as an American.