I have developed an interest in moving to Europe for a couple of years, but I am not sure how to take the first step. I don’t even really know if I can fulfill my desire so I am turning to the teeming millions for guidance.
For background, I would like to rent out my house (no problem here, this is the easy part) and move myself and family to central Europe for a couple of years. I would consider anywhere in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, etc… as a destination. I, unfortunately, only speak English. I am, however, an accomplished engineer with ~20 years of experience in both commercial (high tech startups) and aerospace (government) ventures, all of it in a research capacity. I have a handful of patents and score of papers to my name and am recognized as an expert in several related fields (small fish in a big pond, but still recognized). So, where can I find a job that will allow me to do this? Is it going to be hard, or are there companies that would like someone with my skills to to move to Europe? Is my lack of skills with languages a problem? Are there any dopers that can give me advice on this? I was thinking I would like to move next summer, so i have a good 9 months to hunt…
The issue is not so much the job (with your skills and experience you ought to find something) but rather your visa status. Is there anything in your background that would give you permission to immigrate to Europe? If not, that’s the hardest part. You don’t want to live there with undocumented status.
As with moving the other way, your best bet is probably to look for a company that will employ you and sponsor you (although the term they use locally may be different). Bear in mind that requirements and visas are likely to be different in each country - there isn’t a single European visa, although right to move around within the EU, once you have right of abode in one state, does complicate that statement a little bit. Can’t advise you specifically on any of the requirements for the countries you’ve listed, I only know UK visa details.
Language requirements again are likely to vary widely. In the Netherlands asking someone if they speak English seems to be in the same sort of level of asking them if they can tie their own shoelaces. In Germany English is very widely used and understood in professional situations and a lot of people generally can speak English. The same is true, albeit to a lesser extent IME in France and Italy. In most places you will settle a lot better if you make efforts to understand the local language as well, of course. It’s incredibly isolating to limit your communication and be surrounded all the time by people you can’t understand.
The advantages I found of making a move like this with an organisation at the other end go above the pure visa requirements - you have a ready made circle to fit in to, and if the organisation is big enough they will have experience of expat arrivals and be able to help with all the intangibles too. Use your existing contacts, professional discussion groups, networking groups in LinkedIn, all that kind of stuff. Do you have a job at the moment? I take it there’s no international transfer available there?
You may able to secure a visa if you have an employer ready to endorse you as uniquely skilled for their business needs. Each country, of course, has its own requirements, and you should look into them.
Should you consider the route of “highly skilled” status, I imagine a large American manufacturer with substantial overseas operations would be most open to your application. Ford or Boeing are examples.
Expats living in each of the countries where you think you might want to go are in a good position to answer at least some of your questions, particularly regarding language issues, large companies that might be hiring, local unemployment rates, etc. Virtually every country has one or more message boards populated by expats. AFAICT, they tend to be particularly snarky for some reason, so don’t be put off if the treatment is a bit harsh. Nonetheless, they can be great sources of information.
To find them, Google (without quotes): living in Belgium expat forum; living in Germany expat forum; etc. Join up and ask away!
Or a company that is originally overseas based and has a facility here that you can make enquiries with.
mrAru is currently temping with a company like this - they have French, Dutch, German and Chinese factories but I believe they are a German company [or maybe Dutch?] so there would be the possibility of him heading overseas [though probably to China, their QA sucks ass]
Look for an American company that is doing business in Europe. I worked for an American company that had a facilities maintenance contract with American embassies in Europe. They leased a warehouse in Belgium and we operated out of there. They also paid a monthly amount to help with rent. After working overseas for a year, you enter a tax-free status with the IRS, which is very nice. While I was not being paid a high wage at the time, Uncle Sam wasn’t getting any of it.
Plenty to look into in the Netherlands, in your field. Maybe look at ASML? They’re huge and always doing well. They’re in a horrible part of the country, is the only thing.
You could also take a look at things around Delft, the university of technology there is very good and it’s a much better place to be (the Randstad).
Speaking English wouldn’t be a problem for most places in the Netherlands, which is a bonus for you and a difference with some other countries. In fact, the Dutch are mildly obsessed with speaking English.
You didn’t mention the UK, is that an option? Personally I wouldn’t spend much time looking at Belgium. I don’t want to sound nasty about them, but the country is poor and there just isn’t that much going on. They have some lovely towns you should visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there and I think there is less opportunity.