As an American citizen, how real are the chances that I'll be able to move to Germany if...?

Question

I am well educated, and I can speak German? I would love to move from the states here to Germany when I get out of college, and do something like teach English in the eastern sections. I am in college right now as an education major, and am learning German as much as possible. I know that is isn't the easiest thing to move to Europe, but how difficult do you think it will be for me. Do I even have a chance?

Answer 1

no unless you are married or sponsored by an employer.....but your smart and you already know this right?  you must have perfect german for this job and an ausbuildung....here to germany? are you already here?you must think....there are 82  million people in germany....and 6 million that already live here that have no jobs because there just isnt any...and second you must remember germany is the size of Montana......What do you think is the best option?

Answer 2

First Off, from my own experience it is easier for Americans to get all the correct paperwork to live legally in Germany as compared to other non EU countries. But, it is not that easy. I had to prove that I had a job and health insurance to get my living permit. It is a 'Catch 22' in that you have to prove that you have a job with a working permit to get a living permit.

The answer from wyo(?) is a good one. If you get hired by DoDDS to teach in Germany then you do not have to worry about German paperwork. Working for the US Military in Germany is a whole different ballgame, and in some ways you are not 'really' living in Germany(that is another question and answer). There are not bases all over Germany like 20 years ago. So you can count on being in area of Germany out in the country. The pros of teaching for the militray are the benifits and it is an easy, less exspensive way to get to Germany. The cons? If the base is closed you have to look for another job, or maybe transferred to Iceland(You're in the Army now....)  But, it does get you to Germany so you can see what it is like, and then look for a job with one of the International schools in Frankfurt or Berlin. The Berlitz is a good option, but I would look into that after you get to Germany to make extra money(depending on how you want to live in Germany, it can be real cheap, or real exspensive).

Do some surfing online. Check out contracting firms looking for people that speak English and German. It may not be a teaching job, could be translation work(I make extra money that way) for a bank? The point is to get over to Germany to live there. If you decide you like it(another question and answer) then you can go looking for the kind of job you want.

My first advice would be to learn to speak and read German.

You can email me for more info if you like.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you want to teach English, you should have no problem finding a job.  Especially if you want to teach in private schools.  Teaching in public schools - like elementary or high school - is a different story.  

But you could easily get a job with Berlitz or some other private language school.  Just go online and check out where they are located and check into where you may want to live.  

You will not need a work permit to work as a self-employed English Teacher.  Most private language schools will just want proof that you have a visa (easy enough to get with proof of insurance and a

German address - go to the Auslaenderbehoerder website to see what you need to do).   Most language schools will also only want to hire you on as self-employed, meaning you get no paid vacation or sick leave, no insurance and don't have taxes taken out of your pay.  It is VERY common for Americans, Australians and the British to do this.  

My advice would be to check into the city you want to be in and then find out all the language schools there.  Most likely they will not hire you "long distance", but will want to meet you when you arrive.  But you should have no problem finding work at a private language school if you have a college degree (in anything).  Berlitz will not be impressed with your ability to speak German, so you may want to downplay it.   Some language schools do not want you to speak the language so you don't "translate" in class.  

Good luck!

P.S.  Getting a Visa as an American is NOT very difficult.  Usually it is only good for 1 year at the start.

Answer 4

You can get a job as teacher here in Germany for the American Kids going at the bases to school.

They are always looking for that. Search at the Web for Government Jobs overseas.

We are from the Military and staying for a while here in GER. It's nice place and also they are paying good money for teachers. It's good also you are speaking German and having College too. I believe you are having good chances. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you are determined I would say the chances are excellent.  I think the best way to go about it is to cold-call employers rather than responding to job vacancies.  This way I have twice secured a job in another country and had all of my visa paperwork done and fees paid for me.  An alternative approach would be to look for a program that specializes in sending young persons to Europe for teaching internships.  Often times such an internship can turn into a full time job, so that is another idea.

Good luck in your search!

Answer 6

of course u can move but remember that is a little difficult is reciprocity is now difficult for everybody to have a "green card" in USA now is difficult to have a "green card" in Europe.

Is the same

if u dont have a good sponsor in G well nothing to do my friend.

English teacher?? no way Jose is not a good job less in hands of foreigners maybe if u r a engineer or doctor u can get professional visa for some sponsor maybe a hospital or research center

but well if u have time and money u can try

the best way get married with a German girl and u get u green card so fast

think that the same USA immigration treatment is the same in Europe.  And for sure if u r a black or southamerican with different skin color or Chinese without a good profession well less chance forget it man!!!

have fun and good luck

Answer 7

Maybe as a way to get your foot in the country is to work for the Americans for awhile as you figure out the process. Check out the Department of Defense Education or usajob.com for possible job opportunities. In some cases they will even pay to relocate you. Good luck!

Answer 8

If you have someone that hires you, it will not be hard to get the work and resident permit. Or if you are married to someone. (I am German married to an American) in my experience it was easier to get the paperwork for Germany through. That was some years ago though. You can look at the Web pages of the Kultusministerium. They have a site for each Bundesstaat like Hessen, Schleswig Holstein, Rheinland Pfalz etc. There they have all Info about education, and about open jobs. Look for the word Stellenausschreibungen. (Job announcements)

There is also the possibility to apply with the americans for a teaching position at one of their schools on a base overseas. As far as I know you can do that as a civilian.