How I did it: I've left, and I've been living in Germany since 2003.
I moved from the US to Europe,with about 1000 dollars cash. I learned a new language in a one-month immersion course, then found freelance work and a cheap apartment. I feel a lot more peaceful now- less stress, healthier food, better standard of living, less crime. You don't need a lot of money to do this, you just have to be willing to learn something new.

I left the US with about a thousand bucks (plus 450 for the language course, and 300 for staying in a student room for a month in Heidelberg).

I started job-hunting after my language course, found some freelance work, then got a small apartment near my job, and a bank account. After I had al of this, I applied for residency, explained that I had work and a place to stay, and a bank account.

You always hear that Europe is expensive, and that you need a lot of money to get away. Nonsense. Choose a suburb or small city to live in, and commute to your job, and it won't be too expensive.

Lessons & tips: Here is my advice:

1. Go to Europe as a "tourist". Try to find a country where you have relatives. Keep in mind that some countries are very strict regarding immigration (like the UK) and others are more liberal (such as Germany, the Netherlands, etc). Visit a language course to perfect your skills (you should  have mastered the basics before you left, by buying a language program), and stay in a youth hostel. Be friendly. Make friends with some nice students. Tell them your situation. Contrary to popular belief, the much-vaunted "anti-american sentiment" basically extends itself only to the US Government. People won't dislike you personally because you are American. If you are friendly and sociable, you may find a cheap room at a student apartment.

2. You can use the 2-3 months as a "tourist" searching for employment. If you are a techie, or have professional training, you are likely to find work. You might want to consider freelance work, as well. Teachers can apply for freelance teaching work, as English teachers, at business and adult education schools. There is always the possibility of working for an American or British company, as well. Try a larger city. If the company needs your work, they will help you get you a work permit.

3. Work on your language skills, find an apartment, use your address to open a bank account and get a cell phone so you can use the number for job interviews.

4. As soon as you've landed work and a place to live, apply for residency papers. Explain to the authorities that A. you have found work in your new country, B, you want to stay in Europe because George Bush is destroying the USA, and C. You have an apartment, friends, and love living in your new home. Be polite and friendly, but formal in your speech. Use proper grammer (this is why you spent 3 months studying the language).

5. You are sure to find a few American expatriates in your new city who can give you some good advice.

6. After living in your new country for a few years, you can then try to apply for citizenship. If you go to Germany or Ireland, you have a better chance if you are of German or Irish descent. I've heard that any person of Irish descent can apply to immigrate to Ireland.

If you are inclined to marry, you can try and marry a local to secure citizenship.

Most countries allow you to apply after being a legal resident after a few years. Therefore, the sooner you leave, the better!

I live in Germany. Advantages are: 1. good health care/ education, 2. centrally located, 3. nice people, 4. less crime, 5. good public transit, 6. many people speak English.

You could also consider Sweden, the Netherlands or Finland for the same reasons. It depends on what language you want to learn. Most people in the Netherlands speak English, though, and Dutch, I've been told, is not so hard to learn.

Buy yourself a 20 dollar language learning PC program from a computer store, start learning, and save up your money.

Remember, where there's a will, there's a way.

Resources: My own brain, and my computer.

Jul 05, 08:40AM PDT | 1 comment | 2 cheers