Future Expat hopeful.

[Symboliclarity]

Hello everyone!

My name is Tomas. Right now I am living in Los Angeles and it is my dream to live in Spain, or at least some where in Europe. I have been to many websites searching for information about emigrating from the United States. What I have learned is that it won't be easy. However this hasn't deterred me from my goal. I want to move to Spain with my wife ( She is from El Salvador but lives with me in LA.) I speak basic Spanish, but have no college degree. I have a variety of work and travel experience. Presently I work at an airport for a jet charter company. I also have some Real Estate, and call center experience. If any current expats could give me some advice about what methods I should choose to get myself and my wife to Spain I would appreciate it greatly. Are there any work sponsorship programs for industries in need of labor? I am highly motivated but I would like to know what other expats have done to get to where they are. Thank you.

[Alcalaina]

Hi Tomas,

If you have read anything about moving to Spain you will be aware that it has the highest unemployment rate in the Eurooean Union - an average of 20 percent, much higher in the south.

It is very unlikely you will find work here, as you will be competing with 4 million Spanish people, many of whom are highly trained. Also, as you say, it is much harder for a US citizen than someone from an EU country to become resident here.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but that iis how it is right now.

Tomas, it's going to be a real headache trying to get over here. Unless you get here under some sort of work-sponsored plan or have an enormous heap of savings (to prove you can survive without the help of the Spanish government), the Spanish government doesn't tend to let Americans in to live.

Here's the current catalog of "Ocupaciones de Dificil Cobertura:" https://www.redtrabaja.es/es/portalt...lCobertura.pdf
Please note, however, that these jobs mean living and working in the region listed. The government defines these jobs as: "La presencia de una ocupación en el catálogo de la zona geográfica de que se trate, implica, para el empleador, la posibilidad de tramitar la autorización para residir y trabajar dirigida a un trabajador extranjero."

How'd I get here? A scholarship through the Spanish government to assist in English classes. Unfortunately, this scholaship is limited to those in their junior or senior years of college and/or graduates.

Another thought - where are your parents from?

Good luck.

[Symboliclarity]

Originally Posted by Alcalaina

Hi Tomas,

If you have read anything about moving to Spain you will be aware that it has the highest unemployment rate in the Eurooean Union - an average of 20 percent, much higher in the south.

It is very unlikely you will find work here, as you will be competing with 4 million Spanish people, many of whom are highly trained. Also, as you say, it is much harder for a US citizen than someone from an EU country to become resident here.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but that iis how it is right now.

The last thing I want, is to live in a country and to be taking, I would prefer to acquire a skill that would allow me to contribute to the community I live in. Do you have any knowledge of how I could achieve this? Is there another country in Europe that I would have better chances. Unfortunately my favorite countries seem to be doing the worst economically right now. Cheers!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Symboliclarity

The last thing I want, is to live in a country and to be taking, I would prefer to acquire a skill that would allow me to contribute to the community I live in. Do you have any knowledge of how I could achieve this? Is there another country in Europe that I would have better chances. Unfortunately my favorite countries seem to be doing the worst economically right now. Cheers!

I think it would be fair to say that the whole of Europe is still in crisis. The eurozone (the countries that use the eurodollar) are having a rough ride. Probably the most sound right now is Germany, altho even that is debatable. I really dont know of a skill you could acquire that could guarantee you work (computer, IT work seems to be buzz words???), but I think its safe to say that you would need to acquire it before you leave where you are now. That would also buy you some time to allow things to pick up over here maybe?????

Jo xxxx

[Alcalaina]

Originally Posted by jojo

I think it would be fair to say that the whole of Europe is still in crisis. The eurozone (the countries that use the eurodollar) are having a rough ride. Probably the most sound right now is Germany, altho even that is debatable. I really dont know of a skill you could acquire that could guarantee you work (computer, IT work seems to be buzz words???), but I think its safe to say that you would need to acquire it before you leave where you are now. That would also buy you some time to allow things to pick up over here maybe?????

Jo xxxx

Even the IT industry is in trouble in Europe, as companies are outsourcing software development etc to places like India and Singapore where labour is cheaper.

The only "growth industry" seems to be caring for the elderly ... the population is ageing!

[steve_in_spain]

Originally Posted by Alcalaina

Hi Tomas,


It is very unlikely you will find work here, as you will be competing with 4 million Spanish people, many of whom are highly trained. Also, as you say, it is much harder for a US citizen than someone from an EU country to become resident here.

Sorry to sound pessimistic, but that iis how it is right now.

Absolutely right! I met a spanish friend of a friend last week who spoke perfect english as well as dutch and german. He has countless qualifications in IT, as well as experience in customer service, management and much more...and guess what...he cant get work

If he cant get a job, then sadly chances of a newcomer finding work are slim... but having said that.. right time, right place etc... who knows!

Good luck!

[Alcalaina]

Tomas, just curious and please don't feel obliged to answer, but why do you want to leave the US and live in Europe?

[Symboliclarity]

Originally Posted by Alcalaina

Tomas, just curious and please don't feel obliged to answer, but why do you want to leave the US and live in Europe?

I have been to Europe twice now, and I feel like I have much more in common with the culture. I feel like I was born in the wrong country to be honest. I don't know if you have been to the US, but the lifestyle here does not fit me. Given my admiration of art and history I want to be immersed in a setting with a rich past. I could go on with my reasoning in depth but I would hate to bore you.

[Alcalaina]

Originally Posted by Symboliclarity

I have been to Europe twice now, and I feel like I have much more in common with the culture. I feel like I was born in the wrong country to be honest. I don't know if you have been to the US, but the lifestyle here does not fit me. Given my admiration of art and history I want to be immersed in a setting with a rich past. I could go on with my reasoning in depth but I would hate to bore you.

I'm sure it wouldn't be boring! I have been to the US, but only to Boston and NYC on business. I could have spent weeks in the museums and art galleries there, especially the Met, far better than most European cities can offer! Though I'm sure LA is culturally very different from New York, just as London is worlds apart from where I live now in Southern Spain, and where I feel much more at home.

I believe you can make your own lifestyle wherever you are, and culture is more than just buildings and paintings. But I appreciate your desire to explore the world, especially as we are always hearing that so many of your fellow countrymen never leave the USA and wouldn't even be able to find Spain on a map. Best of luck!