Have you ever had experiences of studying, working or living in other countries of Europe?

Question

Have you ever had use of european projects, economical facilities, financings? Have you ever had problems in other countries, such as racist behaviours? Do you feel "european"?

Sorry for eventual mistakes, I'm an italian student!
Bye bye and thank you a lot!

Answer 1

I lived in Germany for a year in 1998. I thought the country was very modern, everything was cheap and colourful, the food was fantastic and during Christmas the stalls at the market was beautiful. I wish I could go back! The only problems I had was the language, I couldn't speak German but I managed to get by. I think I would have came back to the UK very very fat because I would have spent all my money on food! I had a bank account there for my wages as I work in the British Army headquarters and I found that easy to use. As for not being able to speak German, some of the Germans were very offended by this and refused to try and communicate with me because I only spoke English. Also being Chinese, I only got racism from the older Germans who would stare at me as I walked and got nasty looks from them.
But my over all experience of Germany was fantastic and would love to live there apart from not being able to speak the language!

Answer 2

I've lived in Germany, spent some time in France and lived in the Netherlands for 6 years.

A year in Germany was arranged through the Irish Department of Education, I was a foreign language assistant in 3 secondary schools.

I never had any problems as such, but I did have some men pay me a lot of attention because I am a natural redhead. Sometimes it did make me uncomfortable, yes.

Generally though, living abroad was a good experience. I felt like a foreigner but not in a bad way, it was like my difference was accepted and reasonably appreciated. Yes, I felt European, especially when I could tell them that the Euro was used in Ireland also, but not in the UK.

Answer 3

I am British and now live in Greece. I do not feel European, I feel British. It is very hard to be accepted here as it is a small island. the culture and the people are very different, if you move here you have to accept that and try to ignore the fact that things are so very different.

the standard of health care, schooling, pretty much everything is much lower than the UK, and it's hard not to compare all the time. I do hate hearing British people moan about how much better the UK is though, if that's the case , move back!!! I moved here to marry a Greek, I knew what it was like before I came and I have to accept a different way of life. People who come here to live really need to come for 6 months in the winter first, to see what it's really like. If they think it's all sun, sea and ouzo, believe me, they are in for a real shock!!! The locals may be friendly when you are on holiday, but it's not the same when you live here on a permanent basis, they can be quite hostile and you have to be very thick skinned.