Living in Iceland?

Question

What's it like living in Iceland compared to the states? I am young, only 19, but like many Americans I'm sort of getting sick of the country.

My main concerns are the financial and commercial issues of living in Iceland. The country is very small and I don't know how hard it is to run a business or stay employed up there. My dream would be to live in a small home outside of the capital where I could freelance my design work or create a small firm. Do you think a graphic artist could survive there? I mean, if I have very strong talent the large American companies would still be willing to hire me despite the distance...right? I wonder how expensive it is to have the currencies converted to Icelandic... Plus, what is it like commercially up there? Reyjavik (not sure if I spelled that right) seems so small from the pictures that I find it hard to believe I could find an Apple store or something resembling a K-Mart. What about TV?

Fill me in on life in Iceland.

Appreciate it!

Just wanted to ask if you can survive out there speaking english?

Also, keep in mind this is something that I'm thinking of doing in the future...after I get my education done and am prepared to start my life.

I will be visiting Iceland sometime within 2008 hopefully.

Answer 1

I think you could have a good life in Iceland. With your education you're unlikely to have trouble finding a job in Reykjavík (you might also be able to work from home, if you'd live outside of Reykjavík). Starting your own firm is pretty easy too as long as you have the funds to get started somewhere.

The population of Iceland is 300 thousand. Thereof around 150 thousand live in the Reykjavík area. So it's pretty small, but we still have everything we need here. You won't have trouble finding an Apple store. We don't have K-Mart, but we have some Icelandic stores instead. You'll find everything you need here.

Most Icelanders speak English, so it shouldn't be a problem to get started here without speaking Icelandic, but I would recommend learning the language in the long term if you plan on staying here. It makes things easier for you and you'll adapt better.

The quality of life in Iceland is one of the highest in the world, apparently higher than the USA, so you don't have much to worry about. Just come here and see for yourself what life is like here before you decide anything about moving. :)

Answer 2

I am not from Iceland, so I can only give you general info.
Before anything else, visit the website of the country or an embassy or consulate in your country where they tell you the requirements for visa, work permits and alike.

If you are willing to work for an American company (at least for a start) look at the job offers abroad for all jobs you have a training for.
It is a way to get sponsored into a long term visa and may be your only option, as many people want to emigrate and only few are accepted.
(Many come from poor countries and have an even better reason than you do.)