brother talexb

Europe consists of about 50 different countries! Obviously there are big differences between them (cultural, weather, tax system, health system, food! etc. etc.). I myself worked in the Netherlands, France (west) Germany, the UK and more recently Spain. In some countries like the Netherlands you can get away with English. In countries like Spain you have to learn to speak the language. If you speak French than picking up Spanish or Italian should not be too difficult.

I happen to have a North American colleague who worked in Germany, the Netherlands and now in Spain. He fought Spanish bureaucracy for a year or so before giving up. He now works in Spain through a so-called "E101" meaning, for him, that he is officially registered in the Netherlands and works temporarily outside the country. This construction can have certain advantages and is maybe a possibility for you too. Other countries don't care as long as you pay income tax:) The possibility of getting a UK passport makes a big difference.

Terms of employment are important too. For example salaries in the Netherlands, Germany and France are comparable. In the UK you would typically earn less and in Spain much less (in my experience and generally speaking). But of course the salary doesn't mean everything, also important are things like your health insurance, pension scheme, number of Holidays etc. etc.

I would like to know why you are considering making this step. I think it largely depends on what your expectations are. I myself like to see something of the world, for me money was never really a driver. If I were you I would compile a list of candidate countries and compare them thoroughly. Preparation is important to prevent unpleasant surprises. If you have any specific questions feel free to send me a PM.

But to get back to your question, In my experience (North) Americans like to work in Europe and fit in easily.

Cheers

Harry