3 ms·

Yeah that's what I was afraid of; the perception of the US (and US managers) is not great, which puts me at a disadvantage. There are a ton of very well-qualifi

by jonmil 1y ago

Yeah that's what I was afraid of; the perception of the US (and US managers) is not great, which puts me at a disadvantage. There are a ton of very well-qualified people already in Europe, which really makes it very difficult to immigrate. I was initially thinking that a startup might be the best bet, but it seems like very few of them provide sponsorships. The best bet is looking more like trying an internal transfer at my big-tech firm instead. Thanks for your insight!

BrandoElFollito 1y ago
> the perception of the US (and US managers) is not great, which puts me at a disadvantage Yes, this is one thing. Then you have the concern of communication and this depends on the country. Nordic countries and Estonia (and to some extent - Portugal) have a good handling of English because movies in their TV are in English (among other factors). In the other countries it is general average communication English (which is objectively not bad). But independently of this you need to speak the language to blend in. It is fundamentally important in some countries (France, Germany) where you will lose half or more of the important information because they are done in the local language informally. But maybe you already speak a language from here (at any level)? > The best bet is looking more like trying an internal transfer at my big-tech firm instead This is by far, far the best option. You get in as an "insider" and you will be much more included. You may even be an attraction of sorts. I do not even mention the logistics. If you want to taste life in Europe (it is truly worth it), I would even go for something a bit lower in terms of hierarchy or prestige than you have in the US. It won't matter that much anyway because the perspective on this is so much different between the US and Europe (we have other markers than you) I would obviously pick France because I am biased (probably Paris because everyone goes there but I hate the city, Bordeaux, Annecy, ...), but Portugal, Poland (especially Krakow), Tallinn would be wonderful choices as well.
- jonmil 1y ago
  I spent about 3 weeks in Portugal and loved everything about it; that would be my first choice. I also would love France, due to having extended relatives living there, but is significantly harder to immigrate to from what I've read. I took some French classes a long time ago but recognize that I'll need to learn a new language anywhere I go (which is fine, since it is part of integrating into the new culture). Either way, shaking the stereotype of an American will be a difficult part. I'll keep looking to see what I can find and what options exist. Thanks again! I appreciate your insights!

by jonmil 1y ago

BrandoElFollito 1y ago

> the perception of the US (and US managers) is not great, which puts me at a disadvantage Yes, this is one thing. Then you have the concern of communication and this depends on the country. Nordic countries and Estonia (and to some extent - Portugal) have a good handling of English because movies in their TV are in English (among other factors). In the other countries it is general average communication English (which is objectively not bad). But independently of this you need to speak the language to blend in. It is fundamentally important in some countries (France, Germany) where you will lose half or more of the important information because they are done in the local language informally. But maybe you already speak a language from here (at any level)? > The best bet is looking more like trying an internal transfer at my big-tech firm instead This is by far, far the best option. You get in as an "insider" and you will be much more included. You may even be an attraction of sorts. I do not even mention the logistics. If you want to taste life in Europe (it is truly worth it), I would even go for something a bit lower in terms of hierarchy or prestige than you have in the US. It won't matter that much anyway because the perspective on this is so much different between the US and Europe (we have other markers than you) I would obviously pick France because I am biased (probably Paris because everyone goes there but I hate the city, Bordeaux, Annecy, ...), but Portugal, Poland (especially Krakow), Tallinn would be wonderful choices as well.

jonmil 1y ago
I spent about 3 weeks in Portugal and loved everything about it; that would be my first choice. I also would love France, due to having extended relatives living there, but is significantly harder to immigrate to from what I've read. I took some French classes a long time ago but recognize that I'll need to learn a new language anywhere I go (which is fine, since it is part of integrating into the new culture). Either way, shaking the stereotype of an American will be a difficult part. I'll keep looking to see what I can find and what options exist. Thanks again! I appreciate your insights!