I’m desperate to move countries and a pros/cons list leads me to believe that Europe would be best (I’ve already lived in N.America for over 10 yrs. Loved it but time for a change). Anyway, some very helpful comments here; lots to think about.

I would appreciate information from people who’ve been there done that i.e. black/dark skinned, college-educated, female who has already lived in Europe. Please feel free to e-mail me at miamor2111@hotmail.com

PS: My reason to move is not to avoid racism I just really need a break and an adventure.

I’ve been to France several times and absolutely love the food, but I didn’t include it on the list. You know why? The French are extremely bureaucratic and xenophobic and I found it much harder to get on there than the North. But you may have an entirely different experience.

I liked England too, but what really turned me off, was the mentality of many of its black denizens, who complained a lot, but lived happily on welfare, even though schooling is a mere 1K (Pounds) for the year. Also Asians (particularly Indians and Pakistanis) were extremely racist.

Italy is a beautiful city to visit, but unless you plan on marrying an Italian man, this is the hardest place on the lot. The jobs are tight, in more country areas, many people will think you are a prostitute (even though you’re fully clothed and have a guide book in hand), and if you don’t have a good grasp of the language you’re toast! Italy is a beautiful country, especially amalfi, but to live perhaps I think you’d get on in a few others.

It is what you do with your time inside this new land, will earn you adulation or infamy. So go on and do something great!!!

The strongest suggestion I can add is to visit these places, (I know visiting is different from living) but at least you can get an idea of what you’re in for. Travel with another girlfriend and see what happens!

Good luck!

I’m surprised no one has mentioned Scandinavia. As a general rule though stick to larger cities.

Sweden is first preference as it has some of the most relaxed labour laws, fantastic social benefits and equality in workforce etc. But (there’s always a but) It’s expensive, the Swedes are increasingly intolerant against Muslims though in a subtle way (high abundance of Iraqis) and the job market is very tough now (expect a lower salary, even as an MS grad) and of course you must speak the language. Swedes can seem reserved at first, but once you’ve passed that boundary you have a friend for life. (studyinsweden.se; thelocal.se)

Denmark is similar to Sweden in terms of social benefits, but if you work in a desirable industry, i.e. Medicine, Engineering, IT, Marketing, Law etc. Then you may be eligible for the Danish greencard, which gives right to permanent residency. Denmark has a fantastic design and art scene, and the winters aren’t as intense has Finland or Norway. But immigration is tightening and it take even longer for a foreigner to gain citizenship (They have these ridiculous tests). Also unless you are very specialized in your field you may have an uphill battle for executive positions.

Norway has the most ample job opportunities, it’s cheaper to live in Oslo than in Stockholm. You’ll also be paid more as the country is richer (Norway has oil). However it is not as diverse other cities. You may find some arts and culture, but for the most part, I have found Denmark to have far more excitement. If you like to ski, or winter sports then Norway is the place, also the fjords are worth the trip! Norwegians are more reserved than their Swedish counter part. Also it take 10 years to naturalize as a citizens.

Finland mmmm…where do I begin. So the design in this country is fantastic, Alvar Aalto etc. The furniture is amazing as well as seeing men take care of their children as much as women, it’s a site to see (esp. coming from the Caribbean it’s a fuss to get them to wash a few plates). BUT! The job market is not as thriving as Denmark or Norway. There are few immigrants. Because of this you’ll get a look of stares. I’m dark skinned so all day long people looking left right and center. It’s not because they are racist, far from it, it’s because you’re different. Oh and ladies please beware, Finnish men are reserved, until they start drinking. There is a huge problem with alcoholism. They can get aggressive, so if you are going out late night (most bars close at 2am, except of course for Lost and Found) please, please go with some friends that won’t ditch you. Other than that it’s a fairly, very clean and safe, best suited for families.

Iceland. I honestly don’t have any concrete info. I haven’t been, but immigration is tough, few immigrants, and the economy fell spectacularly flat 2 years ago and they are still recovering. Pretty interesting language though, and they are the fittest people on earth (They exercise to keep the winter depression away)

Rural areas in addition to lack of work opportunities you’ll also find some unpleasantries. Over the past few years there have been a lot of immigrants from Turkey and Somalia especially, and with any mass immigration there is both good and bad. Crime and violence have increased, but it is contributed by the small handful and not the majority of immigrants or refugees from African/Middle-eastern etc. Just acknowledge it, but don’t let that deter you from your goal. In most cases when they see how you are dressed and when you speak, you’ll get the same response as another westerner or European.

Keys to survival:
1. learn the language. of course it’s great to speak English, but you’ll progress much farther if you learn the local language,

2. Oh yes join the gym, or partake in some local sports, it will keep the weight off, you’ll meet people, and it will keep winter depression away (I’ve seen couples in the heights of winter jogging in the park with the baby stroller)

3. Be persistent. Job searches can be hard and frustrating. Especially if you’re on limited funds and you don’t have a partner to help, use all the contacts you know, don’t be shy. Ask your friend’s uncle’s partner if they know of a job opening, get yourself out there. It is true that Scandinavians prefer to hire locals, but it’s not impossible. Network

4. The next option is to go back to school. Have a Bachelors? Get your Masters school is free in Norway and Finland. In Denmark masters range from USD5K to 10K, and Sweden is introducing new fees, but it won’t be as scary as the American counterpart. Have a Masters? Try a Doctorate, scholarships are rampant for PHD candidates and the good part is that most programmes for MA upwards are taught in English.

Wherever you decide to live, you have chosen that place for a reason. It can be and is hard to learn new customs, a new language, or to doubt yourself (what if I had stayed in US or Canada, I would be this much further with my career etc…) But you chose it for a reason, and kudos to you for having the guts and the willpower to following your dream. Have a goal and stick it. But don’t give up, believe me (the strongest steel is forged by the hottest fire). Everyone who has immigrated somewhere has faced the same obstacles you have and sometimes even more, be persistent and surround yourself with positive people.

Currently I’m planning to do my masters, first choice of course is in Stockholm/Uppsala (Sweden) however I am also looking at Germany as well. (That’s a whole other kettle of fish) I’m actually looking for some information on social life for black women in Germany!)

I wish you all the best with your endeavours. I’ll give updates as I go along, and please feel free to share the same! paloma.negrita@yahoo.com