US Expatriates - How did you decide to leave the US and why?

Well, I live in Germany, the Ruhr area, now, I have lived in the UK (Cardiff and Swansea, Wales) and France (Chambéry and Paris) as well. The most open has been Wales, I have found the Welsh to be very friendly and easy get along with. The French and Germans can be a bit shy, but they are nice enough once you get to know them.

I think it would be easier here in Germany if I spoke more German because my German is very basic. I am taking more courses though. The place is nice, there is good, cheap public transport. There is a lot of support by the government for foreigners. I think if I went to the UK speaking as much English as I do German, I would have been much more isolated than I am here.

The only place I have worked is in the UK. It wasn't too bad getting job, but I am a student so I am only allowed to work 20 hours a week so I am limited to what I can do. I am doing a PhD so I do odd jobs mostly now, transcribing tapes, other secretarial work for my supervisors, etc. I did some work with the Student Union before as well.

The culture is very different but you adjust with time. It is hardest after about a month. The first few weeks are exciting because everything is new, but after about a month, the newness wears off. You come to terms with everything after a bit (it takes different amounts of time for each person).

If you are moving and you just want to work and not study, it is best to get a job before you go so they can help you get set up with a visa. I have some friends that did that. It is very hard to get a work visa in the UK without a job lined up ahead of time and from what I understand, it isn't any better in the rest of Europe.

London is VERY expensive. It is easier to find an affordable place in Paris than it is London, and this comes from the experience of Londoners I know. It would only be worse for Americans, because the dollar is becoming more or less worthless. Public transport is very expensive in London, and most of UK public transport is not as nice and much more expensive than the rest of Europe. I think if you are going to live in the UK, it is better to live somewhere else unless you can find a really good paying job, or have big savings. I have also found London to be the most unpleasant of the European capitals. It is dirty, loud, smelly, and the people are extremely rude. The Parisians are even more polite and helpful.

I live in the Yorkshire area of England. I found a job with a major US company, and viola.

I've been here >4 years now, except for the exchange rate, (>2 to 1) I love it here, less traffic then the DC area where i worked before. (66, 495, ugh)

The neighbors are great, pub food is the best, Beer is better. Downside, it's rainy, winters are dark, e.g., sun down around 4:00, and it is expensive.

I plan on staying a few more years. London is expensive, but a great city, really good Tube system, (mass transit).