Question - has anyone moved abroad to a country where they don't speak the language?

[lunavix]

Dh and I really want to move out of the UK, but he's struggling finding a job that utilises his degree. We ideally want to move to a European country, but neither of us have a second language.. we'd both learn but I feel we won't gain fluency from a night class (which could take years anyways) and I was wondering if anyone could give us advice re: moving abroad.

The main problems being dh doesn't have a job lined up, we're worried that we may both have to get jobs such as bar work etc to help learning the language and then he could hunt for something better... but is this realistic at all?

Any advice appreciated!

I am in Germany and felt exactly like Californiafrau - I suffered and thought I must be going mad, every day there was some new thing to shock me and drive me crazy. We lived in the south west the same as CF, now we live in Berlin and here there is maybe only some new shock once a week, usually concerning schooling for the kids so it can definately vary from area to area the same as France and Italy I can imagine. I find that in Germany you get along alot easier without german as most people speak abit of english - in France it is the other way round.

This is so helpful to me. DH keeps asking me if I fancy moving to Munich as there are opportunities with his company there. My big big worry has been that I'd feel isolated and lonely especially if not working. To be honest (and I know there are people out there who probably love Germany), everything I've read confirms my fears. Don't worry CF, you've not told me anything I didn't already know - I work with Germans on a daily basis and have to go there quite frequently (but on short trips!!) - just not ever been convinced I'd like living there ... may show DH this thread when he next mentions it! Think he keeps dismissing me as being hormonal (am 34 weeks pg with #2)!

lol wishing chair i'm 33 weeks pg with number 2 and dh thinks my desire to move is hormones!

wishingchair...I can't comment on Germany but if DH gets the chance to move to Austria I can give all sorts of positive vibes .

Have been here (Vienna) 3 plus years, my german is still dreadful but it's a great country to live in and DS (3.9) is already bi-lingual (both DH & I are british).