Best place to work in Europe

Hi, I'm new to this site. I want to go work over sea's in Europe but I'm not sure which country would be best, I would like to get your opinions. I am 21, I speak French and English, I'm looking for an affordable place to stay. I want to travel across Europe as much as possible. any info is appreciated, I'd love to hear your experiences working in Europe.

Marc-André

As a 25 year old bilingual Canadian myself, may I suggest you avoid Ireland. I've been living here since Jan 2007 and it has been one hassle after another here. Work is not easy to find unless you are working in the service industry and the working conditions are not that great. Pay in Ireland is low and cost of living is extremely high. Nice place to visit but you're better off somewhere else.

Ireland is scratched off my list, I was thinking more along the lines of Spain, Germany ans Switzerland myself. I heard that England is expensive so its no surprise that Ireland is the same.

As far as cost of living, Germany is very reasonable compared to other European countries. In those countries it may be hard to get work if you don't speak the local language. The standard of living is really good in Switzerland but be warned, it is also really expensive. The cost of goods generally are everywhere in Europe compared to North America. I still cringe everytime I pay more than double for gasoline than I would in Canada!

Germany is my number one choice, I heard from a friend about Switzerland being expensive. I'm gonna take a Euro pass if I go work in europe. thanks for all the advice. are you planning to go work somewhere else in the near future ?

Hi

Yes. Switzerland is expensive! But you also earn a lot more than elsewhere in Europe! But on the other hand, there is no big city in Switzerland (like Berlin, Hamburg).

Lisa

Unfortunately I won't be going to Swizterland to work, I have to save up for my massage therapy course. I'd like to go there after my course to work. how do you like there Lisa ?

I have been living in Belgium for a year and a half, so I would suggest Brussels, Belgium!
It is also ideal if you are looking to travel. Everything is within reach.

It's good that you know French and English, tho you will find it hard in the beginning because a lot of places want people whom also speak Dutch.
There is a European Community in Brussels so you can get a job even if you only speak English.

I'd like to throw Prague into the mix - it's 1/3 the cost of living of Western Europe, most people speak English, and it's a hop skip and a jump to many major European cities. It's also a very "international" city and you will surely meet people from all over the world. There is a huge expat population as well as many ESL teachers.

Hello,

I am curious about Canadians traveling/working in Europe. When you say will go work, is this with a sponsored work Visa or as a tourist under the table kind of work?

I am a French Canadian currently living & working in Japan, and my Girlfriend has received her Holiday Work Visa for France. We will be moving there late this year. As of now, I will be entering on a 90 day tourist Visa, although I wish to stay for the full year, therefore I will be looking for a work sponsor before going.

If I cant land a sponsor, Im wondering how hard it is to find under the table work, and stay over the 90 days?

Thanks for any feedback,
Patrick