Winging it in Berlin

Hello All,

I am currently living and working in London and over the last 9 months have been contemplating a move to Germany, specifically Berlin. Unless those of you feel it is easier south or in Hamburg possibly?

I have been to Germany a few times, to Munich and Hamburg for a few days, I may be visiting Berlin early next year for a week.

My german skills are really basic but I hope to get them up to Intermediate before I contemplate the move over. I am 26 years and really just want a total change of lifestyle.

Since university I have been travelling and working in various jobs now just to save money for the move over, possibly in 6-9 months.

Would ideally like to rent with other German/foreigners who speak german and have a job that allows for this level of rent. Some money left over for food and maybe a decent language course that would be accepted by a german university (you never know!). I have looked into the basics about staying longer than 3 months etc, and have researched this quite well, however sometimes I feel that being there may be better than stressing and fussing from afar. Thus I wanted to get some advice from legal Aliens out in germany/Berlin. Actually if you are an illegal Alien feel free to post advice from that perspective! (not condoning it and too chicken to do it probably!)

My question is about simply 'turing up in Berlin' and trying to 'wing it'. How long would it take to find a bar/waiter job, or anything better, that would pay for rent and food, maybe a language course. Obviously all things being on the cheaper side.

Has anyone done this, or do you know anyone who has done this? I have been looking into international companies however feel this route is very difficult... although I have a degree from the UK, my experience is somewhat scattered due to my many travels.

Should you reply, I thank you kindly for your time.

Regards
Wozuna

I did this, but that doesn't mean I recommend it. I found a job teaching English about 2 weeks after I got here. However, my husband didn't find regular work until we'd been here almost 3 years.

On the other hand, it's almost impossible to get a job without actually living here, so I say give it a shot. But, have enough money saved up to survive for a while.

If you don't speak much German, getting a job in a bar or restaurant probably isn't going to work. Teaching English is usually the best bet for native speakers who don't speak much German. Of course, there are exceptions. But, the best schools to teach for starting out if you don't have certification are Berlitz, In Lingua, and Wall Street Institute.

Good luck!

@Wozuna,

As per the post above...Teaching English is the job to do if you want to wing it...I did it in Barcelona and Italy - and got away with it!!!

But if you want to do more than, I'd suggest Berlin is not your best bet since the unemployment is so high and it is not an international city like Frankfurt or Munich. Those cities with big outward looking firms like banking will and do take on English speakers for their wonderful mother tongue (still not easy but possible). However, if you are in Berlin that is even less likely to happen.

So bare that in mind when you make your decision. PS. You are allowed to sign on the dole nowadays...as long as you are looking for work. So before you leave sign on and tell them you are going to Germany to look for work and they will ship your money out for 6 weeks and thereafter you will be in the German system...which actually is more money than the UK!!!

Good luck whatever you do.

Thankyou both, gives me a better direction and a definate line to look into.

Anyone else feel free to add any more experiences/advice.

Regards

Since it seems that you can rite propa inglish, you might want to consider some freelance English proofreading. You could probably get yourself signed up with an agency (have a look through Google), or create a basic website and use Google AdWords to get people to the site.

But the teaching thing is definitely the way forward; it can pay quite well. Get a TEFL qualification before moving over; that will help a lot.

With regards to which city: don't think it will make too much difference job-wise whether you choose Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, so I would consider other aspects. Like distance to the Alps, for example...

Hello Wozuna, you don't say, but I'm assuming your nationality is UK. Don't you have the full right to work legally anywhere in the EU (I am a jealous American)? Lots of Americans seem to hang out here indefinitely, pretty clearly in violation of the three-month tourist visa. I'm afraid to say I'm sure race/ethnicity has a lot to do with getting away with this...meaning it probably really helps if you are white. I'm here on a 10-month academic exchange; not sure what will happen after that, but it's pretty clear that English-language skills are really useful. I did a gig recently, technical proof-reading for English language publication (I have a science background). It's hard work, not terribly well paid, but it really is cheap to live here. I have no idea how much of a market there is for this, but I intend to find out before my official 10 months run out.

Depending on how much cash you have saved for this move making a decision about a city is important. For instance, rent and living costs in general are more in Munich than in Berlin. But having said that, as an english speaker with little German your chances of getting a job in Berlin are slimmer than in Munich. Can't comment on Hamburg as I have not lived there, but I think the decision you have to make is which city you have enough cash saved for to live in...

hard to find work round these parts...
have to travel to poland to find work.

hello,
I was thinking of doing something similar to this, however I have competent german skills (reading,writing,speaking). I was considering what the liklihood of working in a Youth Hostel or Hotel would be. I though they may need people who speak english, and would appreciate who can communicate in german on a moderate level.

What do people think? again I was wondering where abouts to head for, at the moment i'm thinking Berlin or Munich (mainly for the music scene) but asm open to any other places that people might recommend for work,scenic, or monetary reasons.

thanks

Berlin is a tough job market, Munich is likely better for finding work. Berlin has a lot going for it, though, if you can find a decent job.

It's more expensive in Munich, and during the time your looking this may be an issue. I've seen a lot of people start teaching English to earn some cash while looking for something more in line with their original plans.

Good luck with it!

I seem to be one of the few people who wants to come to Berlin with the intention of teaching English. Am I correct in thinking that it might be relatively easy to find work doing that? I have many years experience teaching English and literature to kids, in the States. My German is virtually fluent. Might I be able to find work teaching kids in a German school? For that matter, what are my chances for being given an Aufenthaltserlaubnis even though I have no job or place to live yet? I'll be staying with a friend until I get on my feet.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

now then, I'm german and lived n worked in England for the last 3,5 years.
I found it much easier to get a job in the UK then in Germany!! I'm white, german and
I'd say fluent in english. I have now found a job. But it is very hard on the
marked here. You have to have qualifications for pretty much everything.
But then, it also depends a lot on your personal approach.
Good luck anyway.
I hope I'll meet some english people in Berlin soon, missing them