Creative newbie in Cologne

Dear all,

I am new, but super super happy to find this board. I've been considering making the move to Cologne for about 3 years now, as my boyfriend is a native. Unfortunately before I met him I didn't speak any German, but you can't help who you fall in love with... Anyway, I have several requests. Apologies if they've been asked before! I will also be doing some searches of previous threads.

Although I speak tourist German, it has now become imperitive that I speak the language better, in order to eventually find work in Cologne. Can anyone recommend any language schools in Cologne or London? Obviously there are many but it's always nice to hear personal recommendations. I am looking to take classes at some point, but haven't decided whether I'll do an intensive course or just start doing a few hours a week after work (I currently live in London).

I am keen to hear any positive stories about moving to Cologne as a non-native speaker, and then getting better... maybe even finding happiness in the lovely city by the Rhine.

Most importantly, if I was to move to Cologne I would want to find work in my current field. I have a few years experience as a professional shooting and editing video producer, and as I know Cologne is media central, I was wondering if anyone here made any films, worked in TV etc... stories, tips, job offers... etc. I'm in a funny position at the moment, in that my career in London has just started to take off (I'm 23) as I've realised that I would like a future... somewhere else. In some ways I wish I didn't have the career at all so I could be happy just working in a cafe.

and if it all goes wrong I'll move to Berlin and make dark and emotional art films about my misery.

Thanks in advance!

Rebecca

The courses at the VHS are reasonably priced and there are some pretty decent teachers there as well. I don't know about any job opportunities, but props to you for actually realising you need some German before finding work in your field! Best of luck!

German Diary

Cologne Bound

Thoughts on the occasion of leaving New York City (and America in general) for life in Europe (and Cologne in particular).

NB: Take the time to read the archives from day one !

Thanks for that. Indeed I will be looking through the archives, and have already found them useful. Still, thought I'd introduce myself!

I just saw your post. I live in NYC and will be moving to Germany soon. I have been working in the film/television/commercial industry since 2000. I want to stay in the industry after I relocate.

Have you found any information on the industry there?

Send me a message... It would fun conversing with another creative person who has made the move to Germany.

Why limit yourself to just two blogs by one person? There are dozens on this blog ring you might want to check out, plus a few more from Berlin, Hessen and Munich on separate directories.