Moving to Dortmund - Germany

I will be visiting Dortmund in December, and again in June 2009. I plan to move there for at least three years in the future and was wondering what I might be expecting to face as a twentysomething American female student (seeking in German and History). I'm not sure how permanent my stay will be (I would love it to be permanent, but with family issues that might be hard) but I would also like any additional information on resident alien status for fiancees or spouses other than what I have from the German embassy in D.C. here in the states. Any extra information regarding changing licenses, getting a job, apartment, or car would be great as well.

Sorry for the possible lack of coherence, I've been keeping myself awake all night with dogfight DVDs from the Pacific Theater and talking to the baby that is the reason I am awake. God love nieces

Hey Cherry,

well I don't know where to start. I live in Bottrop which is approx 1/2 drive away from Dortmund. After 1 yr you have to change your driving licence if this is the licence you meant. In order to answer you more precisely we will have to have precise questions.

Really, I don't know what to ask. That's the problem. I don't pretend to think I will be able to use my German educational degree for teaching in German schools, but I also don't know what I WILL be able to do careerwise if we do end up living in DE versus the US. I certainly would prefer living in Europe for a variety of reasons, but another concern would be being able to move away quickly in the case my family requires it (my parents are older and I have a disabled brother). I guess I cannot give the precision you might require, so if you feel uncomfortable answering me, I do not object one bit to your silence. I just do hope that someone might be able to understand the situation and give some ideas as how to execute my plans.

Actually its 90 days.

oh it's changed now has it? It has been awhile since I had to swap my licence. I would of course answer your questions and not fall in silence. I would suggest to gather as much info as you can on the net or papers or embassy and any questions that arise then ask us and we should be able to help you further.

You could look for a job e.g irish pub or something like that. Translation as a part - time job maybe

Although my bloodlines are Scots-Irish and German, I don't think I'm authentic enough to work in an Irish pub, and I really do not relish the idea of spending my life as a waitress. I would prefer something professional.

Actually, your non-EU driver's license is valid for driving for six months, with the possibility of extending it (upon application) to one year if you are leaving within one year. You have three years from establishing residency to convert your license, but after the six months, it is not valid for driving.

Will I be able to drive a car while I am there without an EU DL? For example, I had plans with my flight to rent a SMART but wasn't sure if I would be able to legally drive it. Furthermore, for a city like Dortmund, what kind of car will be the best option? Due to prices I'm limited to some Opel and Volkswagen compacts or a SMART.

Hi, I live in Dortmund. I don't need a car as I live & work (English teacher for adults at private institution) in downtown. The public transport is very good & child/ stroller friendly. An international license is only valid for a year. There are also a few nice suburbs in Dortmund which are easily accessible to downtown.

While I am there I will be staying on the Kaierstraße with a friend, so I will be very convenient to parts of the city. How much might I expect to pay for a bicycle? I love biking, but it is kind of hard to bring one on a plane.

Is that Kaiserstraße? That is just one street away from me, lol! Yeah you can pick up second hand bikes for under €100.