Ive been saving up and want to move abroad...?

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el_dormilon

Do not choose Spain.

First, unless you are a citizen of an EU-member country, you will not be permitted to work legally. Which is significant if you are interested in taking advantage of their socialized health care, or simply want a decent-paying job.

Which brings me to the next reason why Spain is a bad choice. Unemployment continues to plague this country (more than twice the rate of the US), so hiring you means that a Spainard cannot be found to do the same job...not likely.

Also, the schools do not offer the same wonderful extracurricular activities found in most public schools in the US. In Spain, these activities (sports, music, et. al.) are typically attended and paid for separately, though this can ensure higher quality instruction.

Do you speak Spanish? Most Spaniards are famously lousy English speakers, and this only worsens in areas where the cost of living is reasonable. Indeed, there's a clear inverse relationship to cost of living and number of fluent English speakers (the greater of one, the less of the other)!

Oh...and the cost of living is outrageous in most medium to large cities...without even considering that our dollar has fallen dramatically to the euro over the past several years. Real estate prices for tiny apartments (where most Spaniards call home) would blow your socks off! Which brings me back to your employment issue.

Exercise caution when looking through the fence. The grass may look green, but it comes at a steep and often unwelcome price.

Having lived in Spain for several years (my wife is Spanish), I understand all too well how easy it is to lose perspective of what a wonderful country we enjoy here at home. One response also hit the nail on the head, and my wife attests to this fact, the number of programs (free) available to all mothers in the US make this country a wonderful place to raise children.

You have many choices. Spain should probably not be one of them.

A soldiers wife

I just want to tell u one thing where there's a will there is away. In America a single mother can get a lot of help.

rose1

The best time to do it is when your child is young and before starting school, they are like sponges and will pick up the language really quickly once here. Or wait until they are grown (which is obviously not your idea)
I can't say it's easy but if you are young you will get some kind of job somewhere. There are private and state play schools but kids go to school from the age of 3 here.
Look at it this way, you could always go back if it didn't work out, no harm done and a good experience under your belt.

Laura

I have no kids, and I felt like I wanted to get away, and I got $2000 from my dad, and I did leave.
It's expensive..don't leave unless you've saved up money, and know exactly the cost of everything.. you'd be surprized at what costs that come up that were totally unexpected.
Working part time isn't good either. What I would really suggest though.. is looking for a different job rather than trying a different area.. cause guess what.. you'll have trivial thing's just like how you feel anywhere..if your living into a countryside, and move into a city.. it's hectic..and the other way around is hard to adjust to.
If you feel this is what you want.. just be sure you know the cost of living.. and have extra money.. even though it was $2,000 and just me.. I had to wait and wait and wait for a seat sale.. I couldn't pay full price..and it's literally just by luck that I got it..sometimes thing's maybe hard.. but try not to be rash about the decisions.. my true advice.. is ask for more hours.. or find a different job that has more hours or better pay.. and work up from there rather than taking off.. it's a huge risk.. and it doesn't always mean it'll turn out better.
I'd stay there.. and try to work up to a better job instead of venturing out.. or at least save alot of money to have as backup incase something goes wrong..remember also.. bigger places.. bigger crime.
It is possible to make it on your own.. but it can also tumble..it's a risky chance..if you do plan on going.. just please make sure you have enough money.
Take care.. and only you know what's best...everyone can sit here and give you advice.. but only you know what you want =)

fel t

it is possible but you will need to save. if you are thinking of moving to spain the cost of living is lower and it is a better life. but wages are low too and there isn't much work in the south especially if you don't speak spanish. I'm not meaning this in a rude way at all but if you move to spain you're not entitled to free medical care or any benefits until you have worked and paid into the social security system. it will be hard, but in can be done. may be good to have a plan b as well though

captmhunt

I think it's a great idea but if you are an American, then I have to ask how you plan to support yourself since you won't be able to work in a foreign country at any real job.

Mark H

No mess its not easy but if you can get a cheap holiday and use it as a scouting trip well and good . having a child will make it very hard un less u get a job at minding other kids. id love to live abroad and always encourage my big kids to go over in early april , thats when u get the jobs. if u want to know more im me and ill answer ur Qs that u have

Captain Sarcasm

From visiting Spain many times I can tell you that if you plan to move to Spain permenantly then speaking Spanish is an essential. If you have not learnt the language I would be extremely reluctant at this stage.

If you are considering making such a major step why not try a long stay first as a trial without cutting all ties with your current home.

Speak to others who have made the move already and see what advice they can give, Google a bulletin board and get chatting to someone who can tell you how they did it and what the pro's and con's are. It's good to look to improve your life but make sure you are fully aware of what you are letting yourself in for beforehand.

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