My reply to someone "who just HAD to get out of the USA!!!!"

Always think before you act...

Moving (relocating) is the second most stressful thing, aside from grave personal helth condition, you will experience in life next to death of a loved one, such as parent or spouse.

----------------------------------

First I would suggest to do some homework beforehand, as your
statement of “wherever that might be” implies sort of a desperation to
get out of US. Moving to another state in the US and it requires
serious consideration and research, although it is in the very same
country and the very same language.

Moving to Europe, East or West (or other countries) is much more than
that.

It needs to be done in a thorough manner, by following some
strict criteria, some of which are of personal nature, and some which
are imposed by the country of destination.

I suppose you have in mind
one of the EU member states as possible end of your journey. Although
EU might look to the inexperienced expat as a coherent and well
structured system, things are much more complicated than that.

But
let’s take it one by one: A.- Personal criteria: People are different
and each person has individual preferences and needs. Some like sunny
places, warm climate, friendly and easy going people.
Some feel better
in much cooler climate, and aren’t very much into socializing or going
out.
Some like specific cuisines and wines, others do not care very
much what they eat. Some prefer open spaces and freedom, some other
like to live somewhat secluded in their “ivory castles”. Before taking
the first steps towards moving to another country, especially in
Europe, one must do some research on the geography, history and
culture of the countries he/she might be interested to migrate to.
Language is always an important issue that has to be solved. Being
able to communicate with the people (on the street, in the restaurant,
in shops, at work) is a must. Despite of the general image that almost
everyone in EU speaks English (usually many do), there are areas,
countries in Europe where speaking the language of the country is a
must if one wants to settle and work there. Such cases one might find
in countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany. It is not
that people in these countries do not speak English, but it is a
matter of mental attitude and expectation from them. Once a foreigner
comes to visit their country it is just simple courtesy to talk to
you in English (as you are a paying tourist), but when it comes to
settling and starting all over again in their country, they are
expecting you to take into consideration their culture, traditions,
language and habits..... *That if one wants to be accepted and integrate
into the local community, if one wants to be able to find and secure
some kind of job.*

So, returning to the beginning of the personal
criteria, one must fairly assess which country does it suit him/her
from geographical, climatic and social points of view. Once the main
“target” is set, the expat to be has to start working seriously on
his/hers language skills. And this applies to any country in the
world, but more specifically to Europe, where there is a large
diversity of cultures, languages, habits and traditions. B.- Country
of destination criteria: Obviously, when the personal criteria are set
and met, one must take seriously into consideration a number of
impersonal and objective factors before really starting to prepare for
the big step. Some of these factors concern specific requirements
imposed by the country of destination. Although US citizens as
included on a so-called “white list” for entry into EU, that is to say
that an US citizen may enter without restrictions into any EU member
state for a period no longer than 90 days from the date of first entry
(it doesn’t matter which EU member state you use to enter into EU, as
all member states are interconnected via SIS system, a whole European
electronic real time data-base, where any member state can check your
point of entry and the duration of your stay since your first entry),
as a tourist or on business. Once you plan to become a legal resident
in any of the EU member states, you have to be able to fulfill certain
European legal requirements and, moreover, specific national
requirements of the country you are planning to take residence. That
means that you have to study the EU Directives regarding the
requirements for the third-country nationals (that refers to any
non-EU citizen) for entry and settlement, to which one must add and
study the specific national legal, financial and medical requirements
imposed by that respective member state where he/she wants to settle
in. Besides the EU Directives that are not very difficult to find and
study on the EU website, there is quite a list of national legal
requirements and criteria to be satisfied that one has to find and
study for each member state it envisages to travel and settle to. The
list of common requirements for such cases it too extensive to be
detailed here, but with some dedication and some research can be
obtained and studies thoroughly. There is also a third element that
has to be taken under consideration prior to any move into EU; that is
checking on the expats forums from that respective country. Usually
the expats can provide you with specific information, detailed steps
to be taken, examples from their own personal experiences, how to
avoid (or diminish) any procedural or bureaucratical traps, how to cut
through the “red-tape”, and so on and so forth. Once all the above
have been completed, one can decide whether it starts preparing for
the big “move-over” . I hope that my answer has provided you with some
useful tips and info. Or at least it did help you clarify your
thoughts on what it might entail your decision to move to Europe, S.E. Asia, Canada, Latin America (or
to any other country or region ). Good luck.