Emigrating

Tesla

Tesla

Tesla

Soldato
Joined
19 Jan 2003
Posts
17,577
Location
Bristol, UK
Morning folks,

My Girlfriend and I are looking into spending some time abroad, more specifically Greece. The second largest city there, Thessaloniki, looks very promising.

Most people seem to leave the UK to "escape the rat race" or because the "grass is greener". We're not like this, we actually like the UK and think it's a good place to live but we both fancy a little change and adventure in our lives. We don't plan to stay long-term, but wouldn't also go with the mentality that we will return within a certain amount of time.

We have some savings that will initially see us through but these won't last forever. And our only real concern is finding work out there. Neither of us currently speak or can read any Greek. Skills wise, here in the UK I run a computer support business in Bristol and my girlfriend is a trainee accountant. I have no formal qualifications past A level and the same is true for my partner.

It would be great to start up another business there, I am led to believe there is a fair expat community out there so I can initially serve the Brits but long term would need to learn enough Greek to serve Greek customers. As you can imagine it takes time to start and grow a business so this is not an option for immediate income.

I am considering driving over initially in my small van, we can fit in lot's of essentials including a bed.

The drive isn't as bad as it sounds. I enjoy driving so it's not a chore as such, it's no cheaper than flying but gives us the opportunity to take some stuff with us. The van is legal there for upto 6months but I will be looking to drive back, sell it then fly back over within a couple of weeks.

I am interested to hear of any success or horror stories from people who have been or who are in a similar position.

Your input and thoughts on the chance of finding work out there?

Thanks for reading,

Chris
 
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Would it be easier to learn the basics of the language here before you go?

I nearly moved to the USA. Had a job that was moving from UK to USA, spent 3 months working out there, negotiated pay rise, sold all UK possessions, packed bags, missus sold everything, then payrise didn't come and all plans changed. Had to re-buy everything again.
 
It would certainly be a bad idea to move to a country where you don't speak any of the language. There might be expats there however don't expect to easily set up a business. Undoubtedly someone else will have done it who will probably speak Greek and be well established. Also don't depend on making friends with them as they will mostly all be much older than you.

I do not see the point in taking a van. Travel light, there is absolutely no point driving a bed over there, most flats will be furnished anyway. It will also cost a fortune in fuel and that's assuming you don't have any mechanical problems in any of several non-English speaking countries you would have to drive through.

I am being negative but I can pretty much guarantee that unless you go over there prepared you will be back very soon.

How much money do you have? What would be a good idea would be to go over there, with a backpack not a van, book into a hostel and don't depend on getting work immediately. From a hostel you will meet lots of people, make friends and contacts.

The next step would be to find a flat. Take your time, make friends with some local people who will help you to not get ripped off by unscrupulous landlords. Join a language school, learn the language. Advertise your services as a private English teacher. Take any work you can, imagine washing dishes for example. It will be a lot more difficult to adjust than you imagine though if you persevere there is a good chance you wont go back to the uk.

Again though, learn at least a little greek before you go over there. You can easily pick up the essentials in a few weeks.
 
Whilst the cost of living in Greece is much lower than the UK, the pay is also commensurately lower, maybe more so. Without speaking any Greek, I think you might find it difficult to earn enough to live a good life. Go there for a long holiday.
 
Don't even think about it without Greek.

English is Spoken far less outside the Tourist areas.
as far a setting up a company you'll never do it without Greek.
I've managed here but we have Greek Friends that Help, know where to go etc without this we'd not have stood a chance to get the right paperwork filled or would be paying a accountant or Lawyer though the nose for the privilege.

Its not the UK and so many things are Different that not even know where to start.
Don't expect UK wages a good wage out here is €1200pm shop/office work €6-800pm
Bar work even Less.

try this site for some basic Greek
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/greek/
 
Greek is not easy to learn as it's not based on Latin.

I lived in Thessaloniki for a month tho, and the only greek I knew was "watermelon" and "I can;t speek greek", which wasn't much use... I suggest learning the lingo before you go.
 
My father moved to (Larnaca) Cyprus where the main population is greek around 3 years ago. He didn't and still does not speak a word of greek but has established his own business and a pritty good life. Everyone there speaks english perfectly because its mainly a tourist country. To be honest u should check it out there, awesome wether, great people and lots of nice places to explore.
 
come on guys stop with the negative.

1) don't bother with the language before you go because most courses in the uk are fairly useless and you'll learn far quicker spending a month there than spending a year in the uk doing night school

2) im presuming you are young go for it and take the van it is an adventure so what if it breaks down just more fun for you on the way :D

I can't recommend strongly enough going abroad look at some expat sites for greece (im sure there are some) and find people to speak to and forums to go on etc. you'll easily get by and english is always sought after. There is an EU agency there who might want some accountancy temps so your g-friend might be able to get in there even doing office admin.

just make sure you are properly signed off here with the taxman etc. so it's easier if and when you return (learn from my mistakes hehe)

good luck and GO FOR IT !!!
 
You mention your GF is a trainee accountant. How far is she into the course? If she does not have long to go then I would wait until she has finished since numbers are still numbers wherever you are.
 
Can't really comment as I don't have experience in that area but my gut feeling is that this won't be easy:

-Language barrier
-No jobs lined up already
-Potentially difficult to make a good living
-No plans to stay long-term mean that investment in the language/business etc may not see the full rewards reaped
-Possible homesickness / missing family and friends etc (maybe putting a strain on the relationship in the medium term)

Not looking to put a downer on things as some people are very independent and can pull those kind of things off. I just wonder if "a little change and adventure" could be brought to your lives with a safer option.
 
Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

We have looked into several other EU states and a common theme at the moment is a lack of jobs and Brits returning to the UK due to this.

All in all it seems a risky time to move so it's going onto the back burner for now.
 
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