I would like to relocate to Europe any help please??? (fit in, find a job)

[dali_wami]

Hi all,

I am a 19 yr old Namibian male and would like to relocate to another country for a few years. I would like to know which European countries/cities would be safe, tolerant and multi-cultural for a law abiding young male of colour? I have really been thinking alot about this but don't know which way to go and my country is really becoming to dull and stuffy for me. I would really like to either take up employment or study, which European countries/cities are at least tolerant towards people of colour and would be easy to (LEGALLY!!) immigrate too, find a job (I have a passion for flying and would like to be a flight attendant) etc etc?? I am fluent in both Afrikaans and English with some basic German and have an aptitude in learning foreign languages.
And also how is Switzerland for people of colour??
Thanx alot and hope to recieve some advice.

[nsk123]

You cannot save yourself from persecution in Europe, It really does not matter which EU country you choose because either way many problems of society will be blamed on colored people no matter where you are. Hell even if you as a black man are pulling the equivalent weight of several natives in any euro country you will always meet that one person that will call you a mooch that's only there to exploit his country.
Whatever you do avoid spain, they will most likely tend to look at you as cheap labor because apparently alot of people from the north of africa work on mushroom farms and cafés in spain.


I would probably go to the netherlands, germany or maybe, finland, norway.

[Fraggle3001]

Keep yourself away from the east part of Germany - unemployment in combination with racism, even the state gave out warnings during the Soccer-WM in 2006. But to be honest: A lot of Germans are leaving the country and immigrate somewhere else in Europe, meanwhile it´s hard to find work over here.

[ZipZap]

Before thinking about the region/ city that would suit you best I think you should get infos on EU immigration regulations first, whether or not a relocation is possible at all. After all - and despite some places which to avoid - you sure will find areas all over Europe where you would fit in easily.

[Fraggle3001]

True, ZipZap

[dali_wami]

I've done some research ... the UK offers a working holiday maker program, thinking of applying, this is a big step and risk i am taking leaving my comfort zone in search of independence, I am from a well off family but I don't want to depend on them for the rest of my life and also I like to think of myself as a very capable young man only problem its really hard to get a visa/permit etc and also taking that risk of leaving home. I was in Essen, Germany in April for a month visiting family and did not feel comfortable, people in Germany tend to be very cold and distant... can't live like that!! Anyway thanx for your replies ... hope to get some more help/info etc etc ... :-P

[glxyman21]

The U.K. isn't that "warm and friendly" either from an outsider's point of view. Both Germany and the U.K. share similarities in the germanic based language and other social aspects. Mediterranian countries were where you will find "friendliness". Though this is not to say the British are not friendly, they are more reserved so you have to take time to know them.

[internat]

To be honest it's not worst to be black. It has become more difficult for ordinary Muslims since the neo-conservative slogan "war on terror" became popular. Italy and Spain are worst which is a little funny as many of them are indistinguishable from North Africans and Near Easterners to the casual observer. Many Bosnians, because of their strong blondism and more northern features, look far less exotic in northern Europe, than a lot of Mediterranean people. Yet they are Muslim and many of the women cover themselves. Assimilation is also about customs. It's not just a racial issue.

You will find more people like yourself in large English and French cities.

It's very difficult to immigrate to Switzerland. Regarding Switzerland you should read:
BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Swiss row over black sheep poster

[fruitlassie]

Give Germany a try, yes it can be tough to find work but you have an advantage over all the expats here who do not speak any German whatsoever. I would recommend Frankfurt or Duesseldorf as they are relatively cosmopolitan and have huge airports, and the unemployment rate is not as high as other parts of the country. Cologne or Hamburg might work for you as well. It's true that Germans can be formal and not overtly friendly but the younger ones are not so bad...and the cities I mentioned are all large enough that you should be able to find other foreigners you can connect with if need be.

[Mattias]

stockholm!!!