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I'm not sure how often threads like this pop up, as I am new to these forums after having kicked around in them for information about various locales across the globe, but I figured I would give it a shot posting to see if I could get some advice from people with more experience under their belt than myself.
I am 19 years old, just reached the age where the world really opens up and the small bubble of high school has faded away. I graduated in 2011 and was set to attend University Of Vermont to play D1 hockey in the fall. When I got to the school I really wasn't enjoying myself, so I left and decided to try my luck at another college. I promptly left that one as well, so I began to wonder: maybe it isn't these colleges, it's college in general. Now, my reasons for leaving weren't due to a lack of drive and determination. I didn't want to "drop out" for the sake of lazing around and avoiding any responsibility, I just simply found myself wanting more than what was offered to me at school.
From a young age I've wanted to branch out and explore, always having planned to live abroad; and anxiously awaiting when I'd finally get the chance to. College was always the plan, so the dream seemed far off, but lately I've been wondering if just hitting the road and travelling would be the worst thing to do. My goal is to become an outdoor adventure photographer/filmmaker; and as a surfer I am drawn to telling the stories of that culture. Such a craft requires talent, skill, and dedication; and no there is no doubt a necessity to learn. I have begun to think that college might not be the best place to do so, however. I have been working to line up internships with various surf filmmakers, and think that living and working in Europe (along with continuing to work on my art) might be the best decision for me. A place in which I could surf/snowboard/film everyday might actually be more beneficial to me than time spent in a classroom.
I just wanted to post on the forums because, while I have done lots of research about alternatives to college, I am not familiar with what life is like in Europe first-hand (challenges, etc). That's where i'm hoping some of you could come in. Possibly provide some information on, not only what it would be like for me moving to Europe at such a young age, but possibly some wisdom regarding the decision to make such a move instead of attend college. Maybe also some suggestions on cities that might make the most sense for me. Thanks.
Each country in Europe has its own unique set of immigration rules so you need to narrow things down a bit. Eg, for the UK you could maybe get an internship for 6 months through Bunac. But to stay longer you would need a work visa and with no college degree you simply will not get one.
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