One way ticket to Europe

[eh848707]

I'm an American that has the wonderful idea of buying a one-way ticket to Europe (probably Spain or France) and trying to find a job and a place to stay for the summer or maybe longer. Basically I think things will just work out without any prior planning. I'll just buy the ticket and start looking for a job and a place to stay when I arrive. Any opinions? comments?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

its not that easy,you will need a work permit,to work in europe,and i doubt very much they will even let you in the country of your choice without a return ticket,much like your customs officers would not let in a EU member,to do the same.
contary to believe,we dont just let anyone in,in europe.

[Buenchico]

As Norman indicates, there are strict rules regarding the employment of non-EU nationals. You can't even start the application process for a French work visa until your potential employer has sought and obtained authorization to employ you. It's unlikely that such authorization would be forthcoming if you were seeking to fill any job vacancy which could otherwise be filled by an EU citizen:
http://www.ambafrance-us.org/spip.php?article3 60

Similar rules are likely to exist throughout the EU. That's because (apart from a few transitional restrictions) any EU citizen is free to live and work in any of the 27 member countries. So a Brit, a Pole, a Dane or a Latvian must, quite rightly, be given precedence over a US citizen when employment is available in France, Spain or elsewhere within the EU .

Chris

[eh848707]

first of all, thank you...

but what about a low-pay, low-skilled job. something that anyone can do. couldn't i find a place that would pay me under the table to clean toilets or mop the floors or something?

[Lil O'lady]

Try applying to European campsite specialists such as Eurocamp, Castels (a french chain), keycamp, alan rogers, etc - do a google search or 'camping holidays in europe'. If any of these are recruiting for 2009 you could be in at the right time and at least make some maoney while yu establish yourself. It's basic work but usually in the open air and fine weather with accommodation included (yeah, a tent).
Unless you are a seasoned and independent traveller I would not recommend simply turning up. For a start, you may be refused entry by immigration if you do not appear to have a definite time-frame to your visit/ work permit etc.

[Buenchico]

eh848707:
It's not totally impossible to find employers who'll take you on illegally but it's becoming increasingly difficult. For example, here in the UK, all employers have to carry out documentary checks on all new employees, to confirm that they're entitled to work in the UK. Any employer found employing someone who does not have that right faces up to 2 years in prison, plus a fine of �10000 (=US$20000) for each person illegally employed. Very few employers are prepared to take that risk. Most other EU countries will have equally strict (or even stricter) laws.

Chris

[Ethel]

Those countries have their own people that need low paid, unskilled jobs.

They are not going to let you do that sort of job if it means somebody else is claiming unemployment benefit.

[legendis.god]

there are around 80.000 americans living and working in spain alone.
i rememeber another american posting on here a year or s ago.id follow norman and chris advice and contact the american embassy , im sure they can help you with information too.


good luck on your travels