As a recent modern languages graduate, I have spent a fair amount of time living, studying and working abroad. In the post-Brexit Britain we find ourselves living in today, I thought I would share some of my experiences and tips on life living abroad.
Year abroad
The first time I moved abroad and lived alone, was for my semester studying at Heidelberg University. I was 20 and for someone who had always lived at home, living alone and in a foreign country was a terrifying prospect. You often hear people say, ‘the year abroad was the best year of my life’. I was doubtful myself but then I arrived in Heidelberg and I couldn’t help but join the other 20-somethings in preaching the same line. Heidelberg still to this day has a special place in my heart but it wasn’t just because of the stunning views from Königstuhl or the cheap university food, it was also because of the people who made it special. If you are a student waiting apprehensively to start your year abroad adventure, I would highly recommend checking out Facebook Erasmus events and groups where you can connect with fellow students from around the world! I still keep in contact with many of the people I met during my year abroad and even met my current boyfriend through Erasmus events! From pub rallies and bar crawls to house parties and boat parties, the list of events and opportunities to meet people are endless and it was down to them that I still see Heidelberg as my home.
Post Brexit bureaucracy
Now, back in 2019 things were different. Covid hadn’t quite reared its ugly head yet, the weather was amazing and most importantly, we were still reaping the benefits of the EU, what a time. Although I found myself back in Germany this year, my experience has been very different. Firstly, covid. If you are preparing to move abroad or study on an exchange anytime soon, please stay well-informed on your country’s covid regulations – after all, not everyone is as blasé as Britain right now.
As I am currently working for the British Council, one of the first things I had to research was the residence permit process and all I have to say is to start early! I arrived in Germany back in September 2021 and started the process almost immediately, but I only received my permit in February 2022 after completing and sending multiple documents to and from the Ausländerbehorde (equivalent to a local council in the UK). In fact, some assistants and students were even sent home because their visas were not processed in time!
A little language goes a long way...
With the post-Brexit one-minded Britain we live in today, this last point might pass many Brits by when considering a life abroad: learn the language! Of course, I realise it is not possible to learn an entirely new language and try to live a spontaneous life but every little helps. How many times has the Britain First movement shouted something along the lines of “learn English or leave”? Why should we expect to move to another country and have natives speak our language? I may have studied French and German at university but with my plan to live in Japan next year, I have taken up Japanese one hour a week so that I can try my best to fit in. One of the little pleasures out here in Bavaria is having small conversations with passers-by, dog-walkers or teachers in the staff room. Don’t cut yourself off before you’ve even arrived - a little language goes a long way!
Behind the bureaucracy and language learning, however, is the one thing that really makes living abroad a breeze: people. Having lived abroad both alone and with someone, I have still relied on having a social life to make me feel truly at home. If you are to take away one thing, it is that it is okay to be a little terrified, but it will be an experience you will never forget surrounded by people you never thought you’d meet.
Emily Bird
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