Europe - need some opinions

Hey a friend and I are going to be backpacking threw Europe the beginning of 2013. I have only been to Italy for two months and she hasn't been any where, I have a friend in Italy that is seeing if we could find work there but the question is, where is the best places in Europe for Americans to find work and possibly decided that maybe we love it here so much we want to live here?? any comments are welcomed.

Wrong forum my friend....but in answer to your question. Nowhere in Europe will entertain you...at least not in the way you want to go about it.

As this is not a trip report I shall move it on to the Europe forum.

Moomba
Moderator: Trip Reports

The first thing to do would be find out about obtaining a work visa - not sure if the US do a gap year type visa but that might be suitable? If you decide you want to stay you'll have to apply through regular immigration channels.

do either of you have a/any talent or education, or will you be competing with guest workers from under developed countries?

do either of you have a/any talent or education, or will you be competing with guest workers from under developed countries?
Based on the OP's post, they'll also be looking for work illegally, which (apart from being against the law, naturally) is also unwise and would no doubt be unpleasant.

Based on the OP's post, they'll also be looking for work illegally, which (apart from being against the law, naturally) is also unwise and would no doubt be unpleasant.

I'm not sure why you would assume based on the OP's post that they would be looking for work illegally. I see nothing in the post that alludes to that.

In any case, finding short-term (or seasonal) work in Europe is not easy for a non-EU citizen. Work permits must be obtained and that is not an easy process (I know as I have been through the process). In many countries, the employer has to prove that you have special skills that are not readily available in the country. The employer would apply for the work permit on your behalf and since there are plenty of other EU citizens looking for work, they are not going to bother going through the hassle to employ a non-EU citizen on a short-term basis. If you are planning to live in an EU country for the long-term, it is best to look for and obtain a job before coming to the country.

When I worked in Bulgaria, my employer (I am an engineer) had to reapply for my work permit every year in addition to justifying why they were hiring me (an American) and not a Bulgarian. I also had to have a residency permit, but could not obtain tat until I got the work permit first. Of course, all these applications cost money.

I'm not sure why you would assume based on the OP's post that they would be looking for work illegally. I see nothing in the post that alludes to that.

In any case, finding short-term (or seasonal) work in Europe is not easy for a non-EU citizen. Work permits must be obtained and that is not an easy process (I know as I have been through the process). In many countries, the employer has to prove that you have special skills that are not readily available in the country. The employer would apply for the work permit on your behalf and since there are plenty of other EU citizens looking for work, they are not going to bother going through the hassle to employ a non-EU citizen on a short-term basis. If you are planning to live in an EU country for the long-term, it is best to look for and obtain a job before coming to the country.

When I worked in Bulgaria, my employer (I am an engineer) had to reapply for my work permit every year in addition to justifying why they were hiring me (an American) and not a Bulgarian. I also had to have a residency permit, but could not obtain tat until I got the work permit first. Of course, all these applications cost money.

The Gap year visas don't have most of those restrictions - you can work for any employer, just as though you were a resident. There are normally age restrictions tho, and I am not sure if every EU country participates.

I'm not sure why you would assume based on the OP's post that they would be looking for work illegally. I see nothing in the post that alludes to that.

In any case, finding short-term (or seasonal) work in Europe is not easy for a non-EU citizen. Work permits must be obtained and that is not an easy process (I know as I have been through the process). In many countries, the employer has to prove that you have special skills that are not readily available in the country. The employer would apply for the work permit on your behalf and since there are plenty of other EU citizens looking for work, they are not going to bother going through the hassle to employ a non-EU citizen on a short-term basis. If you are planning to live in an EU country for the long-term, it is best to look for and obtain a job before coming to the country.

When I worked in Bulgaria, my employer (I am an engineer) had to reapply for my work permit every year in addition to justifying why they were hiring me (an American) and not a Bulgarian. I also had to have a residency permit, but could not obtain tat until I got the work permit first. Of course, all these applications cost money.
I say that because, precisely, of what you say in your middle paragraph. No, the OP did not specifically say that, but the tone of the post suggested it to me. It will be good if that is not so.

pickpockets in italy are not treated harshly(if that is a trade). purse peddling is also not severly punished. consider either as a vocation.