Moving to Europe as a minority
Posted by fractalmom@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 29 comments
I moved to USA in hopes of a better future. I am so disappointed in the results of the election. Today my whole perception of people around me has changed. My question is: How does it feel to be a non-white immigrant in Europe? And would you make a move in your 30s? I am not saying I would be able to find a job. But I sure am willing to try. I have a PhD and working on getting my Masters in Data Analytics.
AntiFacistBossBitch@reddit
https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/work-immigration/skilled-workers/
https://daadscholarship.com/immigrate-to-switzerland-with-work-visa-in-2025-6-easy-steps/
You will be fine as a PoC. There are many of us here and we're doing well!
fractalmom@reddit (OP)
Thanks!!!
sylvestris-@reddit
Why do you think being non-white makes any difference here in Europe? You can continue your education in Europe or find local job. If not you have limited chance to stay here for longer than 90 days.
estrea36@reddit
Europe anti-immigration sentiment is expanding rapidly. It's valid, but it also leads to scenarios where some people blindly assume that random brown bystanders are asylum seekers and act cold or antagonistic as a result.
There are plenty of posts on expat subs about brown people getting dirty looks by locals until they realize they are american.
Bitter_Initiative_77@reddit
I mean, racism does exist in Europe. Just in a different from than in the US. Germany, for instance, has well-documented racial disparities.
Rsloth@reddit
Hello aspiring expat. Non-whites will certainly experience varying levels of discrimination based on where they move, but that shouldn't discourage OP from going for it. Millions of non-whites have made a life there and OP can too. However, pretending discrimination doesn't exist in Europe doesn't serve.
jaminbob@reddit
Doesn't serve what?
orlandoaustin@reddit
So because of the election you want to move. At least you are honest.
Truth is your chances are zero unless: 1) you married a citizen, 2)you had a work sponsor, 3) you have family links and blood.
forreddituse2@reddit
4) you have a large pile of money to do CBI/RBI.
travelingsket@reddit
Every single election they post these.
orlandoaustin@reddit
Yes it gets rather strange.
I am still awaiting Whoopi Golberg to leave. She is still here.
What many fail to recognize is all the English speaking countries basically do as the US says.
travelingsket@reddit
Many countries may hold the US in high regard in terms of economic growth but they are traditional and still follow their own rules I happen to live in a country like that currently.
I also didn't marry anyone, don't have a work sponsor, and I don't have any current relatives living here. Digital nomad visas are popping up all over countries and or you can pay to sponsor yourself if you can afford it.
akie@reddit
And I’ve met quite a few people here in Berlin who actually did it for these EXACT reasons and are happy that they did it (and are saying “I’m never going back”).
travelingsket@reddit
And I've got them. I'm extremely perceptive and a little psychic and I got a big emotional download back in 2017 and I moved and haven't looked back.
estrea36@reddit
I wouldn't be so sure. Unlike other posters, OP actually has experience immigrating and has a PhD.
The average poster is usually an 18 year old with expensive chronic disabilities and no college degree or passport.
expats-ModTeam@reddit
If you are currently not an expat, and are looking for information about emigrating, you are required to ask specific questions about a specific destination or set of destinations. This means you should have already put some thought and research into where you might want—and be able—to go.
You must provide context for your questions which may be relevant. No one is an expert in your eligibility to emigrate, so it’s expected that you will have already done some research to get an idea of what countries you might be able to get a visa for.
r/iwantout may be a better sub for you to post in. Make sure you abide by their rules as well.
airsoftshowoffs@reddit
Everywhere you will have racism and / or xenophobia. If people are the same skin color, you will still get strong xenophobia. Normally, it is far worse when dealing with old people, too. Additionally, rasicm can be in your face or the silent variety( just plain exclusion). The reality is that your home country is probably the only place where you will not feel different when compared to others.
Rustykilo@reddit
Try Canada and Netherland. They are pretty open to immigrants. Maybe Italy too. Beautiful country and nice weather.
gonuda@reddit
Europe doesn't need more wokes!
Many (Western) Europeans like me are happy that Trump has won. Do not believe the media.
PanickyFool@reddit
You realize we are all in a wave of far right elections right now. We Dutch literally elected proto trump.
The next German government will be a neo Nazi government.
France, Italy.
And we hate people who talk with a different dialect let a lone have different culture and ethnicity.
Bitter_Initiative_77@reddit
Bit bold to assume the AfD will hold power at the federal level.
LudicrousPlatypus@reddit
It entirely depends on which country you move to and which immigrant you are.
Some European cities have quite a lot of racial diversity, and therefore you won't really stick out much. In some countries, you are likely to experience a great deal of racism and xenophobia.
_0utis_@reddit
Depends first on the country itself, then on whether you are in an urban center or rural area. It also depends on what type of environment you will immerse yourself in (your job, your university etc.).
nanou33000@reddit
FYI Europe is a continent and perceptions may vary from a country to another
MethyleneBlueEnjoyer@reddit
An "out of the frying pan and into the fire" decision if there ever was one.
travelingsket@reddit
it feels just as great as it does visiting or moving in any country. People are attracted to people who love and take care of themselves. Is your aura attractive? Trust and believe there are bad days here in Europe just like there are in America or any other country.
Zonoc@reddit
You have the right education to get a skilled worker visa with work experience. My wife and I moved at 40 with a kid to Norway, you'll be fine.
Racism is more on the surface in Europe. Here in Norway, you would hear far more racist comments than in the US. But you also will not be shot by the police because of your skin color.
burnbabyburn694200@reddit
Lmao you aren’t going anywhere, just put the fries in the bag bro
Artichoke-Ok@reddit
I wouldn't base such life decisions on who happens to get elected this cycle. In Europe there are also many popular right wing political parties now that are critical of migration for instance. Will you move each time those win the elections? For your daily life it has no real impact. Just ignore all the politics and live your life.