Go ahead and climb the steps into the EU

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Bureaucracy is one of those things you must deal with. In many cases paperwork
and delays can be annoying and exasperating. When you thought you already
had everything completed, there is always a last essential document that is
missed. In this situation, be patient. Dont give up on your adventure by so much
bureaucracy, it is one of the first steps and obstacles to overcome to begin your
dream.
Get your degree recognised
In most cases it is possible to obtain a document that compares your title with
those issued in the EU country to which you want to move. To do so, check out
the ENIC / NARIC centre of the country where you want the comparability of your
qualifications to be assessed. However, you have to be aware that the
administrations of EU countries remain responsible for their education systems
and are free to apply their own rules, including whether or not to recognise
qualifications obtained overseas.
Your travel documents
If you are willing to travel to the European Union or within its borders, you need a
passport and possibly a visa: valid 3 months after the scheduled date of
departure of the EU country in which you are and issued less than 10 years ago.
You can apply for a visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you are
planning to visit. If the visa is from a country in the "Schengen area",
automatically you will have the possibility to travel to the other Schengen
countries. In addition, a valid residence permit in any of the Schengen countries
is equivalent to a visa. Instead, if you want to visit countries outside the
Schengen area you may need a national visa, as there are passport checks as
you approach the boundary.
Citizens of certain countries do not require visas to visit the EU if the stay does
not exceed three months. The list of countries whose citizens require visas to
travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland is somewhat different from that applied
by the other EU countries.
Your travel insurance
Even if you are not an EU-national, but you are resident in the territory of an EU
Member State you can apply for and use a European Health Insurance Card or
Temporary Replacement Certificate. It should never cost you anything and it
should be provided by your health insurer prior to travelling. However, it is
important to know that you cannot use your card for medical treatment in
Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
You have to bear in mind that the card does not guarantee free services. Each
countrys healthcare system is different and some services that does not cost
you anything in your home town might not be free in another country. The period
of validity of the card is a decision for each issuing Member State to make.

Time to explore
After finishing with all the bureaucracy its time for you to enjoy your trip. Either
travel or stay, dont forget to spend time with those who know the country best,
the locals. Keep your mind open and dont let your own influences (stereotypes,
prejudice or clichs) prevent you to live a genuine experience. The best part of
being overseas is to be in front of new ideas, cultures or thoughts. You will feel a
more intimate, authentic and deep experience of the place.
Before going on a trip, you might like to plan it. Check out visit Europe and
explore all the transport possibilities, like rail networks or cheap airlines. You can
also find ideas on how to make the best of your leisure activities and be inspired
by other personal travel stories around European cities. Find out how to plan your
trip with let's Go, a travel guide written entirely by students and brings together
invaluable travel experiences.
Indeed, you wont be the only foreigner living in your new city. There are different
expatriates groups around the world that can provide you with many useful tips.
Check out just landed, expatriates.com or InterNations.
Read more:
Where to look for jobs in the EU? Youthwork, links and ideas. (link to Willing to fly
to the EU for a job?)
Cheaper ways to fly
Short-stay accommodation in Europe