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American Expat Living in Germany - Interview with Anthony
| Published: | 15 Jul at 10 AM |
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Filed: Interviews,Germany
Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Anthony is in his late 20s and currently resides in Nuremberg, Germany. He has a finance degree from Penn State University (Class of 2009) which set the foundation for his current career path. In August of 2013, after spending the majority of his post-college years in Philadelphia working for Siemens Healthcare, Anthony decided it was time to take the next step in his life’s journey. After an overseas offer from Siemens he packed two bags and moved abroad. While his close group of family and friends back in the US remains his first passion, his taste for excitement and trying new things has opened the doorway for many new positive experiences and adventures. An avid sport and game fan, Anthony also loves to read, write, travel and cook. Anthony's expat blog is called EuroSalata (see listing here)
Barcelona
Where are you originally from?
Rochester, New York
In which country and city are you living now?
Nuremberg, Germany
How long have you lived in Germany and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been in Nuremberg for 11 months and will most likely stay another two years.
JerusalemWhy did you move to Germany and what do you do?
I had been working for Siemens Healthcare in the US and transferred to a project management position in Erlangen, Germany
Did you bring family with you?
No, all my family is back in the US
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
The transition to Germany has not been too difficult for me. The biggest challenge has been learning the language. Aside from that, just small things like bagging my own groceries and realizing that football is not played with pads and helmets.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, my primary colleagues are all within the same age proximity which provided me with an instant network of friends. That being said, the majority of my friends are individuals in the same situation as me (i.e. expats from another country trying to learn German).
RigaWhat are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Nuremberg and the surrounding areas tend to have many festivals to celebrate just about anything. These festivals are generally centered around food, beer and music (all of the best things). The Erlangen Bergkirchweih (May/June), the Bamberg Sandkerwa (August) and of course Munich's Oktoberfest (September/October) are just a few examples. The Alps are nearby and provide for fantastic skiing and hiking. Nuremberg is also home to arguably the world's most famous Christmas Market.
What do you enjoy most about living in Germany?
Hands down, the ability to travel around Europe.
How does the cost of living in Germany compare to home?
Groceries and day to day purchases are more or less in line with prices in Philadelphia and Rochester. Clothing, appliances and automobiles tend to be more expensive.
PragueWhat negatives, if any, are there to living in Germany?
Most shops are closed on Sundays - make sure to purchase all of your groceries before then!
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Germany, what would it be?
Start learning German now! Although the majority of individuals under 40 in the area speak great English you will inevitably enjoy yourself more if you can speak and understand the language.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Aside from struggling through the German grammar, being away from my closest family and friends has been a major challenge.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
This is a good question - and something that is difficult to answer at this point. In any case, I know my experiences abroad will help me look at things back home in a new light.
BerchtesgadenWhat are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
My blog, EuroSalata, details my travels in and around Europe. Mixing humor, history and visuals it outlines my fun-filled, educational and unexpected experiences.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
E-mail and twitter!
Anthony is an American expat living in Germany. Blog description: Travel blog about my recent move to Germany.
Barcelona
Here's the interview with Anthony...
Where are you originally from?
Rochester, New York
In which country and city are you living now?
Nuremberg, Germany
How long have you lived in Germany and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been in Nuremberg for 11 months and will most likely stay another two years.
Jerusalem
I had been working for Siemens Healthcare in the US and transferred to a project management position in Erlangen, Germany
Did you bring family with you?
No, all my family is back in the US
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
The transition to Germany has not been too difficult for me. The biggest challenge has been learning the language. Aside from that, just small things like bagging my own groceries and realizing that football is not played with pads and helmets.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
Yes, my primary colleagues are all within the same age proximity which provided me with an instant network of friends. That being said, the majority of my friends are individuals in the same situation as me (i.e. expats from another country trying to learn German).
Riga
Nuremberg and the surrounding areas tend to have many festivals to celebrate just about anything. These festivals are generally centered around food, beer and music (all of the best things). The Erlangen Bergkirchweih (May/June), the Bamberg Sandkerwa (August) and of course Munich's Oktoberfest (September/October) are just a few examples. The Alps are nearby and provide for fantastic skiing and hiking. Nuremberg is also home to arguably the world's most famous Christmas Market.
What do you enjoy most about living in Germany?
Hands down, the ability to travel around Europe.
How does the cost of living in Germany compare to home?
Groceries and day to day purchases are more or less in line with prices in Philadelphia and Rochester. Clothing, appliances and automobiles tend to be more expensive.
Prague
Most shops are closed on Sundays - make sure to purchase all of your groceries before then!
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Germany, what would it be?
Start learning German now! Although the majority of individuals under 40 in the area speak great English you will inevitably enjoy yourself more if you can speak and understand the language.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Aside from struggling through the German grammar, being away from my closest family and friends has been a major challenge.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
This is a good question - and something that is difficult to answer at this point. In any case, I know my experiences abroad will help me look at things back home in a new light.
Berchtesgaden
- Be comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone!
- Travel, travel, travel and travel some more.
- Immerse yourself as much as possible in the culture while remember your roots and TRY to learn the language.
- Take pictures and write about your experiences.
- Schedule FaceTime/Skype sessions with family and friends back home to periodically keep in touch.
My blog, EuroSalata, details my travels in and around Europe. Mixing humor, history and visuals it outlines my fun-filled, educational and unexpected experiences.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
E-mail and twitter!
About the author
Anthony is an American expat living in Germany. Blog description: Travel blog about my recent move to Germany.
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