hi KJ! Let me first wish you the best with your move and new life.
I take it that you have no plans of getting married?
For me, I got married during my 3 months of visitors visa as planned.
Even though I got my alien residency AND job permit here (waited 3 months AFTER filed, as that is the standard), I'm frustrated with all the waiting... mainly, it's all a waiting game. I did get some waitingmoney as they called it, and I was in the health system regardless of my status.
For employment - legally, I am not allowed to work until I meet a certain amount of language class even though I have a job permit. Hell, I am not taking any class.... because people are busy figuring out a solution (me deaf, they hearing, know only NSL, no ASL, me no speak English, just write n read it.. know 4th grade level of norwegian, tho). :-P hehe fortunately, they seem to be very deaf friendly here. Sucks that I just dont know NSL!
BUT.... they granted me "waitingmoney" which really helps a lot. I filed for unemployment/deaf ssi (after enrolling in the norwegian deaf association with a membership, however that goes)... they were able to grant me that, at least. It is really my first time having SSI... and it had to be in another country! ha ha - having a network is important, you gotta know people who live in the area where you will live in.. they will help you.
I chatted with buddies online a lot, and WaterRats does that too i reckon! We seem to be on internet a lot, both of us.. heheee.. at least for the first few months, there's the adjustment period.. I was recovering from 4 years of college, and just graduated that summer... I really loved the rest I got here! Then I stepped up on projects, painting, writing, hanging with in laws, getting to know people.. babysitting my niece and nephew in law.. teaching them some ASL, baking some American goodies they can't resist like chocolate chip cookies and homemade pizza... hell, I have my own web comics to do... now I'm toning down my internet time, and focusing more on home life. An old friend from USA visited me. Thinking about taking a pottery class myself. I take weekly walks with this cat in my avatar. I really gained a lot since I moved here. Losing some lbs now, fortunately. No baby. Hehe
Honestly, I don't forsee a problem in getting a job here once I complete my language class since there is a need for graphic/web designers around here and my hubby and in laws have connections. I just have to renew my visa and permits every December. It's just all the legal jumbo that I have to get out of way.. with much waiting... I have been here for over a year, and that's how long I waited (with much dallying on my part and slow turtles on the gov's part). Didn't know all that I know today.
How long are you planning on living in Europe? About money.. I would recommend leaving your bank account open in USA, because you will need it to take care of things in USA if it comes down to that.. you'd be surprised how some firms in USA are very restricted when it comes to international countries! For instance, I am paying bill online - and the credit card company only allows american banks to pay the bill, sheeshh.. that seems to be common in USA. Plus it's nice to have the emergency account... it proved useful in that area when I was visiting USA, seriously! When my Norwegian visa credit card reached its max limit, I was able to write a check to pay for the difference... *PHEW* also, the ATM helps... cos I hate those ATM fees and all the problems of having your card accepted by some ATMs (foreign credit cards aren't accepted in all ATMs, just use the ones in the large malls in USA they usually work). How is the money exchange rate for your place in Europe and the Dollar? Will you use Euros?
Also... I wonder about telling your city hall that you're living abroad so they know to not order you to jury duty should that ever come. I'm not sure of how this works, still havent informed my city hall. WaterRats can answer this one, I hope! Maybe it's not necessary? Think you have to do it in person,... still up in the air about this one?? My dad suggested the city hall thing and said you had to do it in person, but I'd prefer to get more info about it. So far, no jury duty for me! Whooo hoo!
Be aware of how you can be involved in the voting process - american citizens living abroad CAN vote overseas, I believe. That I'm still figuring out how, and contacting people. Oh, and you dont need to file your taxes (if you didnt work the year before that is, or you didnt reach a certain amount)... as long as you don't have work with an income in USA, it's not necessary. You will pay taxes in Europe if you work there. I asked my dad about it.. he's an accountant in Dept of Interior (DOI), but better ask somebody else for 2nd opinion to be on the safe side. I pay taxes here in Norway, with 30 percent of my income... THATS the SSI! LOL
Additionally, I found that my American driving license was only good for the first 3 months when I moved here.... now it's invalid, and I have to get a Norwegian driving license. At least they drive on the right side of the road! LOL I wasn't concerned with driving because my hubby only had a car with stick, now we just got a new car with auto.... so...... I'm considered a student, and I can't drive without an adult with 5 years of experience with norwegian driving license.. thats hubby.. *SIGH* have to write one BIG "L" letter in red and put it on the back of the car so people know..... *humiliation* lmao, but it's good that I can learn all the rules of the road. It's a bit different here..
As for packing..... it depends on how long you plan on living there. I'd get rid of all the junk you dont need, something replaceable once you move to Europe.. I'd suggest getting some stuff and food that they "dont" have in Europe, though! You'll miss it. Heee - for me I got my books and kitchen items. Rare to find books in English here. I am reading a Nora Roberts in norwegian now, though, with the help of my trusty language dictionary!
It is pretty costly to pack a lot of boxes and bags beyond 2 bags, depending which airport you are coming from... damn BWI charged me over 300 dollars for the extra bags I had (charged 4 bags/boxes out of 6). So, be prepared to cough up some money for that just in case! Consider the costs of having the rest of your stuff shipped, as well.
So, why wont the man move to USA? hehehe!
Let me know how it goes with city hall, if you can.. I'm curious, too! Hope the info I provided helps... if I didnt answer some of your questions, let me know! Oh yeah, I met norwegian deafies here.. went to theatre and their parties. Unfortunately they live 2 hours away! Wahh... lol
Off to reading Nora Roberts... take care!
) and how did that experience go? 
(4.5 years of working my arse off there)
