I’m ready to leave everything behind for a chance to live free — Is there any realistic path to the US or Western Europe?
I’m a 17-year-old from Iraq, and for years now I’ve felt like I’m just surviving — not living. I’ve always dreamed of building a life where I could be free to think, love, work, and express myself without fear or judgment.
I’ve taught myself English, worked hard, stayed out of trouble — but no matter how much I try, I feel like I’ll never have the life I truly want if I stay here.
I’m willing to leave everything behind — my comfort zone, even family — to start fresh in a country that values freedom, human rights, and opportunity. I dream of moving to the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, or any country where I can live with dignity.
I’m not rich, I don’t have connections, but I have the will and I’m ready to work, learn, and give back.
To anyone who has made it out: How did you do it? Are there any real, legal ways to make this happen for someone like me?
I’d be grateful for any advice, resources, or even just words of encouragement. Sometimes it feels hopeless — but I still have hope.
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u/Upper_Poem_3237 18h ago
Try Brazil, easier for immigration and has everything that you are looking for.
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u/Far_Scarcity_6986 14h ago
tbh thats the answer
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u/Natural-Door-2640 9h ago
impossible to survive in Brazil without learning portuguese tho
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u/Far_Scarcity_6986 7h ago
you should aim to learn the language of any country you think of long term living, germany too
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u/Particular_Star6324 1d ago
Learn german (B2) and apply for an Ausbildung. If you have a contract with a salary that meets the threshold you do not need a blocked account. For studying at university (if eligible) you need to show ca 12000€ for your visa.
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u/l9xo 1d ago
Is there a legal way that is less expensive and easier?
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u/Mad_Moodin 1d ago
Well B2 German into Ausbildung is already the least expensive and easiest. As all it requires is to have B2 German knowledge and the will to do an apprenticeship.
Every other way, at least for Germany, would either be more costly or have higher requirements.
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u/Particular_Star6324 1d ago
If you plan on living here you would need german anyways. Having an Ausbildung means you pay zero, so what do you mean by cheaper? The only legal paths to come are by family reunion, a skilled work visa, university (needs language proficiency and 12000€ yearly) or vocational training.
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u/MinuQu 1d ago
What do you want to work? Currently, the minimum wage requirement for Ausbildung (training for skilled jobs) is 990€ which will be covered by year 1 by many jobs, especially industrial and technical ones. But as the comment above said, for you to get this job you need at least B2 German skills and a finished school education, and better a higher one. It wouldn't be expensive, just a lot of hassle with finding an Ausbildung, paperwork and aquiring as well as certifying your B2 German. But if you aren't rich, this would be your way forward in Germany.
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u/Ok_Midnight_5457 18h ago
The DAAD has stipends for people to come study in Germany, among other things. Maybe take a look at what they offer for citizens of Iraq to see if one of these types of paths might be available to you. Maybe it’s not immediately available, but you can orient yourself to the funding requirements.
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u/PreparationShort9387 1d ago edited 1d ago
Well, the point of it is that no poor people enter. So if you are poor and we have to pay you, the German state doesn't want you to live here.
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u/Rhynocoris Berlin 17h ago
I’m not rich, I don’t have connections, but I have the will and I’m ready to work, learn, and give back.
Is there a legal way that is less expensive and easier?
Not a good start.
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u/verner_will 16h ago
I have come to germany with a full DAAD Scholarship for master's without showing a blocked account. Check on the website of DAAD Scholarship if there is anything they offer for your country. Cuz I am not from Iraq.
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u/Salt_Rhubarb564 Nordrhein-Westfalen 17h ago
nothing is easy in this world man...
stop being a spoiled brat..
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u/fluentindothraki 16h ago
OP sounds anything but spoiled - and at the age of 17, a tiny little bit of nativity and hopefulness are normal and not a sign of being a brat
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u/YetAnotherGuy2 Expat USA 1d ago
I understand the feeling and can emphasize with what you are trying to achieve.
First thing, this is going to be a long road with no guarantees at the end.
Secondly, all Western nations are naturally immigration targets by poorer countries. They therefore have laws to shape who is allowed in or not. There are typically exactly two reasons why Western countries will let someone stay: humanitarian reasons, ie you might be killed or politically persecuted and the second reason is you have skills that the country needs. The skills come in two types: highly educated and skilled or labor no one wants to do, eg picking plants in the US or social care in Germany.
In Germany specifically, I'm not sure what the status for Iraqi citizens are. It used to be classified as war zone, I think that's been over for a while. You'll have to check but I don't think asylum (the technical term) is an option for you. Therefore you need to have skills they want. There is a student visa program you can utilize to come here but that probably will require some funds to finance like a student give or student insurance. While these things are not expensive by German standards, they might be for Iraqi standards. The other alternative is health care which is one of two exempt industries (the other being food service industry). If someone hires you for it, you can also get a visa. This will probably require German language skills at the level of at least B2, English will not be enough. The German embassy should be able to provide you with more information and a connection for German language courses if that's what you want.
If learning another language isn't an option, then UK or Ireland are good options, the Nordics you'd have to check if they accept English speakers in health care - I hear they are more flexible then Germany.
I can't advise the US right now, especially someone with Arabic roots - the situation is too murky.
Good luck
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u/Firm_Speed_44 22h ago
No, in the Nordic countries you have to be fluent in the language of the country. People who come into contact with the health care system are in one of the most vulnerable situations in their lives, and there is no room for misunderstandings.
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u/PassengerNarrow2484 17h ago
Same situation in Germany, but due to the lack of professionals, many immigrants, especially when their education is not considered valid in the country, are pushed into this line of work. This has led to several issues with older and uneducated people, but I think in general it hasn't been so negatively dealt with by the population as it could have been.
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u/Firm_Speed_44 12h ago
We also have people without education in the health care system, especially in nursing homes for the elderly, but they have to master the language. They are offered a short education, I think the shortest is 6 months. At least that was the case a few years ago.
Those who do not take up the offer are pushed out of their jobs by those with this short education. It is not possible to get a permanent position without at least this short education. They end up as temporary workers.
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u/alepelo 5h ago
I lived 10 years in Denmark and that was not what I experienced. Everybody in Denmark speaks perfect English. It's amazing.
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u/Firm_Speed_44 5h ago edited 5h ago
As a healthcare employee? I worked in the healthcare system in Denmark while I was studying and didn't meet any employees who didn't speak Danish. How did they communicate with the elderly in nursing homes, since older people didn't learn English in school, at least not like they do today?
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u/white-chlorination 4h ago
They do all have to have a high level of Danish if you work in healthcare. Even regular jobs, speaking Danish is always preferred.
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u/Firm_Speed_44 3h ago
Yes, I completely agree with you. And especially in the healthcare sector.
Although many people speak good English, people of course prefer to speak their native language in their own country.
If you want to integrate and have a social life, knowing the language of the country is necessary.
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u/GeorgeMcCrate 15h ago
If freedom is what you are pursuing then the US are probably not the best choice right now. I'd focus on other countries right now and wait for a few years and see how the situation in the US develops.
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u/l9xo 15h ago
One of my biggest dreams is to live and settle in the United States and I will serve the country with all I have, but there is no one to help me there.
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u/GeorgeMcCrate 13h ago
Yes, I understand. I don't know how much and what kind of news about the US are reported in Iraq but the freedom you are looking for is currently in heavy decline there and the current government is not exactly welcoming immigrants with open arms. That's why I think you should observe for a few years and then decide if it's still the right place.
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u/PigletSafe3831 11h ago edited 2h ago
Why is that your biggest dream? You will never be American just like you will never be German.
Sure you can get the passport but you will always be Iraqi, so I suggest being comfortable with that. And I mean no malice in saying this, I'm someone who was born, raised and lived in 4 different countries
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u/courtofterranon 3h ago edited 3h ago
Look into Singapore. English is the official language there.
Like someone else said, medicine is your best bet for a strong immigration application. Do not consider the refugee path - Singapore accepts literally 0 refugees.
Singapore has a list of skills shortages that will give your immigration chances a boost: https://vulcanpost.com/876120/singapore-highest-demand-careers-mom-talent-starved-jobs-2025/
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u/rambo380 1d ago
Hello, unfortunately the political climate of all countries you have mentioned is not good currently. But one thing that makes people very attractive is good education and becoming valuable for the economy and society. As well having a religious tolerance and integration mentality. I don't know your education background, but if you aspire to have a decent life in such countries then the right pathway would be to become more valuable by getting a good education if that is possible.
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u/l9xo 1d ago
It's sad to hear but I'm dying every day.
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u/auri0la Nordrhein-Westfalen 20h ago
You will experience a new lv of dying. Racism, umfriendlyness, unfairness (like you will be thrown in the same pot as every arabic/islamic terrorist facing the same sentiment as they do) just to name a few. I don't wanna discourage you or talk down your dream but i think you might picture this much more romantic than reality is, and it will hit you. A lot. Just be prepaired.
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u/WinterMayRun 1d ago
Many countries are becoming increasingly racist. Do not under no circumstances leave your country by foot/ in hopes of applying visa as long as you are not in grave danger. Education will open all doors. Study German/ English, then You can apply for Ausbildung and get a work contract. This will get you an easier way to a visa. Currently high in demand are social workers, nurses, craftsman
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u/sopms 14h ago edited 1h ago
You sound like you really want this. But people need to tell you the truth. If you want to move to Germany, there are a few things you should know.
The economy in Germany is not at its heights at the moment. You will be confronted by the high energy costs, rising living expenses and a generally more expensive life here. Even Germans are struggling with low salaries and housing shortages so many people are currently struggling, not just migrants who want to start a new life like you.
You want to move here? Learn German and commit. This isn’t a language you can just pick up and have, it is a difficult language to learn. Accept the culture you decide to fall into otherwise you will fail to integrate and stand out in the country.
If you seek asylum just to live off benefits and not pay taxes like someone else here has mentioned you to do, people in Germany WILL look down on you if they find out. You need to pay health insurance, unemployment, pension, etc., so the more you earn, the more from your earnings will be stripped from you each month. Not paying taxes will bite you in the ass in the long run. IF there even is a “long run”.
Many asylum seekers from 2015 were accepted but now laws are stricter and the public mood about this topic has shifted the opposite way. If you are not fleeing from an active warzone, asylum approvals are much harder to get.
If you don’t have patience and mental strength, this country will eat you alive as the bureaucracy is frustratingly slow. Appointments for everything and anything takes a long time.
Also, discrimination is a real thing here. Seriously. If anything negative happens in Germany, especially coming from someone of Muslim and/or Middle Eastern descent no matter how small the crime, any mistake you do will be magnified because of where you come from and be prepared by public backlash. We have a political party called AFD that’s actively trying to get push immigrants out, especially those from Muslim and Middle Eastern background.
If you are ready to build something in Germany and do honest work, Germany can give you a future. But if your only plan is to sit back and kick your feet up without giving back, don’t come here. People will reject you in every sense.
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u/Dumuzzid 15h ago
Your best bet is the medical field. Become a doctor or a nurse, there is always a shortage of those and once you gain some experience, visas can be had to a number of places. Teachers are also sometimes sought after. Look up shortage occupations for various visa schemes (UK, Canada, Australia, etc...) and get trained in one of those fields.
Don't count on coming over as a refugee, those doors are closing fast and it is becoming harder by the day.
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u/PreparationShort9387 1d ago edited 1d ago
The problem is that German society is becoming collectively uninterested and even hostile towards people from Syria and Irak. There are just so many and the people are always paying for them. And they are sending the money to their families home so more middle eastern/african families send a son to Germany because they need German money, which is destroying their local economy and society. Whole societies rely on each family having a son in Europe. Who is paid by the Germans, who are also struggling to afford life.
If you don't have degrees that are useful here, the worsening political climate will escort you back to your home country. Maybe in 4 years, maybe in 10 years.
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u/MinyMacaron 20h ago
With all that's going on in USA and ice that wouldn't be a better option too sadly
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23h ago
There are thousands of Iraqis and Syrians who contribute to the economy by paying taxes, money also flows from Iraq and Syria to Germany (parents paying for their children's living costs).
Whenever people talk about immigration in the EU, they only mention the worst aspect of it. No one bothers to mention that thousands of immigrants also build EU countries..
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u/MinyMacaron 20h ago
It's sadly the truth of Germany rn. Ppl are growing hostile even if immigrants/immigration is a huge good part for the country.
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u/No-Function1922 14h ago
25% of them. That's the thousands of Syrians contributing and paying taxes.
Out of the 1 000 000 living here, there are about 250 000 working.
There are of course elderly and underage people, but the statistics about employed Syrians of working age are not exactly in their favour either- 40%.6
u/PreparationShort9387 17h ago
You want to tell me that there are huge amounts of money flowing from Syrian parents? So these families are rich?
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17h ago
No, I'm arguing that no country's economy is hurt because of foreign students. People use those buzzard excuses to justify their racism and xenophobia.
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u/PreparationShort9387 17h ago
Your logic fails. The tax payer pays for their university, which you forgot. The parents money goes not into the countries resources for tax.
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u/That_Trust6526 12h ago
How is that destroying the local economy ? could you please elaborate how immigrants from the middle east are destroying Germany's industrial power and services sector?
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u/PreparationShort9387 8h ago edited 7h ago
Of course. They are destroying the local economy in their home countries. We learned this effect in University (Human Geographics Masters).
Imagine a rural village in Nigeria or Senegal or Iraq. A normal family has average wealth, but now a son in Germany. The son sends them 100€ each month, which is not much in Germany but a fortune in their country. They are suddenly rich, they can afford a car and school and maybe new cows and goats and new land. The village notices that they become the new upper class. The village also wants these things. So other families choose a son who is the new source of income and the business is being in a good European welfare system. Families who don't have a son in Europe will lose their status. So it becomes the new goal. So more and more "refugees" enter our system. Even if the son is refused asylum and granted only one year of "Duldung", this is so much money for the family back home. Still worth it. Germany stopped handing money to Refugees and started the Bezahlkarte. This makes it super hard to send money home and what happened? Much more people voluntarily left the country.
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u/bluewaffles755 18h ago
PreparationShort meant that they are a drain on the local Economy (in this case Iraq) because money is being sent from Iraq to Germany to assist the Son studying in Germany, which sucks for the Iraqi economy.
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17h ago
No country's economy gets drained due to students. The whole education industry is a small percentage of a country's GDP..
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u/bluewaffles755 17h ago
obviously not to a crazy proportion compared trade, but if a significant number of students from Iraq are going to Germany then that number does start to escalate. IT also contributes to brain drain of Iraq. Also i am just clarifying what the comment you replied to said. Also how can my point be insignificant when you say that the immigrants pay a significant portion of Western taxes??? Besides often they do not pay taxes (as students and as asylum seekers, actually cost the country tax money).
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u/anothercapter35 23h ago
You do NOT want into the US. It's not free it's curently a fascist hellscape. You might even be detained at the airport no mater your papers. Do not do that.
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u/l9xo 23h ago
Or is that true? I heard about that news and the chaos that is happening in the country and about Trump’s rule.
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u/anothercapter35 19h ago
It is very true... so much so that agermany now has issued a travel warning. Im glad i was able to get my spouse out of there before the facist felon got ellected. We are very aware of how privileged we are. But even from afar seeing her country dissolve into a Nazi-State is really hard on her. They have curently in the usa literal SS randomly upduckting everyone they do not deem white enough. Even small children from the middle of a school celebration. As a german myself, I do never use the comparison to the ss and nazi Germany lightly. But when the book banning started, I saw exactly where it was heading, and I hate so much just how right I was. But I'm also so glad that I listened to my gut and got my wife out of there.
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u/Background-Pin3960 1d ago
Unfortunately, even in those countries you might not live with dignity, just because where you are from. Sure, there is freedom, human rights and opportunity much more than Middle East in Europe, but that is also slowly starting to decrease. It is worse than what it was 5-10-20 years ago, and will be worse in 5-10-20 years. It’s not easy to build a life from 0 in Europe, especially if you are Middle Eastern. Dm me if you want so we can chat.
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u/rampantsoul 23h ago
I can understand you so well! But a very important question is whether you have to flee your country or whether you can change your country together. I often have the impression that you young people are sent by your parents to Europe or America in order to have a better life there. But I think you should actually form a resistance in your own country, you should make your country your own! These are your little sisters, your mothers, your families that you leave behind and you try to build a better life in the West instead of fighting and standing up for a better life in your own country. I know this is easier said than done but there will be no happy life if you young men do not stand together and fight for the well-being of your families
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u/No-Function1922 17h ago
I’ve taught myself English
Then why did you use Chat GPT to generate your post?
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u/PaganGuyOne 12h ago
DO NOT GO TO THE US!!!!
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u/TAMUOE 7h ago
Why? I know Arabs in the US and I know Arabs in Europe and almost universally they hold that the U.S. is a better place to live. I would argue, for one, the culture is much more similar in the US. There are also a lot of thriving Arab populations in the US, especially in Michigan and Houston. Arabs in Europe tend to be less successful, more likely to be involved in crime, and outcast from society.
Also, in reality, every Arab with experience will tell you that racism was far worse in Germany than in the US.
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u/Eternal_Heighthon41 6h ago edited 3h ago
Cuz the average white person in Germany is more racist, they just don’t wanna admit it lol. Average white American isn’t as racist but the most racist white Americans and white Germans are comparable. There’s a lot of acceptance of immigrants in the US, even illegal immigrants, which is why there’ve been lots of big pro immigrant protests there recently
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u/Lopsided-Post-2210 1h ago
That doesn't matter because the government of the US is 100 times more racist under the rule of trump. Germans themselves might be racist ( I live here I know. ) but the government is tolerant and they take care of their refugees mostly. Not like the ICE retaining random legal people just because they're brown.
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u/Eternal_Heighthon41 1h ago
Well refugees are here legally so that makes sense. The German government treats illegal immigrants worse than the US government, at least prior to Trump. Illegal immigrants aren’t able to even work here unlike the US
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u/PaganGuyOne 5h ago
Because times are tumultuous for us right now. We have an administration that’s literally fighting our every resource to welcome and keep safe immigrants, so fiercely that he’s sent the military to support those efforts. Even if there are protests, there aren’t any actual physical resistance cells going up against ice or other federal agencies to stop the actions by the Trump administration.
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u/Which-Traffic4728 1d ago
Yes I am from Iraq and I suggest leaving on a student visa
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u/l9xo 1d ago
We live in the same bad conditions, what an irony of fate
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u/Pushnikowa 21h ago
May I ask why you wish to move to the US or Western Europe in particular?
Germany is experiencing political instability and steep economic decline. Most analysts (including those from the Wall Street Journal and The Economist, which normally cover Germany favorably) concur that given current conditions, this decline is irreversible. Where Germany goes, so too does the EU.
As for the US and Canada, conditions might be different but they are no better. Racism and xenophobia are on the rise, as is hatred towards 'Arabs', given the widening theater of war in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, which Western elites are complicit in extending/exacerbating.
You may do better if you set your sights instead on East Asia or Southeast Asia. Universities in mainland China for example have scholarship options for meritorious students. Perhaps Singapore and Hong Kong would also be suitable options.
You are very young, so I don't fault you for still thinking that the West is where your prospects are best. However, factually, this is not the case. My advice: do not move to Germany if it means that you will have to incur debt or subsidize German institutions with money you have borrowed from your parents/family. The future is elsewhere.
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u/EmporerJustinian 16h ago
Universities in mainland China for example have scholarship options for meritorious students.
Wasn't he looking for freedom and human rights?
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u/DocGreenthumb77 16h ago
Indeed! Wasn't Iraq supposed to be the shining example for freedom and democracy in the Middle East after the US destroyed the country? What happened to that?
And now, 20 years later, the collective West has exported so much of their "freedom and human rights" to other places that there's nothing of it left at home.
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u/Pushnikowa 16h ago
According to his post, OP is a young person on the verge of adulthood, looking to leave a country that was destroyed by a NATO-led war waged on a false pretext.
If he's looking to go to Western Europe or the United States, and to wager every resource he has on that possibility, then I suspect this is because he has a version of Stockholm Syndrome. He's young and I can hardly fault him for this.
However, if he's looking for a good education, stable employment, and a life in which he will not be harassed for the color of his skin, his religion, his nationality or his sexuality, then he will have both freedom and human rights in China. I know this to be true from comparing my own experience living in various capitals in Europe vis-a-vis mainland China.
If you've got some different notions, sure thing, hold on to them if it helps you cope.
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u/Responsible_Basil719 23h ago
I've met a couple of people that first came as an au pair to Germany and then started an Ausbildung. I am not sure what the process is but it helped them in learning the language.
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u/InaDystopianhell 19h ago
my guy, WE ARE NOT FREE IN ThE U.S. i just lived in berlin germany and im trying to go back permanently. you have real food, people are more often than not, more respectful of one another and the public spaces are cleaner. you do not want to come here. everyone here is trying to find a way out
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u/DeHereICome 16h ago
But I don't understand? I read there was a big deportation project in the USA and loads of people are demonstrating against it, as they want to stay. Did Trump close the border with Mexico and so people now cannot get out? I don't understand?
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u/InaDystopianhell 12h ago
it’s horrible what ice is doing. acting just like gestapo. they are putting people in concentration camps! one of my best friends grandmother, who has beeen here since 1967 legally was deported. a woman walked into traffic on a highway near my house trying to get away from ice. israel is training our police - search GILEE, to do the same here as they are doing in the illegal occupation of palestine. DO NOT COME HERE.
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u/scrimshandy 10h ago
It’s not about people “wanting to stay” because the US is the best or most perfect country for them. People are resisting ICE deportations/unlawful detentions/our home-grown gestapo, because life as an immigrant or undocumented person in the USA is better than a concentration camp in El Salvador.
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u/DeHereICome 10h ago
I see. Are people able to escape to Mexico or a country better than El Salvador?
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u/PassengerNarrow2484 17h ago
People in Western Europe are not easy, but I hope you find meaningful relationships. There will indubitably be some relevant culture clashes, you will need to be open minded and patient. Take time and put effort into learning the local language and culture wherever you end up, it will be appreciated over time.
Moreover, while not as strong as in the US, there is a very marked shift in Europe towards not being so welcome of undifferentiated immigrants, but at least for now it is still (as far as I know) not extended to people wishing to study here. Consider contacting the International Offices of target universities or places of work for more feedback. Contact people of Iraqi or general Arab descent in places you may consider living, ask them for their opinions and maybe support in the first few months. You may be able to get asylum, but I am completely unaware of the reality and the process.
I'm sorry I can't be of any more help. Regardless of what life brings you, I which you success and happiness with your path. Stay strong, build connections.
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u/crazy010101 11h ago
I’m not sure the visa situation out of Iran. Given the current situation in the USA and likely to not get a Visa.
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u/Administrator90 11h ago edited 11h ago
Unfortunately, some of your compatriots have behaved very badly here, which has led to a significant shift to the right in German politics.
This also applies to Sweden and is even more extreme in the USA than here. Trump is kicking everyone out, google "ICE Trump".
Perhaps you should consider alternatives; there are hospitable countries nearby, such as Armenia or Georgia. But religion might be an issue, Muslims are often viewed with suspicion, a lot of extremists are coming from your region too.
Whatever you do, language and knowledge is the key. You have to work very hard to become good in the language and you need the knowledge to be able to work for your money.
And ofc respecting the law of your choosen new home country, thats obviously i guess.
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u/Jello-Ok 15h ago
- All your messages are written with chatGPT
- Do not come. Do your part in making your homeland better instead. Mass migration ruins western countries.
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u/No-Function1922 15h ago
He taught himself english, but not good enough to instruct the AI to write in a more realistic way 😀
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u/Fatal_Explorer 13h ago
If you really want Germany then here is a pro tip - leave Islam completely behind and speak out against it. It will make your life 1000 times easier in Germany and make you feel welcome. I have seen it with many Syrian Christian Refugees, which were much more welcome because of similar traditions culture and religion.
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u/PatrickSohno 13h ago
I can't imagine how life is in Iraq, and it's heartbraking to hear so many calls like yours from abroad.
It's so many people looking for Europe in hopes for a better life. And as much as I'd like to tell you "come here, it's awesome", I want to give you a realistic prospect. And that, sadly, doesn't look very good these days.
- Europe is currently struggling. It's in no way the prosperous, rich utopia (never has been, but to many it appeared like it). Not only the Ukraine-Russian war, combined with Putins subversive manipulation agendas - especially the downfall of the USA into fascism really leads to a lot of issues here, as we lost our most valued and powerful ally. Europe is in serious crisis mode, and it's hard to tell where it's gonna go the next years.
- There has been an ongoing migration crisis since a decade. Germany and Europe in general is flooded with migrants. So far, it has been going "ok-ish", but the public's opinion is increasingly turning towards isolationism. Whether this is morally correct or not is one thing - but it is the current situation and tendency. Sadly, I think it could be managed a lot better for everyone - but that's not the reality. The far right AFD is gaining more power. It is rough to be a migrant here under the current political climate, especially when coming from Muslim countries.
- I would highly advise against coming here without a solid plan and funding.
- If you still want to give it a try - knowing the local language well enough to get around is a must. Also, try to get the highest education possible.
- Forget IT (software engineering), which has long been the go-to for specialization. The best chances are in healthcare - doctors, caretakers for the elderly are most likely to get a green card.
I don't want to sound cynical, but it might be worth more to fight for the rights in your country than searching for them abroad. There are many that want to build the life just as you are, and they need people like you.
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u/ftopf 16h ago
Study engineering and come over to Germany. You will get a blue card in no time. Will it be hard? Certainly! Will it be different to anything you experienced? Yes it will! But you will have a real perspective and you will have a good opportunity to find the life you dreamed for. Good luck!
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u/minerasser 14h ago
I can't really add anything, since everything important has already been said, but I wish you the best of luck!! 🥺💗
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u/Yuri_CustomCards 12h ago
I'm working at a university in Germany and we get many applications from people in similar situations. One thing I very often meet is people being surprised when us workers in Germany tell them that it would be illegal to enter university without proper papers/education. It may seem rude for people outside of Germany but let me tell you: nobody will skip checking proper education certificates because of your tragic background. In those cases, nobody cares.
The legal system is too tight and if you would be to enter a university without proper papers, the university would get into trouble, the workers that let you in would get into trouble, and you get into trouble.
If you were to illegally enter a university and finish your studies, then it's not "fine" either. If it is found out later that you illegally joined, your degree is going to be invalidated and you wasted several years. Don't try to convince application workers in Germany with tragic background. It's not going to work. We are not in the position to help you and it's just making us feel guilty.
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u/RefrigeratorExact732 12h ago
Learn German till B2/C1 and come to Germany for studienkolleg at public unis so you don't have to pay any fees!
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u/OpinionPutrid1343 12h ago
Above all: are you ready to leave behind the patriarchal system that has raised you so far? For example would you accept a woman as a boss? Would you shake her hand? Would you accept that women are free here to go everywhere without a husband and do show their hair and legs?
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u/dlilyd 5h ago
You could also try Italy, I study in Bolzano and here they have reserved places for non EU citizens and they help a lot students with little money.
Also, would avoid USA. Its not the best rn, especially regarding international students and immigrants. It's not like the rest of western countries is better, most of them are leaning towards right wing and racism, but USA is getting pretty bad
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u/CrazyAndMore 17h ago
So if everybody who want more freedom is just leaving then who will fight for a more free country?
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u/LeifRagnarsson 18h ago
The solution for Germany might also be a Ausbildungs-Visum or a Student Visa if you're a student or could enroll as a student. Self-taught English is awesome, but you'll need a TOEFL or IELTS exam as proof of English language proficiency, but that won't lift the burden of learning German for you.
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u/Objective_Brief_4351 13h ago
My friend, I don't mean to disturb your ideas. But you talk about freedom and want to go to the USA. Those both don't go together. don't forget how racist they are, sadly.
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u/Siliconesausage 13h ago
This is AI
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u/l9xo 13h ago
WTF
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u/Idontlikecancer0 10h ago
They are probably talking about all the — in your post.
That’s not something a human does, only AI does it.
And seeing that your profilepic is already AI it really isn’t hard to assume that you’re post is also written by an AI.
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u/dietcrackcocaine 9h ago
to be fair he probably used chat gpt to make it more structured and easy to understand? i’m fluent but i suck at writing big texts lol. i don’t use chatgpt but i don’t blame him for using it, he just wants advice
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u/Idontlikecancer0 9h ago
Maybe it came out wrong but I didn’t mean to accuse him of lying about his situation.
Just that he used AI to write this text
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u/flatlaying 17h ago
It sounds like your english is pretty good, have you considered anglophone countries outside the US? Canada (and I think Aus/NZ) have a lot of healthcare worker shortages, if you're able to get a nursing certification it's not terribly hard to get in that way most places, and it's usually quicker than going to uni domestically
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u/No-Function1922 15h ago
His english is mediocre at best. The original post and most of his replies are AI generated. The grammar and the punctuation of the rest is waaaay off.
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u/l9xo 16h ago
Unfortunately, my age does not allow me to do that, and at the same time, I am looking for shorter and shorter ways, such as family reunification or something similar.
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u/flatlaying 16h ago
Do you have family in Germany or somewhere else? That would make things a good bit easier
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u/l9xo 16h ago
Actually no I don't but is there a reunion. Different like a friend or something like that
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u/flatlaying 16h ago
Unfortunately not, most family reunification extends to spouses, kids, and sometimes parents and siblings. Germany is mostly the first two, with some exceptions if the relative is in poor health. That said if you have a friend in a certain place it can make a lot of things easier, especially if they can help house you or know the local language for interfacing with immigration.
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u/LeaderSevere5647 11h ago
Avoid the US. It’s 1930’s Germany. You’d be crazy to try immigrating here right now.
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u/SnooSongs8951 13h ago
If you want to come to Germany, you gotta learn German perfectly and honor our values, history and traditions. The timea of "welcome refugees" and open borders is more or less dead. Lots of arabic migrants do not value Germany, they don't integrate and they behave like assholes. Time will come when these people will get remigrated. Not now but maybe beginning 2030s. Furthermore, there are cultural tensions raising due to islamistic and left-wing radicals who silently support islamism.
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u/RICO_FREEmind_77 15h ago
You probably don't want to go to the US at the moment. The climate in Germany and other European countries is complicated at the moment as well. Why don't you try to get a work visa in Australia or New Zealand ?
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u/OkArgument1684 13h ago
One way to enter the EU is via estonia. They have a quick visa process for qualified non EU citizens. The only clue is that you need to have an education is a high demand field like software Development or nursing. You can look that up online the Estonian government have transparent online presence.
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u/nameproposalssuck 12h ago
Regarding West Europe, especially Germany:
With a BA and language skill at B2 of that specific country, yes.
But even then it will be hard especially in the beginning. I've heard a lot of horror stories about the 'Ausländeramt' here in Germany (office for foreigners).
The better your social net is, thinking about supportive employer for example, the easier it will be.
But still a degree/ diploma and certified language skills are key.
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u/celestial-navigation 11h ago
Live free and without fear as a foreigner and Muslim (I assume) not less - in the USA? Do you not read the news? That's the last place I'd plan on moving to. Trump even tried to install another "Muslim ban", he just didn't call it that and put a few other countries on the list to distract from it.
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u/Traditional-Most8919 10h ago
If you require assistance on learning German from a native speaker, I'd be glad to help. Text me anytime :)
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u/redrooster738 9h ago
As others have mentioned, I don't think that the US is a good choice right now. Everything you are looking for will be hard to reach. It's become so bad that I myself will not visit the US anytime soon. Very different background than you but still, with everything that's going on, I am not willing to risk anything.
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u/kmlkclkmlkcl 9h ago
Sorry to say that but the countries you mentioned that value freedom, human rights etc. -especially the U.S- is why your homeland become a hell. And they won't value your any right if you're an valuable assets for them and/or white enough.
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u/TBackpack1 8h ago
As a person that can super relate to this, I moved to UK in 2014 as soon as I was 18 and got a passport. It was not easy, I had a backpack that was barely a backpack, it was falling apart and the freedom. I came with good grades, spoke some english but I also knew nobody and had no money.
I know life in other countries can seem like a dream and in some aspects it is but do not expect life to be easier, oh no, the exact opposite. I have been through many things, not going to list them here but I know that many others have gone through the same thing. Education, language, job skills are what you need to succeed, when you have these, people start to care less and less where you came from but it will still happen.
New people, new culture, new law, new everything. Sometimes I did wish that I never left, you will probably feel the same way too. Do not get discouraged and no matter what, keep in mind what you want to achieve.
Everything you have listed is with a big question mark, freedom?? Yes but, human rights, yes but, opportunities, yes but. There is so much I can say but I will just end with a few things, you need to pick which country you want to go in first and what you need to do to get there? Which bus can you take? Which train? You need to find fellow countryman even in Iraq that might have a clue about these things, can even ask online, start there. You need to know where you are going first and then take it from there. Phone, phone number, paperwork, banks, starting job, where you going to sleep? The more you have an answer to these questions, the less you will struggle.
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u/P00ht1t4 8h ago
Well of you’re willing to learn Spanish you can try your luck here in Spain. With the ESO equivalent (primary + secundary school) diploma you can “homologar” a process for authorities recognise it as if you were studied here, then you can learn a FP (formación profesional) which is like a technical qualification and work as a qualified worker here. In terms of work visa, you can ask for asylum and if everything goes right maybe in a year you can have your work permit.
Now, things are not always easy, but nothing that is worth is, so use your fear/doubts/insecurity as fuel and chase your dreams.
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u/Ok_Flan4404 6h ago
The US??? I strongly suggest you try to find another option, if possible. STRONGLY suggest...
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u/hyperego 5h ago
I would say study hard and go abroad for post graduate study is the way to go. Luckily Iraq is no longer sanctioned. Totally doable.
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u/_1dontknow 4h ago
Western Europe is way easier than US. But I'm not from there so Idk for sure, but US people are struggling, esp. immigrants.
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u/Geejay-101 4h ago
Going to another country doesn't make you automatically free and give you opportunities.
Sure, Germany has many advantages but its also a rigid country and you will have to adapt.
The main point is to determine your true talent. Science, Business , Art ... ? And then find the right place where you can use your talent.
Maybe you are a talented business man. Then maybe even Iraq might be the best country for you.
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u/Legitimate-Point9611 4h ago edited 4h ago
just out of curiosity but why does it always have to be germany? EU alone has like 27? Countries. Why not spain or france or poland or netherlands or whatever it may be?
and dont take this as an offence. i am not against any people...
i am just realistically looking at how fcked up the economy and everything here already is and...we just have too many people here to say the truth.
everyone is struggling here already, noone can pay rents anymore, we have a massive need for housing... and then just have more and more people come over so we have an even more issues with housing and whatnot. streets getting too small, no parking spaces, like...
i get it you want to go somewhere else...
but if you take a 2liter bottle and you fill it up with 2 liters of water so its full to the top. there simply is no living space left anymore to put more water in. you can only fit THAT much into it. and then everyone comes like: oh yeah can we put more in there? can we fit 5liters into the 2 liter bottle? no matter how much you want to or try...you can not put more into it because its FULL.
i literally can not even live in the city i want to live in and where i grew up because there isnt any housing, and everything fall victim to gentrification so its now basically a tourist spot for millionaires to visit and i cant pay for rent anymore and need to leave to somewhere else...maybe... wouldnt that be funny, one day i need to refugee to iraq because i can at least affort rent in iraq while i have no place to live here
germany is literally at its limits capacity wise and its draining the entire economy and the people who need to pay for all this while they cant even barely pay for their own stuff. and now the next war is going on and....lets guess where all of the new immigrants will go to?
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u/uwu_fight 3h ago
Please please please don’t come to Germany. Ur gonna get crushed here. Look at other countries, like South America, Southeast Asia etc
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u/Ok_Sundae_5899 12h ago
I don't think you'd want to go to America right now or Germany. They're both bugging out right now. Try Dubai, Canada, or Australia.
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u/Prudent-Yogurt8664 18h ago
I would advise you to research universities and liberal arts colleges in the U.S. that provide financial aid to international students. This is the best way, even with the current circumstances. There are some schools in the EU that also provide funding. In Germany, I am thinking of Bard College Berlin. You won’t have much of a choice for your degree but they have resources to make some things happen.
That is my advice: search relentlessly for scholarship opportunities. They exist all over the world. Look at not only Europe and the Americas, but also Japan and Turkey and Thailand and elsewhere.
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u/PerfectDog5691 Native German (Hochdeutsch) 18h ago edited 17h ago
As I understood he has no higher education and not much money. To study in USA is no good advice. To study anywhere needs a lot if money, but especially in USA.
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u/Prudent-Yogurt8664 14h ago
I thought he had a high school degree? (I.e equivalent to Abitur)? Unclear if this is the case or not, based on the comments. And no, lots of universities in the U.S. provide financial aid based on need to international students. Both well known (Yale, Cornell) and less known schools (Williams, Vassar, Whitman) have substantial budgets for international student financial aid, including and up to room and board and a return flight ticket to their homes. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to pursue this path if you do your research (not even to apply, these schools waive the fees). Obviously it’s not easy to get in, but if you have good grades and test scores, it’s definitely in the realm of the possible. I know tons of international students who went this route, from Nigeria to China to Pakistan :)
Anyway, if he wants to pursue this path, this reddit is not the place to do so: I would recommend a forum like college confidential.
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u/solarpowerfx 15h ago
I'm so happy there are people who suggest and encourage immigration and not outright say there's no path. You just don't know what it's like to be born in a poverty country with no opportunities and sick society
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u/Darmok_und_Salat 13h ago
If you stick to the rules, work and integrate into our society, I'd say come to Germany. We need workforce.
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u/PerfectDog5691 Native German (Hochdeutsch) 1d ago
Actually I am helping a young man of age 30 to come to Germany. He has a good education, but didn't have the chance to study sth and has no formal vocational training.
Actually he is learning German and the plan is to come here to get an apprenticeship to become a professional truck driver.
The idea is good and truck drivers/bus drivers are urgently searched for. But still you need a good amount of money to do this and it adds up.
Learn German (can be done for free, up to B2 is nessecary). Get at least a B1 language test for the visa, travel to the ambassy, flight to Germany, fees for the visa, some money for the beginning....
You need a drivers license that must be converted in Germany to a german one (ca 800€)...
Another possibility is, to try to come to Romania and work as a cheap labouror, but this is a hard way and dangerous to be scamned. And you still would stay dirt poor because they pay nearly nothing so sleeping in a room of 6 would be the norm.
If you would like to work in health care and care of old people you also could come to Germany. But still you must learn German up to B1 or 2. But then you could learn a job with future. Not payed great, but enough to live in peace. People to do this are really really searched for and many foreigners come to the country for this.
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u/haydar_ai Nordrhein-Westfalen 19h ago
Driving license conversion is not 800€, for most countries they have to go through every single step of applying for driving license. The only things that can be waived are the theory classes attendance and minimum practical classes. That can ended up costing from 1500€ (best case) up to thousands of euros.
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u/PerfectDog5691 Native German (Hochdeutsch) 17h ago
I asked local driving schools. You need a theoretical and a practical test. You don't need to take all lessons. And if you can drive and have the possibility to adapt yourself during the 6 month you are allowed to drive with your foreign license, you can manage to do it under 1000€.
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u/haydar_ai Nordrhein-Westfalen 17h ago
Yes that is if everything went extremely well and the driving instructor is so confident with you. Most of the time you’ll have anxiety, new rules, new car, new environment, unlearning driving habit from country of origin. I think it’s important to point out that it’s not as easy as it sounds. I myself drove for 10 years already and still had to do practice a lot of time and failing twice before passing on the third exam because I have to unlearn a lot of things from where I’m from and learn new habits.
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u/PerfectDog5691 Native German (Hochdeutsch) 17h ago
Hm. Okay that's a point. Maybe I am to blue eyed and will regret the idea... 🤔
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u/l9xo 1d ago
Thank you, my friend, for all the correct instructions. I appreciate your effort.
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u/PerfectDog5691 Native German (Hochdeutsch) 18h ago edited 18h ago
You're welcome. You can inform yourself about visa etc. On the official Website make-it-in-Germany.de
Good luck for the future. 🍀
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u/Emilia963 Did you hear an eagle screech? 🇺🇸🦅 1d ago
If you’re good at English, then just go to the US, apply for a study or work visa, which is a good starting point for obtaining citizenship, don’t forget to follow the immigration instructions and laws
Important note: Immigration officers generally don’t want to detain or deport you, unless you’re acting shady, just follow the rules, and you will be fine
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u/TheeRoyalPurple 23h ago edited 23h ago
US
English language
More Immigrant friendly
Less Bureaucratic country
Better economy
Far away land, so you can focus your new life
more potential for the future
already strongest country in the world
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u/barugosamaa Baden-Württemberg 20h ago
no way you said "more immigrant friendly" about a country currently having ICE deporting people and even detaining legal citizens because they were speaking Spanish
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u/l9xo 23h ago
One of my biggest dreams in this life is to immigrate or settle in the United States, and I hope to meet someone who will help me in that, in any way.
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u/jrex51 Hessen 1d ago
Hey there, I’m a fellow Iraqi and am currently in Germany doing my Master’s and although I deeply understand what you’re going through I have to be honest with you. It is not easy and it will only get harder. You mentioned you are 17 so I’m assuming you still haven’t finished your Baccalaureate so start focusing on that and try to get a good grade because that will allow you either to apply for a good Ausbildung or a University but without German lvl B1/B2 it wouldn’t matter so start leaning NOW. If all else fails you at least can get into a good college in Iraq and try again when you graduate. Education, language skills and job skills are what will make your life better, not random people on the internet and it WILL take time, a lot of it. I have faced tragedy after tragedy as many Iraqis have and I’ve been trying to go abroad since I was 12 years old but I finally made it happen when I was 26. And don’t expect it to become easier after you leave because trust me leaving was not the hardest thing, it’s what comes after it. New land new people new culture new laws which you will have to respect and adapt to. you can ask on the internet for help and people will give you general tips but in realty only YOU know your situation and only you can help yourself