Job Discussion Forums

[dannenbr]

Please forgive me if this is not the proper forum for this post--I could not find a suitable place for this.

I am leaving for Germany in 2 days and am interested in hearing about what others have said to the border control officers in reply to their "Why are you visiting Germany?" question.

I have been told by many to simply say "As a tourist", but because I am also bringing cover letters, resumes, and my professional portfolio, I am nervous that there is a chance I could be looked at suspiciously if they search my bags and see that I am also intending on applying for a work permit.

Thank you everyone for all of your help over the course of the last half year. You are all so kind and knowledgeable! Merry Christmas.

[artemisia]

Honestly, I don't think you've got anything to worry about! Even if you were asked, there wouldn't be a problem in saying you were interested in the future possibility of getting work. You're not breaking any laws carrying CVs etc. for the purpose of checking out/applying for work. I doubt very much you'll be asked, though.

Enjoy your trip! Shame you won't be there in time for all the lovely Christmas markets they have, but maybe next year??

[ioamosalerno]

I wouldn't worry about German border patrol unless you are coming from directly from the Netherlands.... then be prepared to be violated in every known way (happened to yours truly on a bus back from Venlo, NL.) Those pricks have no shame!

As far as coming to Germany from any other country don't sweat it... but I would like to suggest that if your coming from the USA, that you do not bring hard copies of your CV as they will be on US "letter" size paper. In the EU we use A4 (slightly longer and narrower than US equivelent). There are plenty of internet cafes where you can print out 1 copy for maybe 50 cents, and then take that to a photocopy (druck) shop where additional copies can be had for 5-10 cents/page