American considering moving to Germany

Hi Mia,

What have you got to loose, while you're future is at stake with a possible disastrous outcome of some national votes this year?

On a more logical level:

If you are studying, and are getting financed,then a study visa is for you. Moreso, If you're a straight-A student from a renomated school (ie not one where family members throw answers through a window in the final exam), you'll even get financed through a scholarship.
If none of the above, then put on Credence Clearwater Revival's Fortunate One, listen to the words,  roll up your sleeves and prepare for self inflicted  cold self-discipline over the next 5 years.
If the area of studying are in sciences, math, business, breezing through is not accidental,  with a pass rate lower than 20%. Ie Read about the biggest influencing factors here:
http://www2.nau.edu/~facdev-p/TR/Factors.pdf
And of course as outsider/foreigner  you have to work twice as hard anyway for the same recognition.

While Johannes' answer above is fully true, it is aimed mainly at studying in Germany.
Regarding work (which I assume is what you want to do), I can only repeat what has been said on this forum many times:
Without good German language skills and relevant work experience in a specialised sector, your chances of finding a job are low. You may (if you want) get a hard manual labour role like harvest helper or similar in areas where the minimum salary role is not enforced.
And without a job (or being a student), it is almost impossible for a non-EU-citizen to get a visa for staying in Germany.

Since you aren't a citizen of the EU, you would have to line up a job first to get a working visa. The employer would have to prove that they couldn't find a qualified person from the EU to do the job. This is a lot of trouble for an employer.

Thus, such situations are only going to happen when they are looking for a highly qualified person in a specialized field. With no degree or specialized skills you have no chance. And that is not even considering if you speak German or not!

If you really want the experience, the better route would be to do it as a student. One has to guarantee they have enough money to survive (as well as other requirements) but one can also work part time as a student with some limitations.

I’ve extensively posted on related subjects lately, so rather than repeat everything, look at these threads: 

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 54#3377559https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 86#3377875

The other possibility is to just go as a tourist and see how you like it. You'll only get to stay for 90 days within any 180-day period in the Shengen area to which Germany belongs. These days don’t need to be consecutive — the total is cumulative. Once day 181 hits, the count resets itself.  But this might be enough time to see if you want to try to find ways to stay longer – ore better said, return. Maybe you find some cool like-minded people to put you up... Maybe you'll find the love of your life or win the lottery.... Who can know where life will take you?!