She Strengthens

Embracing the Dream: How One Woman Made the Leap to Germany

The Allure of Living Abroad

Many of us dream of leaving our comfort zones and starting anew in a foreign land. But often, financial concerns hold us back. In this series, we explore the realities of moving abroad and how individuals have made it work.

Summer’s Story: A Leap of Faith to Germany

Summer Brons, an American, took the plunge and moved to Nuremberg, Germany in December 2015. She shares her experiences, from finding a job to navigating the cost of living in Germany.

A Job That Fits

Summer works remotely as a proposal specialist for a U.S.-based travel company. She stumbled upon the job opportunity on Twitter, and it turned out to be the perfect fit. The job allowed her to work from home, giving her the flexibility to prepare for her move.

Making the Move

Summer’s husband, a Swede, had been working for a German company for ten years, and his bosses wanted him back at headquarters. Summer seized the opportunity to join him, and they made the move together. To afford the move, Summer saved aggressively from August to December and sold off belongings, including her car, which fetched $3,500.

The Cost of Living in Germany

Summer’s monthly expenses include rent, which is around $678 for a one-bedroom apartment. Her biggest expense is her student loan payment, which amounts to $450 per month. However, she’s noticed that other expenses, such as mobile phone and internet bills, have decreased. Groceries are also often less expensive than in the United States.

Cultural Immersion

Summer loves the Bavarian culture, which values work-life balance, delicious food, and excellent beer. She feels comfortable in Nuremberg, having visited several times before making the move. The biggest challenge she faces is the limited acceptance of credit cards, which can make everyday transactions tricky.

Overcoming Obstacles

Summer and her husband decided to rent out their house in South Carolina, which presented its own set of challenges. They also faced the usual moving-related stress, including dealing with extraneous belongings and unexpected expenses.

Advice for Would-Be Expats

Summer advises those looking to move to Nuremberg to be prepared for the differences in apartment rentals, including the need to purchase fitted kitchens and light fixtures. She also recommends learning some basic German phrases to navigate everyday life.

Acquiring a Visa

As the spouse of an EU citizen, Summer doesn’t need to apply for a visa before moving to Germany. However, she does need to register with the federal tax office and apply for a visa once she arrives. The process involves gathering documents, paying a fee, and providing digital fingerprints.

Surprises and Delights

Summer has been pleasantly surprised by how far her money stretches in Germany. She’s enjoying the adventure and looking forward to taking formal language courses to improve her German skills.