ERIC IN BERLIN
Living Abroad
Eric inBERLIN
Every month we interview someone about their experiences of living, travelling or working abroad. This month we are talking to Eric Gilbert from the United States about his time in Berlin, Germany. interview by Victoria Bitzer
Eric, why did you go to Berlin? Basically, I met a lovely German girl called Dora in Croatia and she suggested I go back to Germany with her.
site where you can buy and sell things. I was a technical support (IT) agent. The second time I just did some language courses.
How did you get the job? What did you expect it to be like? I’d been to Berlin once before. On that occasion I hitchhiked from Munich to meet a friend in Berlin. I ended up getting a ride with this guy whose driving skills consisted of doing 200 kph on a major highway. I think he got us to Berlin in a quarter of the time it would have taken normally.
What were your first impressions? That Berlin has a lot of character. Of course, it isn’t folkloric like Munich. My first thought was that it was a bit like an enormous museum - a fascinating and dynamic museum.
It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t that hard either. For the first job I simply e-mailed my CV to the company and a week later got a response. Knowing a little of the language helps, of course. Teaching English is always a possibility for native English speakers.
What were the best things about Berlin? I think just walking around the city. The contrasts are vivid and fascinating. Other good things about the city are that it isn’t expensive. It’s also what I’d call a spontaneous city, with street festivals just springing up out of nowhere.
Where did you stay? The first time in Berlin I was passing by and I stayed in a hotel; the second time, I stayed with Dora.
What job did you do? The first time I found a job at e-bay, which is an online auction
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