Is it too difficult for a non-EU national, such as an American, to qualify for a work permit in Belgium? I've been reading posts in this forum and it seems that it would be difficult for a Belgian company to justify hiring a non-EU national. Does this make it hopeless for an American to try to look for a job there? If the ad asks for an English native speaker (some do), isn't that a possibility - or are there too many applicants from the U.K. or other English-speaking countries?

Is my best chance to complete a TEFL (Teacher of English as a Foreign Language) certification program and then teach English on a freelance basis? I understand that does not pay well, so I would rather make use of my training in accounting (no degree, just completion of a two-year certificate program - though I do have a college degree in economics from a while back) and my years in office administration.

Am I better off just looking for a job in the U.K.? I understand there's many EU employment restrictions there as well, but at least it's a larger job market so there may be more opportunities there.

Is there another European country I should consider? I'm interested in gaining European citizenship but not in a country that requires 8-12 years' residency, as most of them do.

You will find that the EU in general makes it very difficult to justify hiring non-EU internationals. I've lived in the UK, only because I was once married to a Brit. It's even tougher to get a job there unless married to a Brit or having a transfer from an American company to a job in the UK.

You can have a look at www.americanexpats.co.uk There's a pretty good forum on there to answer your questions on life in the UK.

Getting a work permit sponsored is not impossible. Just close to it.

I completely disagree with the previous poster, who as the partner of an EU national didn't have to go through the process at all. (It's like asking a rabbi about being Presbyterian.) I've been through the work permit thing a few times, and it's all about time, place and those involved. Since I had to get a permit, things have changed. It's not impossible at all.

A number of European countries have or are putting in place Green Card programs of one description or another... UK has the HSMP, for example.

Accounting would be a great place to start if you're thinking of an industry, just look around and see what international companies are looking for... accounting is one area which is in demand, and it's easier to justify a work permit (if it came to that). Caveat to this is having a CPA.

Teaching is OK, but may not lead to much. (From personal experience, it can be hit and miss.)

You can also check to see if ma, pa, grandma or grandpa came from Europe. Maybe you qualify for nationality through them.

Also keep in mind that when you've been in most any country on the Continent for five years, you might be able to qualify for the new EU permament residency permit which allows you to move around and work without having to be an EU citizen. A number of expats are using this permit, for example, to flee the Netherlands (where the second citizenship situation is hopelessly xenophobic).

I never said it was impossible. But try to find a company in the UK to sponsor you. It's not easy. I am just trying to give the original poster a realistic view of things. Most companies in the UK do not want to have the hassle of jumping through hoops to hire someone. Sad, but true.