markowen

Like many people I have always been fascinated by the USA. So fascinated that I am studying a degree in American History at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. I am absolutely determined to immigrate to the USA by the time I am 30. Next September I will be starting my year abroad at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia majoring in history and minoring in political science. I then return to Sussex for a year and will then graduate.

I am interested in going into publishing, journalism, PR or marketing and my degree allows me to go into any of these fields. I am new to all this immigration business, so please tell me what I'd have to do. This is what I will have under my belt by 2015:

• BA American Studies and History from the University of Sussex (2:1).
• Student exchange at the University of Pennsylvania - Major: History / Minor: Political Science.
• Vacation scheme with a law firm in Brighton, England.
• Writing for the Sussex and UPenn student newspapers.
• Work experience with various magazines.
• Blogging for a website that has links with Trinity Mirror (publisher of the Daily Mirror).
• Work experience (hopefully) with a book publisher in NYC.
• When I was younger I also had a two-week placement with a Tory MP in my hometown and a week at my local newspaper.
• Also trying to secure a placement working with a congressman in DC.

If I accomplish all of this (some of it has already been accomplished) then what are my chances getting a job in primarily book publishing or journalism?

Could you explain the type of VISA I'd need to secure (I believe it's a J1 or something similar?)?

I am determined to move to the USA. I have visited before and love it.

I hope to move to NY or the Midwest (Chicago, Milwaukee or Cincinnati)

Thanks.

-mo

scrubbedexpat099

Hasn't journalism moved on from full time paid employees in most cases? Obviously it does happen, but I would be hard pushed to think of someone who was not a known entity.

Best bet would be finding a nice american girl.

mikelincs

Please read all the 'Read Me' parts of this forum.

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=34

then also read them in this forum

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=35

see if you can fit any of the requirements for visas, just remember that the US is one of the hardest countries to get a visa for.

Once you have read that info, then come back here and ask any more questions.

markowen

Sounds like I'd have to get an internal transfer or marry an American.

I doubt I'd meet a "nice American girl" because I've heard they think most British men are drunken football hooligans? Or is that just a stereotype?

Have to look for some multinational companies to apply to...

markowen

Is it the same situation in Canada?

I have been to Toronto and thoroughly enjoyed it.

zerlesen

I have never heard that as a stereotype about American women before. Think positive!

markowen

So do they love or loathe British men? I always assumed it was the latter for the majority.

materialcontroller

I don't agree with this.

Unless you're a complete boor, I'd say they're more likely, in general, to respond favourably to your British accent. Unless you already have a gf back in the UK, you should certainly look to meet American women socially during your time in the US.

markowen

Not a 'boor', possibly a 'bore' I should be okay then, I come from a middle-class family and not a big drinker - so I won't live up to the negative stereotype.

Pollyana

Canada's immigration laws are very different. Start here

http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

civilservant

Since many, if not the majority, of us here are married to Americans, I think it's safe to say it's a stereotype

Indeed - depending on the area, your accent (and the fact you come from 'In-ger-laaaand') is something of a draw

iornse

this is probably what will happen at the end.

markowen

Really?

markowen

Oh right Well I luckily have a fairly middle-class British accent. I'm from the south so not a Scouser, Mancunian or a Geordie.

I do love American women, dated one in my first year at university. She was a student exchange on her 3rd year - so I have experience with US women

Orangepants

Sounds like you are the one with the negative stereotypes