Visa wrangling

Deutschland seems to really delight in it's bureaucracy. Not unlike the USA. Although, I've never really tried to play with the US bureaucracy laden offices other than the DMV and the Unemployment Office. There's a form for everything and a certain set of rules for each option that I am considering. At least the Bezirksamt, the local town hall, is in a really pretty building and it's right next to our apartment.


So, there are 3 options now.

1. Student visa (Studentenvisum)

Pros:

• I can work, but only 90 full days per year and only in jobs that are specifically made for students = LOW PAY
• Cheap health insurance
• Learn German

Cons:

• I can work.
• I have to put all of the money that I want to spend in a year or 1/2 year into a special bank account that only allows me to withdraw a maximum of 640€/month. However much money I put into that account, will give me the same amount of time on my visa 640 per month x how many months = visa time.
  

2. Federal Volunteer Program - Bundesfreiwilligendienst (Longest word yet)


I'm hoping to work in a Kindergarten, but the other options are to work with the disabled or elderly. It's cool that this is even an option. I checked out this Waldorf Kindergarten that is in Hamburg. It's super cute. I'm waiting to hear back from them this week. I did a trial run last week. It was great. I hope I get in. They said that they didn't need anyone until August, but she said that she would ask if they could take me earlier.

Or else I might have a chance to volunteer here with kids, too. This place sounds great because it is international, but it's pretty far away.

Pros:

• Get to know new people
• Free health insurance
• A small stipend per month
  

Cons:

• Locked into a contract for 1 year.
  
• Can't work while doing the program
  
• Can't continue school at the same time

3. J-O-B (Arbeitsurlaubnis)

I'm waiting to hear back from this company. I had a job interview last week. Commercial film production. Watch the Audi Q5 ad. It's awesome. My German language level may be a small problem here, but I'm hoping that it is good enough. My German gets better everyday. So, hopefully, this will pan out!


Pros:

• WORK
• Money

Cons:

• Health insurance is much more expensive
• Job must be in my field of expertise and cannot be filled by a German