It has always been my absolute dream. Now I've found the courage and I'm finally setting off. I'm spending a year in Miami. I'll manage to pay for my year abroad by finding jobs on the spot.

I'm flexible and have thought about:

  • modeling
  • waitressing
  • working in a department store or shop
  • making jewelry

I'm creative and I know how to get by in life. Financing a year abroad on the spot is something I can pull off. I'm not demanding and can get by on little money. In the end I'm only responsible for myself. It's my first trip to America and I've devoured everything I could find about Miami online.

There are so many reports. Positive ones as well as critical ones, of course. I took all my information from them and feel well prepared.

I got my green card

I actually got my green card through the annual lottery. I've always been lucky. Even at the fair I used to draw the winning tickets and bring the big stuffed animals home. My friends laughed at me and said: "You of all people will get a green card." And I got it and almost went wild with joy.

I also found a small one-bedroom apartment online. It's a bit outside the center, but that doesn't bother me. The landlady is nice and in the end everything was uncomplicated. She even got me my first job, at a supermarket.

Once I'm there, I'll keep looking at how to finance my year abroad. I love designing jewelry and have thought about going through the internet or seeing whether I can sell something at a market somewhere.

Jewelry always sells. I'm not worried, because I know I'll make it, and financing my year abroad will definitely not fail.

Financing a gap year abroad


No fear of being alone

Americans are an open people, and for now I'm not afraid of being alone. Right now I can even afford it if I have no income for the first four weeks. After that I'd have to get going. But my future landlady got me the job, and it starts on the third day after I arrive.

It couldn't be going any better for now. I'll also see if I can do some modeling. I've earned extra money that way again and again for the last five years. I'm registered as a model with an agency back home. Why shouldn't it work in Miami too.

Where there's a will, there's a way, and there are plenty of ways to earn money! I'm excited and packing my bags. Financing a gap year abroad is no problem!