Are you a Luxembourger or an immigrant?
Immigrant
How long have you been living in Luxembourg?
4.5 years
How would you describe life in Luxembourg?
Surprisingly versatile for the size of the country in terms of things to do. School education is a desaster for our children. Friends are almost exclusively immigrants as well.
Has it been complicated to settle down, to find accommodation and a job?
We found a good place to live, but I still don’t have a job here. My husband is supporting the family all alone.
Are you rich?
I’d wish!
How is the cost of living?
Absolutely insane!!!
Is it easy to make friends in Luxembourg?
No.
How safe is Luxembourg?
Very safe!
Does Luxembourg have lots of nature?
Yes.
Is English widely spoken?
No.
Do you like the weather?
I hate it with all my heart.
How is Luxembourgish cuisine?
I would not know, I am very allergic and can’t try.
What are your favorite Luxembourgish foods?
By smell? Gromperekichelcher.
Does Luxembourg suffer any natural disasters? If Yes, how often?
The flooding last year was pretty bad, and the tornado in Petange. I have not been here long enough to do statistics.
How is tax in Luxembourg?
Lower than where I’m from
How is the transportation system?
In town really good. On weekends or outside the cities? Really not an option. Without a car, life is seriously limited.
What do you think about the standard of education in Luxembourg?
They want to have a really high standard, but immigrant children have a serious disadvantage. Generally the fault for that is placed on the parents side and the school does everything they can to make people miserable.
What is the most popular sport in Luxembourg?
Soccer
How is the entertainment industry?
I don’t know
Are there many people of color in Luxembourg?
In comparison to my home country yes
How is racism?
I didn’t experience any, but I am white so I wouldn’t know.
Is corruption an existing issue in Luxembourg?
I don’t know
Is Luxembourg LGBTQ friendly?
I don’t know
What are the most popular slangs in Luxembourg, and their meanings?
I don’t know
What advice would you give someone traveling to Luxembourg?
Spend half a day in the city but make sure you get the nature experience, the countryside is absolutely stunning.
Who is your favorite Luxembourgish celebrity?
Juncker rules!
What is the most celebrated festival/holiday in Luxembourg?
Nationalfeierdag
What bothers you about Luxembourg?
The people here are very streamlined. If one doesn’t fit in visually or has, like in our case, a child with special needs, people are actively avoiding, don’t greet back, don’t reply in attempts of conversation… And that is really cruel. We have problems enough, shunning us makes no one’s life easier. Secondly, I am not eligible for childcare because I don’t have a job. Without childcare I can’t get a job. I will stay home forever because of that and that is the limiting factor for us staying here. I will not be a housewife because city council wants me to.
What’s your thought on Luxembourg’s politics? Do you think they are doing well?
Generally yes. Town politics, on the other hand… There’s a huge mismanagement going on in my town.
What would you recommend to people who would like to live in Luxembourg?
Save money to be able to pay agent, deposit and rent, and then cross the border to go shopping there.
Which city will you likely recommend to a foreigner to live? And why?
Esch-sur-Alzette for the rent prices and the relative proximity to the city. They have all basic needs covered and are not quite as snobbish because they have a lot of immigrants. Easier to blend in and get started.
What are the biggest misconceptions about Luxembourg?
It is so small that there can’t be anything interesting going on.
What are cons of living in Luxembourg?
The prices and the school system!
What are pros of living in Luxembourg?
The nature, the diversity of cultures and hopping borders to all surrounding countries just for a little excursion. Amazing!
What are interesting facts about Luxembourg?
How green it is and that we have the widest range of fairtrade products. Who would have known!
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate Luxembourg
4
Share your experience!
If I had to choose again, I would not come – simply because I cannot work and my children hate their school. So 3 out of 4 people of my family are unhappy about a big factor in their life. As an experience it is still worth it and not everything is bad. But it becomes increasingly clear that we cannot stay here, also because the prices increased to a level we will start struggling sooner or later. The worries begin to outweigh the gains, and that’s sad. We want to stay, but circumstances look dim.