Who here's done it? How many times?

Was it on the same continent?

Why did you make the move?

What was the visa situation like?

What was the outcome? Did it last?

Great. I'm on my own, then.

Ummm....I went to Canada for 2 weeks in '99, does that count?

Nikster said:

YES.

Seriously, what ya wanna know?


Google is wonderful thing

lived in Belgium ( ), Germany & USA.....

moved across the other side of the world from Australia to England

I did it because I've wanted to ever since I can remember, as a little girl... the visa situation was quite straight forward in my case, which is good. I'm on a UK Working Holidaymaker Visa which goes for 2 years from the time the British Consulate in Sydney stamps it

It won't last because, as you know, I have to go home... hence why I'm flying out of the country 8th of April, the day my Visa ends. I'll always come back to visit, though, because some of my very favourite people on the planet are here

It's been an amazing journey with waaaaay more ups than downs... it will teach you things no classroom ever could

Who here's done it?

How many times? 2

Was it on the same continent? first time yes, second time to a new continent

Why did you make the move? I was too small to protest

What was the visa situation like? my parents took care of it, though as a permanent residue I have to get a re-entry visa each time I leave to come back

What was the outcome? Did it last? after nearly 30 years here I am still undecided about getting citizenship!

Number23 said:

What?



Have you moved, or are you cross about moving?

sj1600 said:

I'm only ever moved by the eternal love of the Lawd Jesus. Everything else is just molecules bumping.

Number23 said:

You flump.







Happy Valentines.
[Edited 2/14/07 2:34am]

How many times? Just once.

Was it on the same continent? Yes.

Why did you make the move? Work.

What was the visa situation like? No problem between HOlland and France, just the taxes are HELL.

What was the outcome? Did it last? I was too lackadaisical about moving to a non-English speaking country. I could not get the hang of the language, the Parisians thought I was American or English due to my accent or/and friends and gave me the cold shoulder. It lasted one and a half year. I had a blast though and learned never to drink too much vodka. A painful lesson.

Gonna eat me a lot of peaches!

INSATIABLE said:

Two



No, I'm from Sweden and I moved to Canada and Japan.



My first move was because I'd always wanted to try to live in another country, plus I wanted to escape my own. My life wasn't going too well at the time. The reason I chose Canada was that I wanted to go to an English speaking country so that I would have a reasonable chance to make friends. The UK felt too close (plus I'd already been there several times), I was very angry with the US, and Australia and New Zealand felt a bit too far away. Also, the few impressions I had of Canada were all positive (except for the morons in their hockey team).

I moved to Japan because I was curious about that country, because a friend was going there and because I was able to find a job there.



I first went to Canada on a study permit that lasted a year. I had no problems acquiring it. Then it got more complicated. Each time I passed through customs they asked me more and more questions and got suspicious. I can't say I blame them though. I sometimes requested to stay several months for no good reason.

When I went to Japan I had a one year work visa. There were some minimum requirements, such as a bachelor's degree, a letter from the employer in Japan and a number of years of work experience in the chosen field. I don't know if they barely accepted my application or if it was more or less routine.



I have no regrets about going to either Canada or Japan. My stay in Canada lasted for two years, and ended mostly because I ran out of money and work opportunities (forget about getting a work permit, it's almost impossible). I was supposed to stay in Japan for a year but I went back after half a year, because of a crazy work situation, cultural pressure and a few other factors. Like I said though, I have no regrets about going there.

SureThing said:

So why did you ask? Were my answers helpful in any way?

retina said:

I'm sorry, retina. Your answers were extremely helpful. Unfortunately, when I'm at work, I'm unable to post anything with much substance or length due to the lack of privacy and free time here.

I was offered a Human Resources job in Antigua. My contact there has little time to explain to me the ins and outs of making a move there. She's originally from Toronto. I'm from California. I know absolutely nothing about doing this the right way. Thankfully, I've got a few months to educate myself, as she's willing to wait until this semester is over.

When I get home from class tonight, I'll be able to properly respond to all of your posts. Again, thanks.

Number23 said:

I spent years in America. Never managed to live there permanently, although I came sorta close.... it's a difficult country to get residence in.

.
[Edited 2/14/07 8:52am]

I moved to Canada for a year.I moved because I thought I was in love with someone. It wasn't hard getting the visa but getting a job was a huge problem, everywhere I tried told me they had to hire Canadian citizens first.
No I didn't stick it out. His family made fun of how I did things, my accent, my cooking, everything that wasn't Canadian. They even corrected my accent in public. It was a small town and I couldn't find a decent job, I was majorly unhappy and came home as soon as the agreed upon year was over.

Having said that,there's a few places there that I love and I wouldn't mind trying it again now that I'm older and hopefully wiser.
But maybe I won't have to because all my favourite Canadians are moving here.

Who here's done it? Me. How many times? Twice.

Was it on the same continent? Yes.

Why did you make the move? I hated my home country.

What was the visa situation like? I didn't need one.

What was the outcome? It destroyed my life. Did it last? No.

INSATIABLE said:

I totally understand. Sorry that I got impatient, my mind and emotions are a bit screwed up these days.



Well, I know almost nothing about Antigua other than that it's tiny (I don't think the population can be much more than 50.000, so I hope you would be okay living in a very small, rural-style community), but of course there are some things that are good to think about regardless where you go. I'd be happy to help you as much as I can. Just org note me or post any questions you might have here.

My first reaction though, was "exciting!". I don't think I'll ever regret moving anywhere in the world. It is incredible and life-enriching to experience a different culture properly like that. If it doesn't work out for you, you could always go back home again. It wouldn't be a failure, just a decision that that particular country or those particular living circumstances weren't for you.

grammar edit
[Edited 2/14/07 9:23am]

i'd LIKE to move to a different country, if only to experience it. but right now i'd be happy with moving to another state!

my sister moved to ecuador for a few years though. she eventually had to come back b/c she couldn't get the work visa approved in time and ran out of money.

They say that there are a few very stressfull things in life. They are namely:

1. Getting married.
2. Getting divorced
3. Death of loved one
4. Changing jobs
5. Relocating

Changing continents is probaly the most stressfull thing to do because everything becomes unfamiliar. You feel like an alian. Suddenly you are a foreigner taking away a locals job etc... It very much depends on your attitude. Whether you handle change well or not, as to how long you will stay.
However the bahts may be very good

I wish you luck, if you go.
[Edited 2/16/07 4:43am]

Moved to Thailand from the UK. Been here on and off for 6 years, but I'd say living here for maybe 4. I'm still stuck here. It's worked ok though.

Any news on this, Insatiable? I'm just curious.

No, I won't allow it!