Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack

There must be a hardcore of stayers out there, but I think it is unrealistic to say they leave in droves - as if there are none left in Australia - which might give people that impression.

As it happens, I hope my children stay there and make a go of it. I want them to be as worldly experienced as possible. They get the confidence and all-round skills here, then jet off.

Originally Posted by Perry Groves

Does anyone know if people on the CSL gets points for that when applying under the skilled migrant visa? I am well confused with the changes that are coming into effect, I thought I had enough points but now the MODL has disappeared, it seems like I don't, or maybe I do, as I am on the CSL

Originally Posted by quoll

Perhaps another part of UK? Where I hang out the kids seem to have a very good life.

Dont head off to Melbourne this week Melbourne and go on trains whatever you do!

I think in general life for Aussie kids is lazier that's for sure and often kids do like to be lazy and expect stuff to be done for them. Education doesnt have the same pressure certainly and faced with exams or not kids will usually take the least stressful option. However it is interesting that young Aussies leave in droves once they are done with education and of those that can stay away, many do.

Originally Posted by bluekipper

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I disagree,sorry, my kids who are 14 & 19 are the ones pushing for us to return, they dont feel safe here, have no quality of life really, due to bad weather and high unemployment, granted sometimes it too hot in OZ but they loved that! and yes before you say there is crime and unemployment over there also,sorry but on the scale it is here, no wonder they want to get back to OZ!

Bluekipper

Originally Posted by Astronaut

Its not an easy decision. But you shouldn't go to Aus "just to give it a try" as I often see quoted here, it has to be a clearly advantageous move for you. If you just want a change why not move within the UK to a new county or city. It's often not just UK v Aus as your options.

If you're happy in your life in the UK, then you've probably got more to lose than to gain. If you've got good jobs, a nice house, friends, sufficient money for holidays, etc then you've got more to lose than gain. If on the other hand you really think your chances of happiness in the UK are limited then moving to a new country is a good way of remotivating your life.

The move to Aus is now expensive. The exchange rate means that the old ideas about upgrading your house in a move is rarely possible, and quite simply everything in Aus will seem expensive.

Make the move if you need to, not because you want to is my advise.

Originally Posted by quoll

I think the problem for many young Aussies is that they arent able to stay in UK/Europe - they get the once in a lifetime 2 year visa and then that is it and they have to come back whether they want to or not. But any time I head off, there are usually quite a swag of young people on the plane heading over for their "gap" years.

Originally Posted by quoll

Interestingly, I currently work with a woman who is emigrating to UK. She is German (so can do the EU entry thing) and lived here 20 years+ and her husband is Australian - they are emigrating to South Wales in April. One of their kids is going with them and the other is staying here at the moment to finish education. So it does happen - it's that magic EU passport though that helps.

Originally Posted by rabsody

Not sure if you know but state pensions are means tested over here. Most people have their own personal pension which is linked to the stock market and hence a lot of people who are at retirement age lost a lot of money last year.

Also, uni is expensive over here (not sure of costs in UK). If you are an international student, it's about $15,000k plus per year (depending on degree), if you are an Australian citizen it's about $5k+ and you can defer payment until you are earning over a certain amount. No grants available as far as a I am aware, parents are expected to pay living costs for 'kids' up to the age of 25 unless they are an extremely low income earner.

Just thought I should highlight these things to you in case you were expecting something different when you get here.

Originally Posted by we3

Faye, just need you to help me. As I see you got back to the UK, I am german, and live in Chile, cause my chilean husband does not let me out with my kids. Hoy did you get out of there???? Im desperate and would really appreciate some good ideas and experiences. Thanks a lot

Originally Posted by quoll

Personally, I wouldnt be moving a child of 16 unless you are cast iron certain that you will be staying here. Even so, 16 is a horrible age to be moving them. Most kids are either just 16 or just turning 16 when they begin year 11 here which is the first of a 2 year course leading to year 12 assessments which are then important for further education and necessary for many jobs these days. If a kid will be 16 turning 17 then they are going to be older than their peers going into those final two years and having been in UK and done GCSEs then they may not want to go back to school for another 2 years if they thought they were done with school back home. Far better IMHO to let her do her A levels which will travel well and still keep all educational options open.

I would be asking what do you expect to be better for you if you moved? It is just another place to live your life in with all the same chores that you have where you are now. What do you think would make it worth your while giving up the good life that you have now? What value added??

As I understand it, the new visa changes may make your decision for you (admit I havent read them other than the news headlines) where the emphasis is going to be on medical and other skilled professionals - would you be able to get a visa anyway?

If what you want is adventure then come by all means but dont "do it for the kids' future" there is nothing magical here for kids that they cant achieve in any other first world country.