Jangle

I have noticed on quite a few posts that people have made good friends from expats meets. We have been here for over 2 years and been on a few expats meets and although they are good fun, nothing seems to come out of it. You make all the "We must get together" noises but nothing!! I have met quite a few English friends here (not through expats meets) and we have all gone along but all think the same............is it us???????? We have decided to stop going now. Has anyone else experienced this?

asher

that is because your new best mates haven't got there yet!
and if you stop going you won't meet them

moneypenny20

No it's not you. Yes it happens - a lot. You can't get on like a house on fire with everyone and just because you have migration in common doesn't mean you must be friends with all expats you meet. Whilst going to meets can be fun and lots of people get lots out of it, I don't believe you should necessarily assume you will find people you want to spend time with outside of the meets.

Jangle

That's true. A lot of them have young kids and we all have kids that start from 15 up to their twenties, so maybe that's a factor?

moneypenny20

I'd go along with that.

Pollyana

It's just like going to any meet-up of people with differing backgrounds and interests. Sometimes you hit it off with someone and a lasting friendship results, otherwise, it's just a good way to pass a day. The good thing is that we (usually) all have one thing in common - migration. Everything else has to be built up though, just like making friends in any other situation.

If you have met some who made the "we must get together" noises, then take them up on it and ring them - maybe they are just shy.

And you can always start a thread in the meet-up forum to try and find like-minded people in your area

posh10

Hi all,

I was just looking at diferent threads and thought maybe i could speak to people who are already there !!! At the mo i'm awaiting a case officer so not sure how long it will take. applyin with a 175 /136 MODL.
Head ing for melbourne though never been there. was torn and still am really with port macquarrie though as have friends there too.

How is australia as a expat ?
Do u all love it and was it what u expected ?

I would be gr8ful for just any news of what u all think of it really. Thats if u don't mind. I'm exited yet scared to death.

Diane

Possums

the only thing the majority have in common is the fact they have emigrated, I guess they can be helpful for new migrants but they shouldnt be vital as how do you intergrate into your new surroundings if all you do is spend time with expats?

I think the meets in the uk were more helpful because you had more in common ie came from the same area, going through same stages of the process/paperwork for the visa etc.

we have been lucky and met a handful of good people who i also consider good friends.

but we have also been very unlucky to meet some complete and utter bastards, but instead of putting it down to a bad experience unfortunately these kind of people then go spreading shit around about you, presumably to liven up their dull little lives

steve`o

surely you get this in any group of people ??
if you went down to any gathering be it pub or likewise you`ll meet the good the bad and the wankers

arrange to meet the good again another time and fluck off the wankers

Possums

yes your right and yes we have

acbh2

Have been to a fair few expats meets and as in all walks of life you meet some people there who will become friends and others who may just be an acquantence for a while, whilst sometimes you meet people who you don't get on with:curse:

One thing to remember is that the internet is a breeding ground of reality being tainted by the fact you don't actually know the people who you are speaking to and only have their word they are a normal person, upon meeting them the realisation that you don't get on or that they aren't what you expected can be weird.

In a sense the main thing you have in common is the fact you have moved to the same country and don't really know anybody! Once you start meeting friends the need to go out and meet expats lessens, but along the way if you meet just one person who becomes a real friend then the effort made to get out there is worth it.

Axxxxxxxxxxxx

ragtag

Hi where about in NSW are you Jan

biggy

Not a meet....but just had Arnie2oz and Nikkers for dinner...had a blast.....currently they are lost and pished in Yeppoon

maggy

Now why does that not surprise me doll

sammyg

well said