should we move or shouldnt we?
 

My husband has been offered a job nr Vancouver. We recently went out to visit the place. We both loved it. But with 3 children in tow it is a very difficult decision to make. We are interested in anyone out there who has done the move from England to Canada but who has come back. We have lots of advantages for going out there but would love to hear from people who for whatever reason, ended up coming back. Thank you for your help!

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

we really appreciate any advice.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

I would be blunt and say it all come down to $$$.

Bringing up three children anywhere is expensive. If your partner has been offered a well paid job, or you are both going to be earning, then that is half the battle. Are you selling up in the UK and bringing over some equity? Vancouver housing market is expensive.

Rent for a year and see how it goes.

What are your primary reasons for the move?

What ages are your children? How would they feel about the move? There are quite a few families in that area on this board so hopefully some will be along soon to give you some thoughts on schools, etc.

Emigrating - It's daunting, it's exciting, it's expensive. Sometimes it can be lonely and sometimes you meet just the most wonderful people.

Good luck with your decision :)

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

There is another page on this site called moving back to the UK, have a look there as you will see various reasons as to why people return

Good luck

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

I think your primary reasons for a move will have an effect on how all outcomes are viewed. If you want to move to Vancouver and your other half has been offered a job then you are bound to be ecstatic about the opportunity and the fact that there is a job. If you did not even consider emigration before the job offer then its very different I am sure.

Doesnt mean that it wont be a great outcome though, if you do decide to go for it.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

Thanks for your speedy reply. The main reason for the move would be a new lifesytle and hopefully a better future for our children aged 16, 14 & 9 yrs. Our 16 yr old has just left school and started college studying animal management. We realise it would be a major upheaval for them but hopefully they would quickly adapt. On our recent trip we visited Delta Secondary School, in Ladner, so realise our son may have to go back to school. Any pointers on good secondary schools in the Ladner, Langley, Abbortsford area would be helpful.

Thanks so much.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

From our investigations and conversations with school boards and colleges, if your son has left school with at least 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, including maths and English, he could probably go straight to college as he has already got the equivalent of a High School Dipolma. If he stays in UK and finishes AS levels he will be at the age they leave high school in Canada I believe and could go to college with his age group.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

You son would most likely need to go back to high school - grade 11. I highly doubt any college would accept GCSE's as Grade 12. My understanding is that GCSE's are equivalent to grade 10 - possibly grade 11. Universities only accept A level for entrance. He or she will most likely enjoy the high school experience.

Good luck

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

Not sure if that's going to help you really. For every person/family that decides to go back, there are many more who stay.

From what I've seen on here, the number one reason for people moving back to the UK from Vancouver is the cost of living. Property is ridiculously expensive in Vancouver- unless you're brining a decent chunk of equity, and/or earning a ton of money, you'll likely struggle.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

The best pointer is don't worry about it. Find somewhere nice to live and the local schools will be just fine.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

Rent's are still relatively affordable in Vancouver. If the OP thinks the move might not be permanent they can rent somewhere a lot nicer than they can afford to buy.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

I'd say it was lack of ability to find job in field. Which is fair enough. If the OP's already got a job lined up, that part of it at least is covered.

to Blue fox: PM 4 Bells. She moved here last year with a 16 year old and a 10 year old.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

We came over with an 18 and 16 yr old. Although the 16 yr old had just left secondary school with 5 or more GCSE's A-C, the school here said it was only equivalent to their grade 10. He did challenge some subjects and they gave him grade 11 equivalent for those.
It was tough for him at first, but it is a way of meeting new friends, so he faired better than the 18 yr old who found it harder to meet new people.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

That seems to be the prevailing reason. Good luck with your decision.

Re: should we move or shouldnt we?
 

Without a college education, a grade 12 should be a minimum to attain. Even the most mundane of jobs often expect a grade 12 diploma. Without this is would not be a better future and severely limit their opportunities.