Couple of questions
Jul 18th 2005 | 6:29 am
#1
Thread Starter
Spaceman Spiff
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30
From: San Jose, Ca, USA
Couple of questions
Hi all,
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions
-Prezcalvin.
P.S. I realize I have asked too many questions and no one person may have all the answers. I'll appreciate
your responses to any of the questions, you don't have to answer all
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions
-Prezcalvin.
P.S. I realize I have asked too many questions and no one person may have all the answers. I'll appreciate
your responses to any of the questions, you don't have to answer all
Last edited by prezcalvin; Jul 18th 2005 at 8:20 am.
Jul 18th 2005 | 8:23 am
#2
Return of bouncing girl!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,931
From: The Fourth Reich
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by prezcalvin
Hi all,
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions
-Prezcalvin.
P.S. I realize I have asked too many questions and no one person may have all the answers. I'll appreciate
your responses to any of the questions, you don't have to answer all
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
Thanks a lot for any suggestions
-Prezcalvin.
P.S. I realize I have asked too many questions and no one person may have all the answers. I'll appreciate
your responses to any of the questions, you don't have to answer all
Jul 18th 2005 | 9:19 am
#3
Thread Starter
Spaceman Spiff
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30
From: San Jose, Ca, USA
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by Wintersong
All I can say is your wife must be a total babe and an absolute angel for putting up with you. You are so lucky to have her. I bet she even bakes delicious brownies...
For those who are confused (which I presume is everyone else), Wintersong is my wife.
Jul 18th 2005 | 1:55 pm
#4
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 12,090
From: Yam Yam land
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by prezcalvin
Hi all,
......
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
.....
......
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
.....
Private health care in the UK is comparable in cost and standard to private/insured health care in the US. Health care for the uninsured/poor is way better in the UK compared to US.
Generally, I don't think typical monthly costs UK to US are that much different. Swings and roundabouts - my grocery bills here are higher than UK, gas costs obviously lower here, as are "toys" (electronics, etc.). My health/dental care costs here are higher here than UK even though I am insured and generally healthy.
Vacations seem more expensive here (so cheap and easy to get packages to Europe, etc. from UK). Utilities definitely more expensive here... jump in anyone else, I've run out of ideas.
Jul 19th 2005 | 12:02 pm
#5
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,646
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by prezcalvin
Hi all,
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
2) I keep reading that standard of living is slightly lower than the US, but in what way? Is it the healthcare? Is the NHS really bad?
Indirect taxation is much higher in the UK.
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me?
You can study on a spouse visa.
After three years in the UK you can become a naturalised British citizen, again subject to losing your Indian citizenship. If you became a US citizen first, you'd keep that on any later acquisition of British citizenship, under current laws.
Jeremy
Jul 20th 2005 | 6:33 am
#6
Thread Starter
Spaceman Spiff
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30
From: San Jose, Ca, USA
Re: Couple of questions
Hi Dunroving, JAJ
Firstly, thanks a lot for your replies!
Sorry if I wasn't clear. But what I meant was that if we do decide to move to the UK, we intend to settle there. No back and forth. So if I do that MBA in the UK, I plan to look for jobs in the UK. US citizenship is of no value to us once we move there.
Which is why I'm trying to get all the data before we decide to move there, cos it's gonna be a big move
Firstly, thanks a lot for your replies!
Sorry if I wasn't clear. But what I meant was that if we do decide to move to the UK, we intend to settle there. No back and forth. So if I do that MBA in the UK, I plan to look for jobs in the UK. US citizenship is of no value to us once we move there.
Which is why I'm trying to get all the data before we decide to move there, cos it's gonna be a big move
Originally Posted by JAJ
Do you want to live in the US long term? If so, I'd stick with the GC application for now.
Top-quality MBAs in the UK are not cheap either. And if you plan to work in the US afterwards, it may make more sense to attend a good US school.
You'd lose your GC if you moved to the UK. You could wait out the time to become a US citizen if it was really important, then think about moving to the UK. You'd lose Indian citizenship but that may or may not be important.
Most professional occupations pay better in the US (based on anecdotal evidence), however things vary greatly.
Indirect taxation is much higher in the UK.
You immigrate as a spouse. Visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
You can study on a spouse visa.
After three years in the UK you can become a naturalised British citizen, again subject to losing your Indian citizenship. If you became a US citizen first, you'd keep that on any later acquisition of British citizenship, under current laws.
Jeremy
Top-quality MBAs in the UK are not cheap either. And if you plan to work in the US afterwards, it may make more sense to attend a good US school.
You'd lose your GC if you moved to the UK. You could wait out the time to become a US citizen if it was really important, then think about moving to the UK. You'd lose Indian citizenship but that may or may not be important.
Most professional occupations pay better in the US (based on anecdotal evidence), however things vary greatly.
Indirect taxation is much higher in the UK.
You immigrate as a spouse. Visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
You can study on a spouse visa.
After three years in the UK you can become a naturalised British citizen, again subject to losing your Indian citizenship. If you became a US citizen first, you'd keep that on any later acquisition of British citizenship, under current laws.
Jeremy
Jul 20th 2005 | 10:02 am
#7
Old-Fart
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 60
From: Telford, Shropshire
Re: Couple of questions
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
You will need to obtain a "Spouse Settlement Visa" BEFORE you leave the USA. Your wife will need to provide proof of employment in the UK & also provide proof that you have somewhere to live. I did all of this before my American wife & I left Connecticut in May. It IS possible to obtain employment & somewhere to live in the UK while you are still in CA, it's not easy as I found out but I did manage it. It involved a lot of emails, phone calls & networking with old friends here. Once here you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number, (see my other posts on that deal!!) NOT an easy task even if you do have the Spouse Visa!
Goold Luck
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
You will need to obtain a "Spouse Settlement Visa" BEFORE you leave the USA. Your wife will need to provide proof of employment in the UK & also provide proof that you have somewhere to live. I did all of this before my American wife & I left Connecticut in May. It IS possible to obtain employment & somewhere to live in the UK while you are still in CA, it's not easy as I found out but I did manage it. It involved a lot of emails, phone calls & networking with old friends here. Once here you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number, (see my other posts on that deal!!) NOT an easy task even if you do have the Spouse Visa!
Goold Luck
Jul 20th 2005 | 11:35 am
#8
Return of bouncing girl!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,931
From: The Fourth Reich
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by Bangers&Mash
3) Visa question: I'm a little confused as to what type of visa I should apply for? Option A: As a spouse of a British citizen, do I get a 'special' visa that allows me to study/work there? We read somewhere that this is possible, but only if she holds a job there and can support us. But in our situation, she is here in Ca with me, so if we decide to move there she won't have a job there, so does this visa still apply to me? Option B: Presumably, the university I go to for the MBA will offer me some kind of 'international' student visa, so should I go over on that and then get it changed to the 'spouse' visa once I am there?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
You will need to obtain a "Spouse Settlement Visa" BEFORE you leave the USA. Your wife will need to provide proof of employment in the UK & also provide proof that you have somewhere to live. I did all of this before my American wife & I left Connecticut in May. It IS possible to obtain employment & somewhere to live in the UK while you are still in CA, it's not easy as I found out but I did manage it. It involved a lot of emails, phone calls & networking with old friends here. Once here you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number, (see my other posts on that deal!!) NOT an easy task even if you do have the Spouse Visa!
Goold Luck
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>
You will need to obtain a "Spouse Settlement Visa" BEFORE you leave the USA. Your wife will need to provide proof of employment in the UK & also provide proof that you have somewhere to live. I did all of this before my American wife & I left Connecticut in May. It IS possible to obtain employment & somewhere to live in the UK while you are still in CA, it's not easy as I found out but I did manage it. It involved a lot of emails, phone calls & networking with old friends here. Once here you will need to apply for a National Insurance Number, (see my other posts on that deal!!) NOT an easy task even if you do have the Spouse Visa!
Goold Luck
Jul 20th 2005 | 6:26 pm
#9
Old-Fart
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 60
From: Telford, Shropshire
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by Wintersong
Thanks for your response - nice to hear from someone who has been there, done that. Am I right in thinking that I would actually have to return to the UK first in order to provide proof of settlement or is it possible to go together, assuming I have a job to go to and a house to live in?
No, all I provided was a copy of a letter from my new employer & copy of our tennancy agreement.
Prior to coming home in May I hadn't set foot on English soil for 13 years.
Jul 21st 2005 | 5:35 am
#10
Thread Starter
Spaceman Spiff
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30
From: San Jose, Ca, USA
Re: Couple of questions
Thanks BangersnMash for your answer.
Do you think she will need to have a job even if we can show money for living expenses? Cos it seems diifficult that she would be able to arrange for a job in the few months that she will have (she can't look for jobs way before that because I won't know where I am going for my MBA till a few months before the program starts).
Looking at a typical MBA college, say I want to start a course in Sept 07 (most courses begin in Sept - Oct), I apply in Dec 06, am told by April-May of my acceptance in say, Oxford, then my wife only has a couple of months to find a job in the Oxford area before we apply for the visa. So that seems like it's cutting it a bit too fine.
I will have to do some research about this, and also ask prospective univs if they will help in getting National Insurance numbers. I mean, I read about thousands of international students heading over to the UK for studies. Surely, they need to have bank accounts, and NHS visits and stuff, so maybe the university helps them get the Insurance number?
Do you think she will need to have a job even if we can show money for living expenses? Cos it seems diifficult that she would be able to arrange for a job in the few months that she will have (she can't look for jobs way before that because I won't know where I am going for my MBA till a few months before the program starts).
Looking at a typical MBA college, say I want to start a course in Sept 07 (most courses begin in Sept - Oct), I apply in Dec 06, am told by April-May of my acceptance in say, Oxford, then my wife only has a couple of months to find a job in the Oxford area before we apply for the visa. So that seems like it's cutting it a bit too fine.
I will have to do some research about this, and also ask prospective univs if they will help in getting National Insurance numbers. I mean, I read about thousands of international students heading over to the UK for studies. Surely, they need to have bank accounts, and NHS visits and stuff, so maybe the university helps them get the Insurance number?
Originally Posted by Bangers&Mash
No, all I provided was a copy of a letter from my new employer & copy of our tennancy agreement.
Prior to coming home in May I hadn't set foot on English soil for 13 years.
Prior to coming home in May I hadn't set foot on English soil for 13 years.
Jul 21st 2005 | 6:31 am
#11
Banned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,402
From: Santa Monica,CA from Birmingham, UK
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by dunroving
One major factor in different standards of living US to UK is the cost of housing in the UK. When your mortgage is double what it was in the US you have less left over to spend.
Private health care in the UK is comparable in cost and standard to private/insured health care in the US. Health care for the uninsured/poor is way better in the UK compared to US.
Generally, I don't think typical monthly costs UK to US are that much different. Swings and roundabouts - my grocery bills here are higher than UK, gas costs obviously lower here, as are "toys" (electronics, etc.). My health/dental care costs here are higher here than UK even though I am insured and generally healthy.
Vacations seem more expensive here (so cheap and easy to get packages to Europe, etc. from UK). Utilities definitely more expensive here... jump in anyone else, I've run out of ideas.
Private health care in the UK is comparable in cost and standard to private/insured health care in the US. Health care for the uninsured/poor is way better in the UK compared to US.
Generally, I don't think typical monthly costs UK to US are that much different. Swings and roundabouts - my grocery bills here are higher than UK, gas costs obviously lower here, as are "toys" (electronics, etc.). My health/dental care costs here are higher here than UK even though I am insured and generally healthy.
Vacations seem more expensive here (so cheap and easy to get packages to Europe, etc. from UK). Utilities definitely more expensive here... jump in anyone else, I've run out of ideas.
Jul 21st 2005 | 8:00 am
#12
Old-Fart
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 60
From: Telford, Shropshire
Re: Couple of questions
Prez.
All visa questions can be answered by going to the link below & searching around. You can also email them, if you do, be prerared for a wait before they answer.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
All visa questions can be answered by going to the link below & searching around. You can also email them, if you do, be prerared for a wait before they answer.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Jul 21st 2005 | 8:38 am
#13
Thread Starter
Spaceman Spiff
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 30
From: San Jose, Ca, USA
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by lionheart
The mortgage bit doesn't apply in California as I'm sure the OP is aware, the median house cost in CA is close to $500K........ and that's the median!
Bangers&Mash, will e-mail the visa website people. Thanks.
Jul 21st 2005 | 9:27 am
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,833
From: Far away from canned Oz
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by prezcalvin
Hi all,
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
My wife and I have been tossing a few ideas back and forth, and one of them involve moving to the UK (which is where she is from originally). I have a couple of questions in that regard which I hope somebody here will be able to answer.
Quick background: I am an Indian citizen by birth, 29 years old, but have been in the US (Silicon valley, Ca) for about 6 years now. Work as a software programmer on an H1-B visa (GC application in the works since Sept 2003). My wife is here on an H4, she is a British citizen and grew up there.
I am kinda sick of my programming job. I want to do an MBA and move more into the corporate/management side of things. From the cost and time perspective (1 yr as opposed to 2 yrs, helluva lot cheaper, etc.) , doing an MBA in the UK seems a lot more advantageous. Also, when we have kids at some point in the future, living in the UK would put them closer to both sets of grandparents (my parents are near NYC, so Ca or UK is about equidistant, my wife's parents are in the UK), which would be a nice thing too.
So for these and other reasons we are thinking of maybe moving to the UK in a couple of years. By then, I may have a Green Card, but that would be useless if we moved to the UK I suppose. Anyway, my questions at the moment are:
1) Does anyone have an idea of the post MBA work scenario there? Will it be easy to get a job given that I'm not an EU citizen? Will the job pay enough to lead a good life, comparable to the post MBA life in the US?
The MBA is definitely worth doing, as competition for senior positions is increasingly going to the best qualified AND best educated. And most IT jobs in the West will be subject to salaries that reduce over the long term, generating a whole bunch of poor propeller-heads.
I got my MBA more than 10 years ago and it was the best investment I ever made (apart from my single ticket out of Oz). Ignore those who say it's not worth doing, they are invariably as jealous as hell and probably can't spell MBA. Get a good MBA and you'll earn more money, get a better position and probably end-up better looking than those you leave behind
As always, go to a good school like LBS, Manchester, Cranfield, Warwick - most of these are 2 year courses, with schools like Cranfield offering a 1 year course. If you can afford it and your French is OK, do a 1 year MBA at Insead - do well and then the companies will beat a path to your door.
Jul 21st 2005 | 9:39 am
#15
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,877
Re: Couple of questions
Originally Posted by prezcalvin
Hell yeah, after Ca, I think anywhere else would be cheaper!!
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not true - we moved to LA 1 year ago from Yorkshire and spent $700k, a similar house in Huddersfield would cost me 400k pounds, whatever anyone says I don't buy this "UK houses are cheaper." Our best friends Manchester burbs 1800sq ft house is on the market for 380k pounds, similar houses in my area, LA burbs, around $550k. Friends Basement London flat 650sq ft (Notting Hill) cost 500k pounds, Santa Monica CA condos around $750k - am I missing something ?
Before you say it Tom yes N Ireland is cheaper !
