When I was 16 I wanted to live in France
When I was 18 I wanted to live in Spain
When I was 20 I wanted to live in Australia etc etc..

What I did was go through Uni and get qualified, ended living in several countries, settling in the Caribbean for a while, now in the US . It is probably not homesickness you are feeling, just wanting to get on with your life - but you do seem to just be wishing your life away. Education is the best way forward - I loved school and learning!

Well I can't say I agree on the loving school part-its the bane of my existence from Sept-June! And to be honest, more so than not being able to live where I want, school is my hindrance to "being happy" as you guys put it. But oh well. We survive, we get on. Just makes me grateful for the hols!

But everything else, yes!! Although I can't say theres anywhere I want to live besides Malta, mainly because of the climate. I want somewhere warm... The UK doesn't fit that, neither does France, most of Italy, or Germany or Switzerland. Greece and Spain do fit it, but are so similar to Malta I may as well live there because economically Malta is better off, and my family are there... I'd never live in the US for various reasons, Aus/NZ are too far from Europe and Canada, so that pretty well leaves Europe for me to live in

Out of curiosity, what did you do when you were in the Caribbean?

You shouldn't be wishing your life away. Finish school and uni. Uni is usually much more interesting than school and you'll have a lot of fun too. Then you are well set-up for a move elsewhere if you still want to.

I agree with everyone, don't wish your life away. Finish school, then go travel and work abroad. Education will open doors.

I have a degree from Britain and a degree from America, and I'm sure I'll end up back in school again someday for further education. I've lived in the US for 8.5 years, moving back to Britain in 3 weeks. However I know I'm not going to stay put, not sure where I'll end up because you can't predict the future, but I'm just embracing life and the adventure as it unfolds.

I know, I know.... I'll quite likely stick it out through uni then go. There is always holidays. And agh, those last five words, of course I'll still want to

You never know where life will take you so you are blocking off opportunities by being so singled minded about one place. The world is huge and you haven't seen but 1% of it!

I worked in Jamaica and Antigua for 6 months each and then the company I worked for sent me to the Caymans for another 6 month contract. Loved it and stayed and then went into alternative investments as a career. By being open you'll have way more fun.

You may regret not making more of your student years when you are older! (here's my mother coming out in me)

Which place am I being single minded about again?
Sounds lovely
Ahh I beg to differ but you never know

You've never actually lived in Malta have you? I don't understand how you can be homesick for somewhere you've never lived. As most expats know visiting somewhere is nothing like living there.

I was going to ask what Jerseygirl asked and would be interested in your answer.

I am originally from the UK and living in NZ. I love it here and feel very fortunate that I have had the oppurtunities that I've had (mostly as a result of 4 years nose to grindstone on a Master's degree) but I still get homesick for the UK.

I find though more often than not that I am not actually homesick for what it's really like. I am homesick for what I think it's like. I get moments of NEEDING to feel at home in a proper celtic landscape with ancient churches all around me and for the seasons to be at the right time. The stars are different here and I find that unsettling. All in all thought my homesickness is more a romantic longing than anything else so I am careful to distinguish it from the realities of what life in the UK would really be like if I went back.

You sound like you're at the stage of life where you're preparing to fly free and take your first steps of independence, it can be very easy to confuse the frustration of being under your parents thumb at an age where you're beginning to fight against that (quite naturally) with the longing to be far away and in a different place.

I have to say from reading your posts that I think going to Malta might be good for you, I'd predict you'll certainly appreciate Canada with all it's familiarity for you far more for being away from it in a strange place.

No, but when I visit, it isn't in a hotel / all inclusive resort. I do things locals do, shop where they shop, know the ins and outs of daily life there. I don't spend the whole time sunning on the beach , etc. The only thing I haven't experienced is working there (which is apparently a shitty feat) , and I don't hope to experience that to be honest. I want to get a job with a European company that has me going around Europe, mostly for the excitement of traveling for work, and getting paid a proper salary. (which is the major problem with Malta, they don't pay proper salaries compared to the UK, US, Canada, etc.)


I know what you mean on some of the things, although the stars are the same here as they are in Malta
I love being around the people, they are laid back and less uptight and conservative than here in Canada, I love love love being in the sun almost year round, very little rain, no snow, etc.

Ooh, you're a good detective. This resonates well with me.

BUT, I've always "not liked" living here in the winter time. Always hated the weather here. If I could do a 6 months and 6 months thing, and have certain aspects of Canada and certain ones of Malta it would be great, but that's not really a realistic option, except in retirement.

This is true. There are certain very frustrating things about living in Malta. For one, things like cars, electronics, basically anything that isn't your basic necessities is taxed through the roof, making it very expensive. I've recently found out you can't lease cars like you can in Canada. That's not the worst, but since my family has always been a change the car every few years family, we lease, and i'd like to continue that habit. Unfortunately you can only "lease" from rental car companies, and its rather expensive compared to here, and there is less options as to what car you can lease. A less terrible example but still one indeed.

But you've also never been an independent adult there with all the responsibilities that come with it. Keep your mind open and enjoy your life right now.