why Oz?
 

This is my third time visiting the forum and I'm amazed at how may Brits ended up in Australia!!
I have a dear friend who's in Adelaide and countless others from my home town have gone over there if only for a short while- what's the big attraction with Oz? there's a whole world out there I blame "Home and Away and Neigbours" lol :p

Re: why Oz?
 

neighbours eh? I cant speak for everyone else but I find that us English and the Aussies (and nz folk) always had a special kind of relationship between our two countries. I found that whenever aussies were visit the uk they always get a more open arms welcome that say somebody from france, germany, italy or a number of other european nations. As someone with an Australian spouse I can speak personally that I have always found people from Australia/NZ easiest and best foreigners to get along with whether it be a discussion about the cricket, rugby etc. or even the royal family there is always something in common between our two nations and I hope it continues long into the future.

Nick

Re: why Oz?
 

For the English the grass is always greener on the other side....also they are always in search of sunshine!! The English believe that they will be able to find an equal if not better standard of living simply because they are English. Being the colonies they think that the Australians will and should welcome them with open arms. I'm amazed at comments on this forum that mention that Australians are given preferential treatment when applying for jobs! Shock , horror, Australians seem not to realize that the English are far more superior!

In France, Spain for instance the English are at least required to learn another language. In the US it's very difficult to get in. Why Oz?? Because the English think it will be an easy option to a better life.

Re: why Oz?
 

Australias a long way from the Uk, it can provide people with a dream of a better place, if Australia was 6 hours away most would have been there and would know its downsides too. But they dont, read the Moving to OZ forum and see the shock and outcry when aussie residents post a few home truths. :D Also Australia is protrayed very heavily on UK tv as a sunny paradise, unfortunately most shows are more from a holiday/lifestyle angle than day to day reality so the allure is heightened.

Re: why Oz?
 

Why Oz? There are a few other reasons you could probably throw in. The following are based on many (likely) UK beliefs about Oz, not the reality:


- Oz's sunnier weather and beaches, implies a more laid-back lifestyle.

- it's different from the UK, but not that different. After all, same language and same attitudes (partially true)

- it's easier than non-English speaking countries : no additional language required. Hence, easier to work, cultural similarities mean that is is easier to assimilate (partially true) : see previous point

- better quality of life (whatever that means) : more space (true), lower crime and working hours (both untrue)

- escape from their UK problems, eg relationship problems. Emigrating makes the problems worse, because of the added stresses

Re: why Oz?
 

Probably because It's not a bad place to be, and is relatively easy to adapt to as long as one does not expect it to be the UK in the sun. I have been here eight years and overall I am glad to have had the opportunity to experience OZ. I have a younger brother in the UK whom has just received his migration visas, so he along with his family will be here mid November.

Re: why Oz?
 

Had some good friends here, who emigrated years ago and have been very happy, plus one night The Bloke proposed to me........and he lives in Brisbane!
Its odd though, there are many reasons why he could never feel able to leave his family environment, it was always accepted that I would be the one to move, and I'm not complaining, but having spoken to people out here - thats the expected thing, almost Victorian (the era not the State!) - the woman will do what the man wants/expects. :rolleyes:

Re: why Oz?
 

I've never lived in Oz myself, but I think the promise of glorious sunshine, sandy beaches, room to roam, and a more laidback lifestyle is what attracts most people. Also, there's the added bonus of not having to learn a new language, and I think some people are under the illusion that the Aussies are exactly like the Brits, which of course cannot be true. Just my theory :D

-Becs

Re: why Oz?
 

Why Australia? Well, if you're British, not bilingual and want to emigrate you don't have a great deal of choice after you've ruled out:

- mainland Europe (language problems)
- Ireland (same problems as the UK, worse in some respects)
- US (difficult visa situation)
- South Africa (variety of reasons)
- small countries/territories, which are not for everyone (eg Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Singapore)

Which leaves pretty much Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

NZ has a small economy and climate not that dissimilar to Britain.
Canada is nice but the winters are too cold for some.

Which leaves Australia.

The two main attractions of Australia are the better climate and the increased amount of space vs the UK.

Those hoping for a better material standard of living will be disappointed, as the two countries are broadly the same.

As will those looking to escape from the usual problems that beset any developed Western society - they're all in Australia, to a greater or lesser extent.

Those who are dependent on close family or friends in the UK will feel isolated.

And those who like European travel will miss out. On the other hand being a long way from Europe is attractive for some.

Those who return to the UK find it difficult to understand how others could prefer to stay in Australia. At the end of the day's everyone's different.

It's important to think carefully about the pros and cons of migration before starting the process. Involve all family members, children included.

Write down (on separate sheets) the pros and cons of Australia versus the pros and cons of your current life. You should have data for all four elements - if not, think harder.

Consider the likely problems on arrival before getting there. What's going to happen if one spouse can't find a good job, or the other is homesick, or one of the kids doesn't settle at school.

Consider the alternatives to migration. Would relocation within the UK suit you better? What are you really looking for in life?

It's important to be adaptable, positive and willing to 'think Australian' to succeed in Australia.

Don't expect Australia to work out instantly. The culture of instant gratification suggests that it should, but life is not like that. A successful migration requires time and effort.

Do your financial planning - migration is not cheap. The visa costs are small in relation to the whole exercise.

Find out about requirements you may need to meet to work in your trade or profession in Australia. Don't assume it's the same as the UK. Also don't assume the different states in Australia are all the same.

Research, research and more research before leaving. Read Australian newspapers. Listen online to Australian radio stations. Get books on Australia from your bookshop and library. Find age-specific resources for the children.

By all means take a holiday beforehand - but try to see Australia from the point of view of a resident, not a tourist spending a stronger currency.

Choose your destination well in Australia. Employment opportunities and climate do vary greatly across the country. Be prepared to relocate interstate if necessary.

For British citizens, and others for whom dual citizenship is possible, it is a very good idea to consider staying long enough to get Australian citizenship and only then thinking about whether returning home is an option. This will benefit not only you if you later want to return (in retirement) or your children later in life.


Jeremy

Re: why Oz?
 

You dont need to get Ozzie Citzenship.... you can just get RRV which means you have 5 years to return to oz if so desire... i think 5 years would be long enough to know if your happy in the U.K or not.. :beer:

Re: why Oz?
 

Five years might or might not be long enough, and personal circumstances can change.

Moreover, not taking citizenship can lead to problems later with children's rights to live in Australia - I have known two families that have gone though this. In both cases this caused unpleasantness, and one of the families was nearly torn asunder by it: one child (born in Australia to permanent resident children) was an Australian citizen, the other two (one born before migration, the other born after the family had left Australia) were not. The oldest child, who had gone to school and, largely, grown up in Australia, was desperate to return but was unable to do so whereas his younger brother could with no questions asked. Parents were blamed for not having taken out citizenship, brothers fell out over it, etc, etc.

It could all have been avoided. Given the ease of obtaining Australian citizenship, it seems almost incomprehensible to me that so many people, especially people from the UK, don't do it. Even people from New Zealand would be well advised to do so, because although New Zealanders can live in Australia at the moment with few if any formalities, things can change.

I would also add that, unlike some countries, Australia makes no demands of its expatriate citizens.

Re: why Oz?
 

Because it's a beautiful country and they speak English. Are you p**ssed off because you can't get in?

Re: why Oz?
 

Your reply is a bit hostile :eek:

Are you p**ssed off at being asked? Does it worry you for some reason? :rolleyes:

Celtic_angel lives in the US. Why would she/he want to go to Australia.

G

Re: why Oz?
 

Very useful!
Thanks, Jeremy. :)

Re: why Oz?
 

yeah Sue I agree you were having a bad day or what? Calm down hon I was just asking outta plain curiosity and am amazed at the response! :)

there's plenty of beautiful places out there!! Seems a little exteme to go all the way to Oz to catch some rays in my opinion and the fact that so many decide Oz is not for them cos of the shear distance away from family etc goes to show that it's not always the best place for a Brit to go so why the attraction?
just wondered in jest if all the Aussie t.v that's shown to people on a rainy day in U.k is brainwashing them into believing Oz is all "sun & Surf"

Oh and Sue in answer to your question no I've never even tried to get into Oz too many poisionous creepy crawlies for me :scared:

Re: why Oz?
 

i think you have hit the nail on the head. a lot of people go for jobs or relationships and undoubtedly the gap year plays a part, but I think the uk media attitude feeding people that uk is basically shit and anywhere with hot weather is fantastic plays a big part.

plus oz gets major brownie points with the average loonie left uk media journalist as they see it as some sort of model of egalitarianism untouched by thatcherite policies which so ruined their uk of the 1970's. the number of times oz is referred to here as the perfect country is unbelieveable but unless you have lived there you would not understand that most of what is said is at best only half the story or worst just untrue.

i just wish people would spend as much effort trying to fix their local communities and addressing their own issues before running away to the otherside of the world in search of a pipe dream fuelled by a biased media.

Re: why Oz?
 

Wise words, obviously from someone who HAS lived in both places, I could have written that myself.

Re: why Oz?
 

And at the same time, for many people Australia is the perfect country.
Everyone is different.

Jeremy

Re: why Oz?
 

Dugons and I were discussing the image of Australia presented on the UK media, not the individual preference of who likes living where. I seriously doubt anywhere could be as perfect as the image of Australia presented by the UK media :D :D

It does give the wrong impression, we were back in February, as an Australian I am met with an incredulous response when I discuss my cost of living, work hours, education, crime, drugs, politics, and so on. UK relatives and friends who have not been here really do believe what they see on UK TV.

Take one example, 3 days ago we got an email, wifes friend who is coming here was supposed to be September will now be December, we live near Noosa, shes seen a property show :rolleyes: and isnt property in Noosa cheap :D She also thinks we are lucky our children will never be exposed to DRUGS. Now if the correct images of Australia are being given out where do people get this stuff from?

I personally dont think anywhere would be perfect, not living a real life in the real world, is it possible to describe anywhere as perfect?

Re: why Oz?
 

jeremy - you need to put that reply as a ''stickie'' at the top of the forum.

It's funny; Melbourne has the most ''interesting'' climate in the entire country, but somehow Neighbours still very much portrays the sun etc of Australia..I wouldn't have said it was filmed in Melbourne(!)

BM

Re: why Oz?
 

I was being slightly tongue in cheek. I think those for whom Australia is the 'perfect' country are those who enjoy its climate, lifestyle and natural beauty - but also accept that many of its problems are identical to the UK. You still have to go to work, bills need to be paid, kids still need to go to school, and so on. And also accept that just as in the UK there are plenty of scams to trap the unwary.

Those who go expecting some kind of utopia are the ones more likely to be disappointed.

And perhaps the least attractive feature of the UK is the constant 'doom and gloom' fed by certain sections of the media (with a correspondingly gilded view of places outside the UK) that masks the reality of the UK as a modern, dynamic industrial country with a lot going for it.



Jeremy

Re: why Oz?
 

Good advice JAJ,

Mainly the same reasons we chose it. We are not bi-lingual so that ruled out lots of places, we thought of the USA but decided the drugs/ violence culture was not for us. So to Aus we came!

We did a lot of research and have had realistic expectations of our lives. We have no regrets and absolutely love it here. The only way it could be better would be if we had some family out here too. Maybe one day that will happen.

Look carefully and choose the area that is right for you. I have been literally innundated with work as my job (SEN Teacher) is in high demand here on the Sunny Coast, other people would struggle to get work here.

For us Australia is everything we hoped for and for once we actually feel settled in a place- let's hope it lasts!

Re: why Oz?
 

That's about the truest thing I think I've read on here. The British media seem to be hopelessly addicted to gloom and misery. How many times have you watched the 6 o clock news thirty minute update of murder and misery then sat through the horror that is "Eastenders" and what's next ? Boom - one hour documentary telling you how you'd be better off living in Spain.

I wouldn't want the UK media to go as far down the "hurray for everything" route that some of the Aussie companies have but there's got to be a happy medium ?

Re: why Oz?
 

It's very popular in certain circles to criticise anything British - and probably more particularly anything English. Some people, including some English people, seem to regard it almost as a badge of honour to be disparaging about British/English people, customs, traditions, music, food, religion: everything in fact. Some of the same people criticise anything American too.

I have my ideas about why this happens, but I still haven't completely got my head around it.

Like all places, Britain has its good and its bad points. I'd say that its good points outweight its bad ones by a long way, though - and I'd also say the same for Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada ...

Re: why Oz?
 

tee hee :) after so many yrs away i'm hopelessly addicted to Eastenders!! four yrs behind mind but that's okay , funny thing is i never ever could bear to watch it when i lived in U.k :p

Re: why Oz?
 

I think you'd have to be pretty naive to make the decision to change your life so dramatically just from what you've seen on the news or soaps or whatever.

We're going in the hope that we will be able to live a more relaxed life without the need to work quite so many hours as we do here, and to be able to have a family and accomodate them without it costing the earth!

I've lived all over the UK and am ready to try somewhere new...

But we have done a lot of research on this, it's not just based on seeing a New Life programme...

Re: why Oz?
 

I dunno....yoyu'd probably be surprised at the number of people who do emigrate based on the lure of sun and paradise. Some people on here have said as much.

As a prospective migrant, surely you must be sick of everyone you meet saying "ooh, emigrating to Oz? I'd love to live there, get out of this shithole that is the UK", etc etc. Half of them have never even been there...how do they know it's better than the UK?

Have to say, since I've been back in the UK I'm more dumbfounded than ever by people who ask me why I've come back to this hellhole and left such an idyllic place. They moan to me about how much tax they pay, how much crime there is, drugs, NHS crisis, the weather, long working hrs, etc. The only thing I can agree with is perhaps the weather. The rest is just laughable.

BAck to the UK media, my sister (who has been in Oz since '89) still buys the UK Mail. While we were in Oz we used to call it the 'UK Gloom' because it was so depressing. She has this terrible picture in her mind that the UK is exactly like it is described in the UK Mail and still can't understand why we want to live here.

Re: why Oz?
 

Ditto. I also find it staggering. Still, the way I explain Oz to those who ask is "Imagine Oz without the intense sun, heat and the beaches. Well, after a while, that's what happens : the sun and the beaches just become part of the backdrop; no big deal. Oh, and they're 10 thousand miles away. Now, do you still want to go Down Under?"

That brings their disbelief to a sudden halt.

Re: why Oz?
 

That is what I am NOT looking forward to.

In February we left 40 degree heat, violent storms, workers collpasing from exhaustion, to be told WE were mad to be in the UK in February :D People often have NO idea do they? Peoples images of our lives in paradise were so far removed from reality it started out as funny, but by the end of the holiday you just wanted to wop someone for their stupidity.

I dont know how I will go listening to it long term.

Re: why Oz?
 

Jad n rich...I think the easiest way will be to not tell anyone where you have been! I know that when we go back it will drive me potty...only 6 months to go and then we can make our decision. (we will have been here a year by then)

After a few weeks of trying to be super positive I woke up this morning thinking b****y hell, can't wait to get back to flexible working hours, decent money, etc,etc!!!!!!!!! :)

Re: why Oz?
 

agreed. I think both the UK and Australia's goods points outweigh its bad points. I think you are right though about 'Baggin Britain' - it is has gone on for too long - I am not talking about the recent (last 5 years) trend in the gutter tabloid press or populist sentiment; but a general ''malaise'' - look at how proud the Scots, Irish and Welsh are - the English don't have a patch on them. This may be due to less to prove, but it does seem fashionable for some while to knock England.

Incidentally, I had a lecturer at University who argued that English culture, and to an extent, British culture is based on ''negativity'' (not his exact words, it's my recollection) - emotive I know - but he set out to explain why - and I could see where he was coming from - I have never seen Britain in the same light since. It was quite sobering; he was not even a left wing intellectual grinding an axe but an old priveleged Tory grandee in character.

There are many things about England (Britain) I am proud of and love, eg. Rugby Union, the Armed Forces to name a few.

BM

Re: why Oz?
 

Aye, The Uk is still a beautiful place, trouble is, few of us bother to look round.