mikelincs

You have actually had a lot of very good advice, but the real thing you need to do is to look at the Wiki, and decide what path to go down to get the qualifications you will need, bear in mind that even after getting the degree you are likeliest to need to work for a company with a US base who will be prepared to do the financial things to move you over. Everything else is, at the moment, pie in the sky because you just dont have any sort of chance to move over there. The USA is probably the hardest country for people from the Uk to move to without marrying a US citizen.

Ieuan

I understand its not easy...Reality check is not needed friend.

And moving to Cardiff would be pointless. Trust. I have many friends who have gone and swiftly moved back.

Maybe I want to go live/work in the Zoo my Uncle and my aunty manage?

Please dont pass me off as some dip shit teen who is not willing to try like most in this thread already have.

Ieuan

Ok mate thanks.

Il take a look now and get back to you here at what i find and you can see if you thinks its achievable...Thinking of access courses in colleges to provide higher education in animal care, then perhaps i could look into my Uncle who manages a zoo in YellowStone if possible.

Scouse Express

If you got your Uncle to sponsor you, that would give you a shot........but it will take years to come to fruition.

That will give you plenty of time to put money aside. However, as for other options, you are up shit creek without a paddle.

Ieuan

Okey mate...Il take a look into courses now.

And yes Other than that I dont have much of a chance really..

slummymummy

Move to London...? I moved there from a small town when I was 19 and loved it for many years! I think it's one of the coolest and most fun cities in the world, especially when you're young.

wuthering

I have a slightly different take on this switching countries as an American who moved to the UK and is now going back. However, I did go to university, got that all-important degree, got increasingly good jobs over the course of 10 years and finally got a job at a multinational which then allowed me to move to London.

I have loved every second of my life here (including the not so great moments), and after 10 years, 3 work permits, a fiancee visa, the marriage, and UK citizenship, I want to move back to the US with my husband to be closer to my parents as they get older.

I've been on both sides of the coin, and my husband and I are now going through the lengthy and expensive green card process. With no sarcasm intended: Never run away from something, only run to. If you're running away from filthy or deadbeat Britain, you'll only find that the US can be the same. If you run to something you'll always look to find the best in your new place.

Keep the dream, but know the reality. I think that's all anyone here is saying.

Ieuan

I have worked their with the olympics fitting the stadium, it was ok.

Although a friend did have a knife pulled on him in a club the second night we wer there aha so who knows

It gave me the impression the English are not a very approchable bunch...for the second time!

P.s. Think England is going to win the Grand Slam?

Ieuan

Thank you!

Im glad someone was able to say this without sarcasm or patronising me.

I guess Id be doing both...Id be chasing a dream whilst escaping a dead beat country, with the added bonus of a whole new life experience in America that one day I hope to achieve

Bob

And why would it be pointless?

It is a simpler, cheaper approach than the US.

Do it for the summer, do it while you go to uni. You'll need a university degree anyway and you'll be able to have much more freedom to work while doing the degree in the UK than in the US.

If your uncle is willing to sponsor you, the position would still require a degree and it would still cost him several thousand bucks to do it. That's if the position would be eligible for a H1B visa.

Ieuan

Because of reviews I have had about work...But for education it could be a good move, your right...Another thing I can look into thanks.

And yes I would quite happily foot the bill for him for the sponsor in a few years time when im in a position to take it further.

Bob

And do you not think something like that might not happen in any city, in the world?

On the plus side, it was only a knife and he wasn't shot.

Anyway, on the work front. Look at the numerous threads on BE in the immigration section, you'll see a theme of the type of jobs people have that are working out a visa. Safe bet tends to be the tech and science areas, often more with more opportunities too, but to give yourself a decent chance at making someone wanting to spend the kind of money to get you a visa, you'd need niche knowledge or skills within a particular field.

It is much better to study something that you enjoy, so that you finish it and work in a field that you enjoy than to pigeonhole yourself into a area that you think might be best for a visa because things change and the opportunities might with it in the future. So better to do something you enjoy and hope that it leads to an opportunity.

Still think the option of experiencing the rest of the UK would be a good one, especially when so young...it's much easier to backpack and slum your way around than when you're older. Also you've got the WHV to explore for Canada/Oz/Kiwi etc.

The world is your oyster. Don't get so hung up on something that's on an assumption.

Sue

I don't mean to be patronising, and I hope you don't take it that way, but just to let you see the other side of the coin; my son has moved to the UK from the US to attend University there and cited very similar reasons to you for wanting to do so.

As everyone else has mentioned have a plan and work towards it and your dream will hopefully become a reality. Many people I know who have moved to the US had to plan and work for it for quite a while, but they felt it was worth it. Just as my son feels its worth it being back in the UK. Each to their own. But no matter where life takes you I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Also, I don't know if you've considered it but as you've not yet been to the US you might be interested in Work America. I know someone your age who recently did something similar and they had a blast

http://bunac.org/uk/work-abroad/work-america

http://www.campamerica.co.uk

Jerseygirl

Welcome to BE.

Just to be clear...the company your uncle works for must apply and pay for a work visa for you.

Bob

Well if you think the work situation is bad in Cardiff or Swansea, think further out. It is much worse in the US.

At least while studying in the UK, you can work. It'll give you a chance to save up and gain skills. Also don't discount the rest of the EU. Plenty of universities in France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands etc off courses in various subjects in English and are cheaper than in the UK. You can find info out in numerous university fairs across the country and doing this gets the added benefit of being able to experience a foreign country, while being able to work and a good opportunity to pick up another language while you're at it.

And no, you won't be able to foot the bill for your uncle. Part of the process in getting the visa is that the sponsor pays for it.