*off topic* Moving from UK to Canada - to study

TheSanctuarian

Well-known member
Has anyone moved country or US state to start a new life?
was it difficult?
what problems did you face?

I'm sick of England and how horrible it is, and fancy a fresh start. so, after my A-level examinations I hope to move to Canada, more specifically, British-Columbia, Vancouver. I know it may seem wreck-less or brash, but I can't help but see the positives. once you covert the £ to $ - living costs, tuition fees, rental properties... are all cheaper than where I live now.

do you think this is a good idea?:confused:
 

WeirdyMcGee

Well-known member
I'm shocked that you say it's cheaper to be in B.C than where you are now!!
Where the hell are you living that it's so expensive?! XD
Vancouver is one of the most expensive places to live; or so I thought.

One thing that I'm worried about is that you hope everything will be different once you get to Canada.
Basically, people are the same-- I mean... very basically. You can't change human nature.
If you're thinking that the moment you land in Canada; your life will be fixed... that's probably not the healthiest way of looking at it.
You will always have trials and tribulations but moving so far away is a very brave step and could only help you to become stronger, I'd think.
Vancouver is highly populated with Asians; the Asian community is booming- or so I hear :D- so if you're not used to that, there will probably be quite a bit of culture shock.

I do think that at points in your life, a change of scenery is something that is needed in order to grow and move on; so perhaps this change will be a big boost in helping you to become the person you want to be?
That would be fantastic!
I've never moved to another country because I've never even had the money to go on a vacation before- so I doubt I'll be moving far away any time in the foreseeable future. (so take my advice with a grain of salt, as they say)
 

coyote

Well-known member
Canada and the US are both very large countries - many people from other parts of the world are surprised to find how different one part is form another part

the climate, culture, geography, and economy varies soooo much from community to community, state to state, province to province - and since both have federal systems of government, the laws even vary considerably from place to place

for example - the entire nation of England is the size of the state of Wisconsin in the US

and very little of North America bears any resemblance to what is shown on television

it might pay to plan a trip to visit different parts of the continent before making a firm decision on where you want to move.

picture.php
 

MrJones

Well-known member
Interesting, I always thought it would be nice to move to Canada (or the USA) when I finish my current studies.

I just hope I'll be brave enough when the moment comes hahah (I doubt it >.<)

Anyway you have to be careful where are you exactly going. You have to be sure you want to do this, don't make things just expecting a miracle when you arrive there. Planning! :D
 

Remus

Moderator
Staff member
My cousin moved to Calgery a few years back and loves it. He says he misses Brighton though.
 

AsTimeBurns

Well-known member
Certainly wouldn't mind moving to another country one day, but I imagine it's very hard to get a job in a foreign country, unless you're a specialist in demand or something. Which in fairness is how it should be, instead of letting every tom, dick and petrov in to be plumbers or electricians like this damn country.
 

Rembrandt Broam

Well-known member
Certainly wouldn't mind moving to another country one day, but I imagine it's very hard to get a job in a foreign country, unless you're a specialist in demand or something. Which in fairness is how it should be, instead of letting every tom, dick and petrov in to be plumbers or electricians like this damn country.

This country has immigration laws just like anywhere else, despite what some sections of the press and media (yes, The Daily Mail, I'm looking at you!) would have you believe. People from other European countries are allowed to come here to live and work, just as you have freedom of movement to go to their countries if you wish. Someone from the US or Canada wanting to move to the UK would have to have some specialist skill or some reason why the job they were coming to do couldn't be filled by a European.

As for the Sancturian's thoughts about moving to Canada to study, I think Coyote's advice is very sound. It's very easy to get caught up in a "the grass is greener" mindset, but the fact is that most places are very similiar once the novelty of the new has worn off. Find out about the place first, decide whether it's somewhere you think you'd really be happy, and if it is then you should definitely go for it. Making a well-informed change to your life and circumstances is certainly never reckless or brash.
 

TheSanctuarian

Well-known member
I currently live within 20 miles of London. prices are VERY high... The area I live now is quite 'townish' and is very saddening to look at, from the research I have done on western Canada so far, even the bad parts, make it out to be a nice looking country.
 

Aussie_Lad

Well-known member
Perhaps you should consider moving to the countryside instead. I watch shows like "escape to the country", and the UK looks like a beautiful place to live. You just need to look outside the big smoke.
 

Waybuloo

Well-known member
Ouch I think it's extortionate the prices they charge in and around London. Even professionals are finding it hard to get by let alone get on the property ladder. It's wise to move out of london if you are not a celebrity, media person or investment banker, I think. Canada certainly sounds nice. I would move there myself if I didn't come to the UK. I'm certainly happy that you didn't decide to goto Australia.

I came to the UK for a few months before I decided to come back and stay longer, so maybe save up for a trip, plan a few sightsees and then just crash at friends places or relatives if you have any, and experience the local culture. You wouldn't know if you didn't go.
 

Section_31

Well-known member
British Columbia is beautiful, if you go you'll find it breathtaking.

The taxes out there are rediculous though. The cost of living is higher. But if you can get a position lined up and make it work,, i say do it. If not for the money, for the education and experience :).

Check out calgary while your across the pond! :)
 

nicole1

Well-known member
I'm on the opposite end of that one. I'd love to live and work in the UK. It has been a dream of mine for some time. And I know it'll be super hard.

I suggest a visit (Like Coyote said). That'll give you an idea of how things are and what areas you'd consider moving to.

Look up a study abroad opportunity and look into different school's international options. View the cost of attending a school here and see what type of assistance is offered. I'm sure if you finish with good scores, you'd be able to qualify for scholarships.
 

coyote

Well-known member
here's my favorite part of North America:

fig1.jpg


primeval forests, unspoiled coastlines, clean air, fresh water, small towns

the cost of living is good

but you must be able to tolerate snow, wild animals, and polka music
 

coyote

Well-known member
Ahhh, invigorating! Partaking in a few basic polka steps keeps one warm against the snowiest of days whilst nimbling up the legs in readiness for side-stepping wild animals.

not to mention, the saxophone player is really cute
 
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