Well, I've been a good few places and I find the UK suits me fine, but it is my home :3
I think you'd find the UK a bit 'subdued' compared to the US though.
As someone said we're a temperate zone so our weather is fairly schizophrenic (supposedly that's why we've invented so much... we're not cold nor hot enough to create a hostile environment, but it's not pleasant enough to let us be 'comfortable' so we're not distracted by just trying to keep alive nor happy enough to just let things be =D ). Even within the course of a day you can go from hot sun to pouring rain, though it's not super common.
I think people's advice to come here for a short visit to size the place up sounds good. For example, i had fun in america but my fair skin doesn't deal with constant sun too well so I end up hiding in the shade, plastered in sun block and the heat during the peak of the day just saps my energy and makes me cranky :3
I'm not sure about the whole internet dealio either... I know most services over here are unlimited; does America still suffer from all those monthly cap services and stuff? I always found the thought of that kinda horrible :s
<!--quoteo(post=1731403:date=Oct 8 2009, 04:22 PM:name=X_Stickman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (X_Stickman @ Oct 8 2009, 04:22 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731403"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Well, maybe in whatever crazy hippy borough you live in, but here in the Black Country we regularly beat people for drinking less than 3 cups of tea a day (or two mugs, but mug owners must have a permit).<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> There are exceptions of course ;)
In reference to my earlier comment the best way to experience a country i to try it your self, you can get volunteer periods from a couple of weeks all the way up to 12 months. It would give you a taste with no commitment other than to volunteer (Don't think its a holiday you would have to work and help people!) But it would be very rewarding and could both help you and the people you might be helping. I'm sure that some company's can be found to help you but I don't see how asking people would really get a good definition of what a place is like, It's like asking whats it like on the moon, you could try to imagine but to be there would be a different experience all together.
Good luck with your decision but bare in mind I don't think it would be as easy as packing your bags and going. I'll tell you a little about what I think of England. I think it can be a frustrating place but yet rewarding and you get out what you put in there can be some utterly wonderful places to go and see and some amazing people to see and great friends to be had (though i'm sure you can say the same about the us). The weather is always a talking points when its hot its too hot and when its cold its too cold! but its always barable if not a little wet. the real question I would recommend is not what the country is like but if you can like the country would you addapt to fit in as we can be a picky lot! Best of luck.
Evil_bOb1Join Date: 2002-07-13Member: 938Members, Squad Five Blue
Hey!
Hes a bit of my personal experience. I'm french and I've lived in France (pretty obvious!), UK, Russia and I'm currently living in USA.
To me people are pretty much the same all over these countries. The cultures are different but people always stay people. Your going to find great people everywhere just as you are going to find ignorant people everywhere. If there's a rule I tend to say things balance out. For every good person you'll find a bad one. A country with great ignorants usually has great people just as much.
I tend to believe its not really the place that matters, its you. If you want to move because you don't feel at home, you won't find yourself at home elsewhere. Sometimes you need to move to understand how much you were better, and how much you loved your home and country.
But my aim is not to put you off traveling. Traveling is a great thing to do, and really feeds your personality. Get yourself planed out before you go. Know where you are going to live and work so it gets you busy and integrated right from the start. Finding yourself in a new place without friends or family can be tough if things aren't going out as planned.
I am in the states for my studies and don't get me wrong I love it here. I had a lot of prejudice on Americans but I'm meeting some real great people and have made great friends. But I know that once I'm done I'm going straight back to my country. The system is a bit strange for me, and the thing I mostly miss (not taking into account the wine, cheese, bread...) is the social aspect of Europe. We live much more bunched up in Europe but I think that's how a society naturally lives. Down here in the states its like everyone has his little house and sticks to it. Not much going on outside...
But anyway if you want to move go for it! But don't expect anything apart from starting all over again. Which goes from re adapting to weather to making new friends. But an experience is an experience and it will only make you better. But be prepared because the grass is always greener in the other field till you get there. What will happen in that new country is what you will make happen. If you expect things to just be better they won't, they'll be the same, and if you have expectations it'll be worse. If you go for the fun of it to see different things, and you make things happen down there, and you make the best of things, it could be the most important experience in your life!!
My girlfriend (when she was in college) went on a year abroad at The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. I (not in college) decided to head out there with her and see what I could find. I had some money saved up, and nothing to lose back here in the US. After three months of looking for a job there, I ran out of money and had to come back to the US. Basically, it's nearly impossible for a US citizen to get a job there unless you know someone, or you have some very rare skills. As a US citizen, if a UK company wants to hire you, they have to do the following things:
1) Advertise the job in several places 2) Hire someone from within the UK if someone is available 3) Hire someone from within the EU if someone is available 4) Fill out an application for a work permit for you explaining where they advertised the job, what other applicants they had, and why they rejected each of them. Also there is a $300 application fee, and the application might get rejected if the Ministry feels they didn't try hard enough to hire someone from the UK.
<!--quoteo(post=1731658:date=Oct 10 2009, 07:07 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Oct 10 2009, 07:07 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731658"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->... far, far away from the cranky brits.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Clearly demonstratng the lack of crankyness there! ;)
<!--quoteo(post=1731580:date=Oct 9 2009, 10:40 PM:name=Evil_bOb1)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Evil_bOb1 @ Oct 9 2009, 10:40 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731580"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Hes a bit of my personal experience. I'm french and I've lived in France (pretty obvious!), UK, Russia and I'm currently living in USA. .. lots of great practical experice deleted ...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> In spite of the stereotypical hatred of the French by the English I'm going to agree with everything 'Evil_bOb1' said, he's obviously someone who's see the world a bit and knows the score.
<!--quoteo(post=1731603:date=Oct 10 2009, 02:51 AM:name=SnappyCrunch)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SnappyCrunch @ Oct 10 2009, 02:51 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731603"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->My girlfriend (when she was in college) went on a year abroad at The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Small world, I did my undregraduate degree there!
locallyunsceneFeeder of TrollsJoin Date: 2002-12-25Member: 11528Members, Constellation
<!--quoteo(post=1731757:date=Oct 11 2009, 10:53 PM:name=Sops)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sops @ Oct 11 2009, 10:53 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731757"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->New England > England
You always have to go with the latest model, better features and more reliable then the antiques.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> Cue jokes about 'New Coke'.
I prefer to think of New England as England's younger, hotter sister.
<!--quoteo(post=1731786:date=Oct 12 2009, 09:43 AM:name=locallyunscene)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (locallyunscene @ Oct 12 2009, 09:43 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731786"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Cue jokes about 'New Coke'.
I prefer to think of New England as England's younger, hotter sister.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Of course. Then, who would be the father who dictates that New England can't date the coolest guy at school unless England dated as well, thusly prompting New England's future sole mate to weave a complex web of deceit to hook up with her? Obviously, we need to get Shakespare and Heath Ledger in on this...
KassingerShades of greyJoin Date: 2002-02-20Member: 229Members, Constellation
To whoever suggested volunteering to get to know a country I have some experience with this. I lived in the West Bank for half a year as a volunteer, and I found out I didn't want to live there...
You know, to much people getting killed off in the neighborhood. And the military checkpoints between towns got to me. On a serious note though, never met a more hospitable people, Palestinians are generous as no other.
Comments
I think you'd find the UK a bit 'subdued' compared to the US though.
As someone said we're a temperate zone so our weather is fairly schizophrenic (supposedly that's why we've invented so much... we're not cold nor hot enough to create a hostile environment, but it's not pleasant enough to let us be 'comfortable' so we're not distracted by just trying to keep alive nor happy enough to just let things be =D ). Even within the course of a day you can go from hot sun to pouring rain, though it's not super common.
I think people's advice to come here for a short visit to size the place up sounds good. For example, i had fun in america but my fair skin doesn't deal with constant sun too well so I end up hiding in the shade, plastered in sun block and the heat during the peak of the day just saps my energy and makes me cranky :3
I'm not sure about the whole internet dealio either... I know most services over here are unlimited; does America still suffer from all those monthly cap services and stuff? I always found the thought of that kinda horrible :s
There are exceptions of course ;)
Good luck with your decision but bare in mind I don't think it would be as easy as packing your bags and going. I'll tell you a little about what I think of England.
I think it can be a frustrating place but yet rewarding and you get out what you put in there can be some utterly wonderful places to go and see and some amazing people to see and great friends to be had (though i'm sure you can say the same about the us). The weather is always a talking points when its hot its too hot and when its cold its too cold! but its always barable if not a little wet. the real question I would recommend is not what the country is like but if you can like the country would you addapt to fit in as we can be a picky lot!
Best of luck.
:)
First, get brochures and talk to people, then narrow it down and visit (overnights are best) then apply and wait to see who will let you in.
But at the end of the day, it's about 1) what can you afford and 2) what is the best fit for YOU.
Hes a bit of my personal experience. I'm french and I've lived in France (pretty obvious!), UK, Russia and I'm currently living in USA.
To me people are pretty much the same all over these countries. The cultures are different but people always stay people. Your going to find great people everywhere just as you are going to find ignorant people everywhere. If there's a rule I tend to say things balance out. For every good person you'll find a bad one. A country with great ignorants usually has great people just as much.
I tend to believe its not really the place that matters, its you. If you want to move because you don't feel at home, you won't find yourself at home elsewhere. Sometimes you need to move to understand how much you were better, and how much you loved your home and country.
But my aim is not to put you off traveling. Traveling is a great thing to do, and really feeds your personality. Get yourself planed out before you go. Know where you are going to live and work so it gets you busy and integrated right from the start. Finding yourself in a new place without friends or family can be tough if things aren't going out as planned.
I am in the states for my studies and don't get me wrong I love it here. I had a lot of prejudice on Americans but I'm meeting some real great people and have made great friends. But I know that once I'm done I'm going straight back to my country. The system is a bit strange for me, and the thing I mostly miss (not taking into account the wine, cheese, bread...) is the social aspect of Europe. We live much more bunched up in Europe but I think that's how a society naturally lives. Down here in the states its like everyone has his little house and sticks to it. Not much going on outside...
But anyway if you want to move go for it! But don't expect anything apart from starting all over again. Which goes from re adapting to weather to making new friends. But an experience is an experience and it will only make you better. But be prepared because the grass is always greener in the other field till you get there. What will happen in that new country is what you will make happen. If you expect things to just be better they won't, they'll be the same, and if you have expectations it'll be worse. If you go for the fun of it to see different things, and you make things happen down there, and you make the best of things, it could be the most important experience in your life!!
Good luck :D
1) Advertise the job in several places
2) Hire someone from within the UK if someone is available
3) Hire someone from within the EU if someone is available
4) Fill out an application for a work permit for you explaining where they advertised the job, what other applicants they had, and why they rejected each of them. Also there is a $300 application fee, and the application might get rejected if the Ministry feels they didn't try hard enough to hire someone from the UK.
Cranky!? You what!? Come say that to my face... bruv!
Clearly demonstratng the lack of crankyness there! ;)
<!--quoteo(post=1731580:date=Oct 9 2009, 10:40 PM:name=Evil_bOb1)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Evil_bOb1 @ Oct 9 2009, 10:40 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731580"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Hes a bit of my personal experience. I'm french and I've lived in France (pretty obvious!), UK, Russia and I'm currently living in USA.
.. lots of great practical experice deleted ...<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
In spite of the stereotypical hatred of the French by the English I'm going to agree with everything 'Evil_bOb1' said, he's obviously someone who's see the world a bit and knows the score.
<!--quoteo(post=1731603:date=Oct 10 2009, 02:51 AM:name=SnappyCrunch)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SnappyCrunch @ Oct 10 2009, 02:51 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1731603"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->My girlfriend (when she was in college) went on a year abroad at The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Small world, I did my undregraduate degree there!
You always have to go with the latest model, better features and more reliable then the antiques.
You always have to go with the latest model, better features and more reliable then the antiques.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Cue jokes about 'New Coke'.
I prefer to think of New England as England's younger, hotter sister.
I prefer to think of New England as England's younger, hotter sister.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Of course. Then, who would be the father who dictates that New England can't date the coolest guy at school unless England dated as well, thusly prompting New England's future sole mate to weave a complex web of deceit to hook up with her? Obviously, we need to get Shakespare and Heath Ledger in on this...
You know, to much people getting killed off in the neighborhood. And the military checkpoints between towns got to me. On a serious note though, never met a more hospitable people, Palestinians are generous as no other.
And they're <i>Fair</i> and <i>Balanced</i>.
Are YOU fair and balanced? No you're not.
And they're <i>Fair</i> and <i>Balanced</i>.
Are YOU fair and balanced? No you're not.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
LOL!! Nice one!