I am currently writing a book on moving to Australia(for Brits,Americans and Canadians).
I just wanted to know how easy it was for you folks(who have already settled in Oz)to meet new friends.Also,where did you meet them?Was it through work,or an ex pat community club,a bar,through existing friends or the gym??
Also,if anyone could tell me where the best areas to live in Melbourne are-that would be grand!
Annndddd..last but not least,has anyone had any drama's renting a place due to no local references/credit history etc.
If you would like to throw any quotes my way,that would be fantastic-I will give you a mention within the book!
It's called 'How to Live and Work in Australia'.
I really appreciate your help!!!!Thanks so much!!
Jodie ps.my apologies to those I was chatting to in the chatroom-somehow i dropped out?
I don't think it's hard actually making friends but it is a bit of an effort to 'put yourself out there' especially when you get invited to places and you know that you won't know any one. Aus is very much a back yard culture (rather than UK pub culture), and i'd advise anyone that if you get invited to a barbie - go, it really is a good way to start making contacts.
Ali
__________________ I am toopositive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated!
Thx for being the 1st to resond!!Ill pop your quote in the book!!Have neighbours come and introduced themselves or has it mainly been work related friends?Cheers,and g'dnight ,Jodes
Neigbours were great - we're essentially an aussie neighbourhood where I live and a south African family, the POMs that live in our street came over as young children and don't consider themselves english. There's a great mix of young and old and at xmas they have a street party (been going on for years), and father xmas comes on the back of a ute. Work is mixed Ozzies and English people, and we socialise with a mixture of the two. We've made some great friends through this site too which has been great to share experiences whilst we all 'find our feet'.
Ali
__________________ I am toopositive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated!
We recently visited Aus WA for a recky. We rented a house which was lovely and within 2 days we had met with a family from NZ. Their kids played with our daughter, we got tipsy by the pool and we never stopped talking about every conceivable topic you could think about. it was great. On the first night getting there, we dicided to walk down to the shops and get a pizza, approx 1/2 mile away. A family stopped in their 4x4 and asked if we wanted a lift. (thanks warren and jenny) they didn't just give us lift there, they actually waited and gave us a lift back. Being in a different country, we thought maybe something was going to happen yet they were the nicest people walking the planet.
My advice is to talk to everyone, dont be shy and dont think people are after something because they are being nice to you. We found WA very friendly and the people help you as much as they can.
My quote. 'Shake hands with the world'
You guys rock!!You have really given me the enthusiasm to write this next chapter on the kindness of Aussies!Ali,I actually wrote about the infamous street parties and hoped that they still occurred!!
Ivan love your story about the pizza lift!!
Do either of you mind if I use your quotes in the book?
It will be published around about July and on sale in bookstores in England,South Africa,and the USA.Cheers.Jodie
ps would still love to hear from anyone else as well(even if you have had a bad experience).I am an Australian living in London,and it took about 6 months to find some new friends!!I now think the English are a warm and welcoming lot..but it took a while!!!
we live in Bunbury WA and we have found everyone really friendly and very interested in why we choose to come here instead of Perth and they are proud that we came to their city. It can take you an extra hour to go shopping sometimes cos everyone wants a chat its great.
Hi, my husband and I arrived here January 07 on Contributory Parent Visas and of course were a bit apprehensive about how we would make new friends etc. So far it has been great. Have made many Aussie friends (young and older) through voluntary community work and through bowls and have also made some good expat friends with whom we share experiences etc. We feel that you have to make the effort to go out and make new acquaintances and have found all of those with whom we have made contact very friendly and welcoming and interested in us without being 'nosey'. We have good neighbours too which has made our settling-in period so much easier.
Linda & Keith (Essex to Devon then to Newcastle, NSW)
I am doing a section on parents immigrating as well,and it's great to hear how you've settled in!Have you found it difficult to adjust to anything else?
Have settled in really well. Obviously have had a few pangs of homesickness and after 60+ years miss many things in the old country but overall we are happy with the way things have worked out. We just appreciate that you can't keep comparing, as both countries have their own attractions and are in some ways very different and some ways quite similar. The grass on the other side is not necessarily greener and I think that this must be considered when making a big move. You need to be prepared for the differences. Must honesty say that everyone has been so helpful to us and polite and considerate that it has made the change so much easier. The most difficult thing for me personally has been the driving - Aussies are mad drivers!!!! Otherwise all is well - so far!! Correction - the most difficult thing is leaving our daughter in the U.K.!!!! but fingers crossed that she will be persuaded to follow eventually!!!!!!
If we can give any further info for your book please contact us again
