Hi! :D
We (myself, hubby and 2 yr daughter) have been looking into moving to oz.
We have never been to oz before and were wondering should we have a fact finding trip before applying for our visa?
My husband can only get 2 weeks leave from work so it would be a short trip.
Also any areas to look for jobs I'm a primary school teacher and my husband is a retail manager - we were thinking about Brisbane?
Any help would be great!
jo
It would make sense to have a look first if your finances allow it. My wife is a primary school teacher and we did a 2 week trip over easter a few years ago.
It was fun but with jet lag and trying to enjoy a holiday it would not leave a lot of time for fact finding but it would certainly give you a far better understanding of what to expect.
Its worth you looking into what climate you prefer and checking local house prices to see what your budget will allow you. Sydney is very expensive and I am told Perth is getting that way too. Adelaide is cheaper but quieter. I must say though I think Perth is lovely.
Its also worth looking into teaching jobs in Oz as its not quite the same as in the UK. I dont think its quite as easy to get a job exactly where you want. It may be a case of get the job then a house close by. Not too sure on all the teaching stuff though. My wife will probably have a bit of time out with our young son if and when we arrive.
It would be worth a trip to check out the place if you can - but don't worry too much if you can't either.
Just remember you won't get a real idea about a place until you live & work there - remember you'll be looking through tourist eyes.
I wouldn't bother looking for any jobs, no-one will be interested until you arrive permanently (most probably).
Think about climate. I may very well be wrong but I believe a lot of teaching is done in classrooms without aircon. Can you cope with high thirties in very high humidity for long periods. You do get used to it but just remember tourist versus worker.
Hantsfamily 1 and fatpom,
Thanks so much for the reply - I think we are gonna take a trip over my Easter hols to take a look at oz and then if we think we'd like to live there apply for our visa.
Good luck to you all!
jo
