janlo

What snobbery. Great peer groups can be found in public schools. Get real!

Im back and I'm blown away by what's available around me, I had forgotten how good it was. 6 big sports centres within a radius of 15 mins drive, 200 plus restaurants and bars within a radius of about 5k and an international airport 20 mins away. Yes please!!! The beach just wasn't doing it for me anymore, no regrets.

It's ridiculous if he's not accepting your answers if Australian techniques are different. You've been trained here! Crazy questions....who is this assessor guy?! Lol

When you pick up your application form from the agent they will list the accepted document and the points they represent on the last page, for each agent it can be slightly different.

It's ok having a big house with a pool and a great job. Will our children be able to achieve this in Australia? Sooo take those away, all the things that's make the Australian dream for us parents? From aged care to public education the UK wins as better place to live.

I just don't think Australia does enough either. The first thing I noticed when I came back was FOUR types of recycling bins outside the houses. Why back home in Oz do I have only 2 ? Oh yeh.......Australia is too beautiful for that, might make the place look ugly.

It is much harder with a dog BUT scroll through for the houses that only say Pets Considered, you're really wasting your time otherwise. We always managed to rent with our gorgeous doggy. We stated "old, very well behaved family dog". Seemed to go down well and even though she wasn't VERY they're not going to ask for proof if age! (are they?)

Feeding the dolphins...awesome. I wanna go, if only for that!

That sounds like a very good school in which case you will probably be paying for it.

A daughter who's sporty and you don't mind the heat, you'll be right! A thread titled UK v Aus! I'm bowing out before I get in trouble.

Lol. Ok. Well I wasn't thinking of her emigrating to Canberra! I thought it was mainly government employment there (with some of the best schools in Australia)

No I have no Link but I have evidence. The school work books we bought with us were way above the same year levels in Australia. They were placed close to top of the class in Oz coming from an average school back in the UK. Again PERSONAL experience but this is what the OP wanted.

yeh and if your watching snow falling you won't be near a city SO cheaper housing! I rest my case.

It was me about the 3 year rule! I think that's what I meant. Lol. Sooo if you move abroad for say only 3 months and return international fees apply?

Happy to answer ! Firstly regarding education. Education is better in the UK generally but according to a survey I did :wink: degrees are easier to achieve so my son is staying there to do his. Loads of his friends work and do their study, it's much more assessment based/no dissertation (unless with honors) most just go in 3 days a week and all still live at home. It's just not the same Uni culture like in the UK. But a degree is a degree? Btw I think she needs to be out of country for 3 years before international fees apply. OK, UK v. AUS... Cons: no community spirit, you think it has until you come back to the UK! Defensive Australians, unbearable humidity, expensive housing (if you want to be close to the action - ok 2 hours drive out of city), expensive holidays. pros: reliably sunny days, beaches, positive Australian attitudes especially the kids, good pay especially for the unskilled, Go for it nothing venture nothing gained and all that but don't cut your ties back home :rolleyes: (Just my opinion, before I get slated)

39,000 posts later and you've not got a backpack yet ! Get yourself over there already :wink: It's a first class country, they'll be loads of support. You'll love it,

You're in London and telling us how expensive it is, really!? Get yourself to Tesco in old Trafford!

Paul1perth your not typical really, highly qualified and arrived years ago so know the ropes. Lets be honest the Aussies think differently and you're clearly well in! you came here years ago and have got your feet well and truly under the table. Your boys are fifo which is not ideal if they want to eventually settle down everyone knows the downside to fifo's Its great Australia has been so kind to you and your family (as it was to me) but its not helpful to paint such an amazing rosy picture to the potential newbies. I would say go for it, its a beautiful country but keep your ties & your eyes wide open.

We love the Central Coast, wise move. If you want beach...Terrigal, Avoca, Bateau Bay (one side of the main road). Bit cheaper would be Umina, Ettalong. Or nearer to the centre of Gosford would be East Gosford, Erina, Green point. All these have good little schools but there are so many near these. Nearer to the Newcastle end of the freeway would be The Entrance and I think this is a little less attractive but cheaper. Do a six month rental first, you'll soon get a feel for different areas.

You might find yourself returning quicker than you'll like so don't feel too sad at the airport! Australia is a little different now than 8 years ago. It's still has the outdoor lifestyle of course so if thats what attracted you then great.

That would be great. So its not classed as a provisional ? Its not a full licence though. Anyway thats good news even though my son may struggle with the narrowness of roads! Its give way all round. :elvis:

Thats because its drummed into you that nowhere is as good. Thats what my little girl thought until she got here with me, now she's like ok there is a better life outside perfect Australia. Its quite funny but thats the Ozzie positive attitude, not a bad thing.

Lisarow, Narara are expensive as they are on the train route but anywhere on the Central Coast has gone expensive in the last 2 years. It's out of reach for many now unless you sell and bring £UK as it's not a bad exchange rate. You won't get much change out of $500k and don't expect much for that! Newcastle is much better for work, it's quite a big city but don't know about house prices.

Our fantastic UK teachers need to be approved in Australia? Lol. Sorry