Excited, confused and scared...

[Thepom]

So basically I have been in Brisbane for about 11 years now and am desperately waiting for an opportunity to head back home. The ridiculous weather, lack of culture and different sense of humour (I know it doesn't seem big but when you're so used to taking the mickey out of family and then accidentally say something to a friend it can be difficult to explain) is driving me up the wall and if I could leave tomorrow I would. But it's such a big move and so much to think about that I really am confused. The plan is to move when I finish uni at 21/22 ish with the family moving over in stages in the 2 years leading up to that. That's a scary thought, having the family split up for such a long time, but if it means we can finally leave Aus then I'm all for it. Firstly I'm pretty worried about essentially starting life again; most of my family is living over here now and I have no friends/support network waiting for me. Anyone have any tips or words of advice?

 

I'm trying to work out what it will mean for me as a returning expat, just any general knowledge or experiences would be really appreciated; how long will it take before I can get a mortgage since I will have no working history over there (any tips on how to shorten this length from this side of the globe?), how long before I can work as a teacher in England with an Australian education? I feel very lost at the idea of being thrown in the deep end and not only living by myself for the first time but doing so in a different country with no connections other than parents.

 

I'm also hoping for approval for a student exchange to London for 7/8 months next year; does anyone know if there are any things I am entitled to (healthcare etc.) or anything I would need to do differently as a visiting citizen on English passport.

 

So yeah, just feeling kinda completely petrified but can't wait at the same time.

[PaulRaynor]

Hi KT11 What are you doing at Uni? If its a Batchelor of Education then the qualification is acceptable with the UK. I am a teacher in Brisbane returning home next year too. Check out the agencies like Protocol Education, Smart Teachers and Timeplan. They hold regular seminars here about teaching in the UK and say there are many placements to be had.

 

Good luck let me know how you get on.

Paul

[Guest]

In lots of ways your move is rather like many of the members here moving to Australia - exciting but scary too. Lots of 21/22 year olds head off on their own - lots of Aussies head to the UK

 

Even though you are a citizen when you first return you are not necessarily considered 'habitually resident' - I have to say we have had no problems, registered with a Dr. and NHS dentist straight away, was able to claim child benefit straight away (although the form did ask questions about when you arrived). I think if you tried to clasim job seekers allowance, housing benefit etc. it may be harder.

 

I would get a bank account opened as soon as you can, it'll help with developing a credit history. I don't know how long it would be before you could get a mortgage but a lot would depend on how much of a deposit you have - in recent years it has been hard to get more than 80% but there are some government backed schemes now t help first time buyers. I would expect you'd need at least 3 months work history even with a 20% deposit maybe even 6 - you usually have to provide a number of wage slips. I wouldn't rush into it anyway though - this is a big change, I wouldn't tie yourself to a mortgage straight away.

[Thepom]

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply. I am studying a bachelor of early childhood education. Would I need to undertake work in Australia before the UK will recognise my qualification or could I hop on the plane straight after graduation and be employable?

Thanks for the websites, I had heard about these things before but never really looked into them.

[Thepom]

In lots of ways your move is rather like many of the members here moving to Australia - exciting but scary too. Lots of 21/22 year olds head off on their own - lots of Aussies head to the UK

 

Even though you are a citizen when you first return you are not necessarily considered 'habitually resident' - I have to say we have had no problems, registered with a Dr. and NHS dentist straight away, was able to claim child benefit straight away (although the form did ask questions about when you arrived). I think if you tried to clasim job seekers allowance, housing benefit etc. it may be harder.

 

I would get a bank account opened as soon as you can, it'll help with developing a credit history. I don't know how long it would be before you could get a mortgage but a lot would depend on how much of a deposit you have - in recent years it has been hard to get more than 80% but there are some government backed schemes now t help first time buyers. I would expect you'd need at least 3 months work history even with a 20% deposit maybe even 6 - you usually have to provide a number of wage slips. I wouldn't rush into it anyway though - this is a big change, I wouldn't tie yourself to a mortgage straight away.

 

Thanks for replying. I am planning on opening a bank account within the next few months for my exchange. Wouldn't it only help with my credit I it was being actively used for a long period?

I'm not planning on claiming any benefits so that's all good. Would live with the family for a while but they are looking at buying in leicester and I'm hoping for either London (obviously not in centre cause of cost) or perhaps Wiltshire area so staying with family long term is not on the plans. And I'd rather not waste too much on rent if I can buy in the area.

[PaulRaynor]

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply. I am studying a bachelor of early childhood education. Would I need to undertake work in Australia before the UK will recognise my qualification or could I hop on the plane straight after graduation and be employable?

Thanks for the websites, I had heard about these things before but never really looked into them.

 

No problem. I went to a seminar held by Protocol a few months ago and met two young teachers there who hadn't even finished their final Prac! They had already booked their tickets to London and the agency said they could find them placements. You might like to consider going down the supply route first in order to establish a rapport with one or two schools. If you hit it off the Head can offer you a job in the state system straight away. Something they can't do here only a contract. You then have I think 4 years to get QTS (although that period might have changed). Some of the agencies have a good social calendar too so you won't be lonely. Good luck, you'll be fine!

[Quoll]

It'll be an adventure! If you haven't done so already, get your citizenship just in case - you never know which way things will turn out! My eldest son went on a post uni gap "year" to UK - over a decade ago now and has really settled well with relationship, career and property so you never know your luck! You're young, it'll be fine!

[patsmb]

So basically I have been in Brisbane for about 11 years now and am desperately waiting for an opportunity to head back home. The ridiculous weather, lack of culture and different sense of humour (I know it doesn't seem big but when you're so used to taking the mickey out of family and then accidentally say something to a friend it can be difficult to explain) is driving me up the wall and if I could leave tomorrow I would. But it's such a big move and so much to think about that I really am confused. The plan is to move when I finish uni at 21/22 ish with the family moving over in stages in the 2 years leading up to that. That's a scary thought, having the family split up for such a long time, but if it means we can finally leave Aus then I'm all for it. Firstly I'm pretty worried about essentially starting life again; most of my family is living over here now and I have no friends/support network waiting for me. Anyone have any tips or words of advice?

 

I'm trying to work out what it will mean for me as a returning expat, just any general knowledge or experiences would be really appreciated; how long will it take before I can get a mortgage since I will have no working history over there (any tips on how to shorten this length from this side of the globe?), how long before I can work as a teacher in England with an Australian education? I feel very lost at the idea of being thrown in the deep end and not only living by myself for the first time but doing so in a different country with no connections other than parents.

 

I'm also hoping for approval for a student exchange to London for 7/8 months next year; does anyone know if there are any things I am entitled to (healthcare etc.) or anything I would need to do differently as a visiting citizen on English passport.

 

So yeah, just feeling kinda completely petrified but can't wait at the same time.

if you can open a bank account it's a start but you will need to wait a while to get a credit rating

we went back in 2001 and found it hard as we had been away from the Uk for years whoever after 6 months our bank offered us a credit card and it all went well from there on in