Did you visit OZ before you immigrated?

newtoOZ · #1 (**permalink**) 26th May 2007, 01:15 PM

I've met a few people who immigrated and had never been here before. They just applied, and when they were accepted they packed up their family, left all their family and friends behind, and moved here lock, stock, and barrel. In a way it is kind of impressive, but one family really wasn't well set financially, and they won't be able to go back to visit for a really long time.

So for those of you who made the big decision, did you visit first? I mean, I have it easy because my company brought me here and will take me back, so for me it's just an ex-pat experience. I can't quite imagine leaving and knowing you might never see your grandparents again, let alone leaving for a place I'd never even visited.

tygwyn · #2 (**permalink**) 26th May 2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtoOZ

I've met a few people who immigrated and had never been here before. They just applied, and when they were accepted they packed up their family, left all their family and friends behind, and moved here lock, stock, and barrel. In a way it is kind of impressive, but one family really wasn't well set financially, and they won't be able to go back to visit for a really long time.

So for those of you who made the big decision, did you visit first? I mean, I have it easy because my company brought me here and will take me back, so for me it's just an ex-pat experience. I can't quite imagine leaving and knowing you might never see your grandparents again, let alone leaving for a place I'd never even visited.

Yep we are that mad, crazy family too

! We'd never been to Australia and made the big move 14 months ago. It was a shock when we first arrived I must admit and it didnt really live up to my expectations. We've accepted the differences between here and the UK now though and are enjoying it to the full!

Back2Britain · #3 (**permalink**) 28th May 2007, 06:59 AM

Visiting a country on Holiday and going to live there are two totally different things. In some ways I think not actually visiting a country for a short holiday would be better as you always view the place with rose tints when you go back home.

I wish I had come out to the place for at least a couple of montsh before making a massive commitment...

newtoOZ · #4 (**permalink**) 28th May 2007, 01:40 PM

More power to you, but how in the world did you make the decision, and why? Tell all, please. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds the whole idea rather amazing.

attagirl · #5 (**permalink**) 28th May 2007, 05:41 PM

I am the kind of person who really needs to make sure that I will be ok in the place before I pack up and move. I did that once in the US but had visited first. I am now trying to figure out where I want to go next. I somethings think that just packing up and going without any expectations could be ok.

tygwyn · #6 (**permalink**) 29th May 2007, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newtoOZ

More power to you, but how in the world did you make the decision, and why? Tell all, please. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds the whole idea rather amazing.

To be honest.......we didnt really think that we'd never visited the place before a very big deal....I can see why others would though.

We had never thought about moving to Oz until hubby came home from work one day talking about an advert that him and his work mates had seen in the paper - an Aussie ad looking for people to move over to Australia on a sponsored 457 temp business visa...we thought 'what the heck' and went for it! We werent running away from anything....didnt hate our life back home....just thought it was worth giving a new country a try......so we did...simple as!

Are we crazy??? Probably YES!! Are we glad we did it?? Definitely YES!! Will we stay?? Who knows!

Hazel · #7 (**permalink**) 30th May 2007, 11:09 AM

I moved to Oz from South Africa before visiting and it was the best decision ever made. Admittedly hubby went to Oz for interviews and gave it the nod so off my 6 yo daughter and I went. I love Australia. Just wish I could lose my accent so that I wouldn't feel different. You know sometime you just want NOT to be questioned where you're from. Does anyone know what I mean? I've been here only 4 months now but we've already settled in nicely...my daughter is so happy at her state school (which is excellent) and I like the safety of the Gold Coast. It's great... I know I'm lucky : -)

Peterc · #8 (**permalink**) 30th May 2007, 07:36 PM

Lots of people have done this. A lot of my friends after finishing Uni went straight to OZ with no questions asked. I have heard mixed fortunes about this but I moved to the UK without visiting it before and I am still here after 7 years.

Hazel · #9 (**permalink**) 31st May 2007, 11:22 PM

The thing is that most people thought I was absolutely STUPID for allowing my husband to go first and make the decision for our family. My logic was that we'd been married for almost 10 years and I somehow think he knows what would suit us.

Anyway, I have the last laugh....I'll be like you in 7 years' time : still here hehe.

newtoOZ · #10 (**permalink**) 1st June 2007, 02:55 PM

Sometimes I think about all the places we come from that were settled by people who not only had never seen the place, but knew they would probably never return to their home, even for a visit. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like for those who didn't choose to move, like the slaves imported into the Caribbean and the American south.