Are you considering making the move to Australia? Or perhaps you've already taken the leap and are settling into your new life Down Under. Whether you're in the planning stages or have already made the move, gaining insights from fellow expats can be invaluable in navigating the transition.
In this exclusive blog series, we sit down with expats who have made Australia their home to gain firsthand insights into their experiences, challenges, and tips for thriving in their adopted country.
From navigating the visa process to finding the perfect rental property, adjusting to the Aussie way of life, and embracing the diverse culture and landscapes, these expats share their stories, advice, and practical tips for making the most of life in Australia.
Join us as we delve into the diverse experiences of expats from around the world who have chosen to call Australia home. Whether you're a prospective expat or a seasoned resident, there's something for everyone in our insider interviews.
Stay tuned for this interview, where we discuss the journey to Australia, the challenges faced along the way, and some top tips for newcomers to the Land Down Under.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from those who have walked the path before you. Subscribe to our blog and follow along as we explore the expat experience in Australia, one interview at a time.
Welcome to Expat Interviews: Navigating Life Down Under. Let's discover the world of expat living in Australia together!
Today we speak to Sandy who relocated with her family to beautiful Perth from the UK.
Hi there! It's so nice to have you here today! Please tell us a bit about yourself and your situation - who did you move with, and what was your experience of moving to Aus like?
I moved from the UK with my family (husband and 2 children) to Perth to pursue a better life for our children. We were sick of the cold and grey and had always dreamed of moving to Australia. My husband secured a job before we arrived. He was contacted through Linkdein so that relieved some of the pressure before we made the move. It was honestly one of the most stressful things I have done and had so many emotions. The last week before moving felt like there was just a never-ending list of things to do and I almost felt like giving up at times. But, as soon as we got on the plane, all the stress disappeared and I felt like I could breathe again.
What made you want to move to Australia and how did you decide to move to (your location)?
We had always dreamt of moving to Australia. I think you always see a romantic version of Australia advertised in movies and on the internet, so I suppose we were chasing that. We ended up in Perth because that's where my husband's job was based.
How did the kids handle the move?
Our kids are quite young so apart from being tired on the flight, they have adjusted quite well.
How would you describe the cost of living in your Australian city compared to your home country?
It's definitely not cheaper here than where I am from. To be fair, everything is quite expensive really. Cars are quite expensive and groceries are too. Day care is a big cost to factor before moving. It's helpful that the exchange rate is good.
How did your family and friends react when you told them of your plans to move to Australia?
I think our family was initially in a bit of denial. Everything happened quite quickly really, so I understand how they were feeling. They are excited to come out
How did you go about finding employment in Australia, and what challenges did you face during your job search? What advice do you have for expats looking to secure a job in Australia?
My husband already had work secured before we arrived. He was approached via Linkedin.
How did you choose a school for your children, and what are the options for education in Australia? Are there any notable differences between the education system in Australia and your home country?
My children aren't school age yet, so I can't comment on that that so much. Day care is quite expensive and often the centres are at capacity so you need to go on a waitlist. I think we were quite fortunate to be close to a good daycare that could take us in straight away.
What are some popular leisure activities and hobbies in Australia that expats might enjoy? Are there any must-visit places or events in your city or region?
Surfing is quite a big thing here. Anything to do with water sports really. Everything is a drive so be prepared to spend alot of time in the car.
Aussies love their pubs and wineries.
I've heard the south west is beautiful and has lots of beaches and forest to explore.
How did you go about making friends and connecting with the local community in Australia? Are there any expat groups or resources that were particularly helpful in building a social network?
I haven't made many friends yet. I think when the kids are older, there will be more opportunities to make friendships with other parents. I've gone to a few social meetups but found them a little awkward. To be honest, I miss my friends from back home.
How would you describe the climate in your Australian location, and how did it impact your daily life? What are some essential items or clothing recommendations for dealing with the weather?
The weather has been pretty harsh. We arrived October 2023 and over summer it was hot - hot - hot. The weather now is stunning but from talking to locals, they are concerned about the lack of rain for this time of year. I've found myself spending alot of time indoors in the aircorn because the sun is so hot and harsh. You definitely plan your days around the weather here. Essentials are sunscreen and a good broad hat and sunglasses.
Are there any Australian slang words or phrases that newcomers should familiarise themselves with?
G'day: This is a typical Australian greeting, short for "Good day."
Mate: Australians often refer to friends, acquaintances, or even strangers as "mate." It's similar to the British "mate" but used more broadly.
Arvo: Short for afternoon. For example, "See you this arvo" means "See you this afternoon."
Barbie: Not a doll, but short for barbecue. Australians love their barbies!
Brekky: Short for breakfast. Australians often use this word when referring to their morning meal.
Fair dinkum: This can mean "true" or "genuine," as in "Are you fair dinkum?"
Bogan: This refers to someone who is considered unsophisticated, similar to "chav" in the UK.
Chook: A chook is a chicken, so if someone mentions cooking a chook, they mean cooking a chicken.
Servo: Short for service station or petrol station.
Bottle-O: Refers to a bottle shop or liquor store.
Thongs: In Australia, this refers to flip-flops, not a type of underwear.
Ute: Short for utility vehicle, a pickup truck.
Sheila: An informal term for a woman.
Schooner: A type of beer glass size, smaller than a pint.
Cuppa: Short for cup of tea or coffee.
Are there any things you wished you had known about before moving to Australia?
Yes!!! We wish we knew about how hard it is secure a rental in Australia. We booked an Airbnb for the first 4 weeks thinking we could find a home in that time but had to extend our stay by another 2 weeks. So 6 weeks in total. It cost us about $8k for those 6 weeks. We only found out about relocation agencies after we arrived and wished that we knew about this before because it would have saved us alot of money which turned into stress. I wished I knew what the realities of living in Australia was actually like before moving because i would have reconsidered. It's not what I was expecting and is alot different to the dream you get sold and I am trying really hard to adjust. We will give it a year and then reassess, but right now I want to go home. Things take a really long time here, in my experience the people haven't been as overly friendly, we seem to be working harder and longer hours and it just feels bland.
What are you enjoying most about living in Australia?
The beaches
The coffee
What advice would you give to someone about to make the move to Australia?
Really do some deep thinking and research around the realities of living in Australia. Don't let your rose coloured goggles get in the way and maybe treat it as a 12 month holiday first to see if it feels like home to you or not. Don't put a 'forever' time limit on it.
If you would like to share your journey with other expats, please get in touch. Be sure to join Moving To Australia - Support Group on Facebook. This group has been created with the intention of allowing expats making the move and expats who have already made the move to Australia to connect and offer each other words of advice and support. Moving countries can be an extremely overwhelming experience and often expats are making this transition with no support. This group is designed to create a safe place where you can ask fellow expats for their advice or words of encouragement so you can better equip yourself and family for your transition to Australia. Ensure to follow where you will get access to free wellbeing resources, guest speakers and Australia wide catchups.
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