How are the IL's doing?

[mrsukyankee]

The board is dead so I thought I'd just come in and see how people are doing with living overseas?

I'm in London and so surrounded by Brexit idiocy all the time. I feel between that and the US issues, I'm on edge quite a bit. As a therapist at a uni, I'm dealing with their anxiety about everything too. I took a week off to just chill, go to the gym and get organised before we move (still in London, just a new location). I'm heading into year 16 of being overseas.

What about you?

[klingklang77]

I’m doing OK. I have been abroad since about 2003, so about 16 years. I got divorced, which wasn’t easy in a foreign country. I’m also technically unemployed, so getting benefits has been difficult to navigate in a foreign language. I do have a new boyfriend who has been amazing! I just worry about paying my rent, but it seems to work out somehow. 

[jigsy]

Can this board liven up because I feel like I will have a million questions (most of which can't really be answered by anyone, lol) regarding my not quite permanent but I would really like it to be move to Scotland?

[Shreddingbetty]

Still in the US (I’m a reverse IN) and sometimes wishing i could go back to Europe especially after the divorce. But I’m stuck here until my kid is off to college in 10 years as I can’t leave with her or without her. But overall life is good. Got to spend a month in Europe this summer so hopefully I will be able to continue to do that at least until alimony runs out in 5 years. Happy in my own house. So I can’t complain, I could but no one would want to listen

[4speedy]

Checking in from Seoul. We recently found out we will more than likely get to extend for an additional year here. Which is good, because both of my kids have rentals come to me and asked if there is any way we can stay longer.

We’re leaving for a long weekend in China tomorrow. We’re spending 2 days in Beijing then taking the sleeper train to Xi’an to see the terra cotta soldiers. For some reason, I’m feeling a little nervous about this trip. I’ve never been nervous about traveling before but the number of hoops I had to jump through to get our visas makes me anxious.

[rupertpenny]

I’ve been back in the US for 6 months this week. The transition has not been seamless, but I think things are finally calming down.

I miss some things about Hong Kong, but I’m mostly very excited to be in New York. Amazon prime almost makes up for all the things I miss about Hong Kong, haha.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the news in Hong Kong, and I’m pretty worried about how things are going there. I’m glad in some ways we left before this started, but I’m just heartbroken for the people of Hong Kong.

[Aquatica]

Hi everyone, checking in from South Korea. I'm doing well and am absolutely in love with living here. My husband is trying to do everything he can to extend. I thought it would be a harsh adjustment but it's been really great. People have been very friendly and helpful.

I think the biggest adjustment has been for DD. At first, she liked the attention of people calling her "cute" and "beautiful" but now she's just over it. She refuses to talk to anyone that speaks Korean to her (except our language teacher and realtors) and slaps hands since people are constantly trying to touch her hair (she's blonde).

We've done quite a bit of traveling, mostly southern, and haven't made our way up towards Seoul much except for airport runs.

[GilliC]

Where has all the time gone? I've been in Oslo for over 12 years now, and SO and I are approaching 8 years together!

I've been super stressed at work lately, and I haven't had a vacation since May (when I had OOT visitors and the flu), so I'm starting to burn out. We're headed to a friend's wedding in Serbia next week with another couple, and thankfully she planned two days at a spa to start the trip!

In other news, Norway passed legislation to allow dual citizenship, so it's time for me to get back to language classes and then apply for a new red passport! If they'd allowed it when I first moved here, I totally would have planned to do it in a heartbeat for all the benefits of a European citizenship. Now that I've been here long enough that it feels like home, I'm integrated enough in society that I know I'll never actually feel Norwegian, so I'm actually dragging my feet a tiny bit!

[katiecj6]

I'm new here.

But looking to move from Canada to Brazil sometime in 2020. We are still in negotiations with my son's father (DS is 10) but hopefully that will all be resolved soon.

[GilliC]

Oct 7, 2019 10:40:46 GMT -5 katiecj6 said:

I'm new here.

But looking to move from Canada to Brazil sometime in 2020. We are still in negotiations with my son's father (DS is 10) but hopefully that will all be resolved soon.

Where in Brazil?

My SO is from Fortaleza, but he lived in São Paulo for a while and then move to Rio shortly before we met.

[4speedy]

Oct 1, 2019 19:14:42 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

Hi everyone, checking in from South Korea. I'm doing well and am absolutely in love with living here. My husband is trying to do everything he can to extend. I thought it would be a harsh adjustment but it's been really great. People have been very friendly and helpful.

I think the biggest adjustment has been for DD. At first, she liked the attention of people calling her "cute" and "beautiful" but now she's just over it. She refuses to talk to anyone that speaks Korean to her (except our language teacher and realtors) and slaps hands since people are constantly trying to touch her hair (she's blonde).

We've done quite a bit of traveling, mostly southern, and haven't made our way up towards Seoul much except for airport runs.

Let me know when you want to spend a day in Seoul.  I would be happy to show you around.

and just an FYI, Chuseok is a fantastic time to be in Seoul so keep that in mind for next year.  The city absolutely empties because everyone travels to the country for the holiday.  All the temples, palaces, museums, etc are open and many have free admission that weekend.  Hotel rates are cheap.  Do you have DOD clearance to get on base?  If so, you could stay at the Dragon Hill Lodge at Yongsan.  

I totally agree that that living in Korea is the easiest thing in the world.  I can’t believe all the free community Ed classes there are for foreigners.

[katiecj6]

Oct 8, 2019 8:23:59 GMT -5 GilliC said:

Oct 7, 2019 10:40:46 GMT -5 katiecj6 said:

I'm new here.

But looking to move from Canada to Brazil sometime in 2020. We are still in negotiations with my son's father (DS is 10) but hopefully that will all be resolved soon.

Where in Brazil?

My SO is from Fortaleza, but he lived in São Paulo for a while and then move to Rio shortly before we met.

Manaus.

But my SO is military, originally from Minas Gerais, so who knows where we will be in a couple years.

[jamaicam]

Sept 30, 2019 12:51:03 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Can this board liven up because I feel like I will have a million questions (most of which can't really be answered by anyone, lol) regarding my not quite permanent but I would really like it to be move to Scotland?

Did you decide on Glasgow? I know Edinburgh pretty well but my knowledge of Glasgow is fairly limited!

[jigsy]

Oct 8, 2019 12:26:50 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Sept 30, 2019 12:51:03 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Can this board liven up because I feel like I will have a million questions (most of which can't really be answered by anyone, lol) regarding my not quite permanent but I would really like it to be move to Scotland?

Did you decide on Glasgow? I know Edinburgh pretty well but my knowledge of Glasgow is fairly limited!

I flip flop! Right now, Edinburgh is my #1 choice. And I just scheduled my Skype interview with them for next Monday. I like the city of Edinburgh better, but I like the campus in Glasgow more. I think I would be happy with either, but its hard to say for certain. 

[jamaicam]

Oct 8, 2019 12:48:26 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Oct 8, 2019 12:26:50 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Did you decide on Glasgow? I know Edinburgh pretty well but my knowledge of Glasgow is fairly limited!

I flip flop! Right now, Edinburgh is my #1 choice. And I just scheduled my Skype interview with them for next Monday. I like the city of Edinburgh better, but I like the campus in Glasgow more. I think I would be happy with either, but its hard to say for certain. 

Edinburgh is an amazing city! Good luck in making your choice

[mrsukyankee]

Sept 30, 2019 12:51:03 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Can this board liven up because I feel like I will have a million questions (most of which can't really be answered by anyone, lol) regarding my not quite permanent but I would really like it to be move to Scotland?

We'll come to your rescue!

[kaybee85]

Checking in from Germany. We lived on France for 3.5 years and in August moved to Germany...just time to have some basic French language skills and start over. 🤣😭

[cattledogkisses]

We’ve moved back to the US, so I’m no longer an international GBCNer (alas). We’re hoping to be able to make it back next year to visit our friends there and go back to some of our favorite places.

If anyone ever has questions about Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania or that general part of the world I’m happy to answer PMs!

[Aquatica]

Oct 8, 2019 8:34:42 GMT -5 4speedy said:

Let me know when you want to spend a day in Seoul.  I would be happy to show you around.

and just an FYI, Chuseok is a fantastic time to be in Seoul so keep that in mind for next year.  The city absolutely empties because everyone travels to the country for the holiday.  All the temples, palaces, museums, etc are open and many have free admission that weekend.  Hotel rates are cheap.  Do you have DOD clearance to get on base?  If so, you could stay at the Dragon Hill Lodge at Yongsan.  

I totally agree that that living in Korea is the easiest thing in the world.  I can’t believe all the free community Ed classes there are for foreigners.

Thank you! I'm waiting on H's schedule to slow down but who knows when since our base is expanding. We're absorbing Yongsan as it closes. Chuseok sounds like a great holiday to site see! We do have DOD clearance but prices on the economy are better for hotels than the base.

I like how Korea doesn't feel so rushed/fast paced as where I've lived in the US. I feel more relaxed here. I'll have to check out community ed classes!

[expatjen]

Hi! I’m still in south india (it’s been 13 years now, wow! 😬) we’re doing well - still travelling a lot and trying to balance school for the kids and home life responsibilities.

I spent almost 6 months back home in Hawaii from jan - July (with a break back in india for the month of March) because my dad passed away suddenly and I wanted to be with my mom and sister. My DS also had a long 4 month summer holiday due to changing schools - so it was nice to get back home and spend so much time with family and friends.

[mrsukyankee]

expatjen, liking the years and travel but sending hugs regarding your dad. So sorry for your loss.

[pittpurple]

Oct 8, 2019 12:48:26 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Oct 8, 2019 12:26:50 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Did you decide on Glasgow? I know Edinburgh pretty well but my knowledge of Glasgow is fairly limited!

I flip flop! Right now, Edinburgh is my #1 choice. And I just scheduled my Skype interview with them for next Monday. I like the city of Edinburgh better, but I like the campus in Glasgow more. I think I would be happy with either, but its hard to say for certain. 

I live in Edinburgh (my husband and I are both American and moved here in 2006) so tag me if you have any questions!! Good luck on your interview.

[jigsy]

Oct 14, 2019 4:47:23 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

Oct 8, 2019 12:48:26 GMT -5 jigsy said:

I flip flop! Right now, Edinburgh is my #1 choice. And I just scheduled my Skype interview with them for next Monday. I like the city of Edinburgh better, but I like the campus in Glasgow more. I think I would be happy with either, but its hard to say for certain. 

I live in Edinburgh (my husband and I are both American and moved here in 2006) so tag me if you have any questions!! Good luck on your interview.

Awesome! That is great to know. 

I think the interview went well, and I should know by the end of the week what their admission decision is, so, I guess I will know soon. Aafter doing some thinking and research, UofE is firmly my first choice, so, an offer would be amazing. 

[pittpurple]

Oct 14, 2019 11:11:45 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Oct 14, 2019 4:47:23 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

I live in Edinburgh (my husband and I are both American and moved here in 2006) so tag me if you have any questions!! Good luck on your interview.

Awesome! That is great to know. 

I think the interview went well, and I should know by the end of the week what their admission decision is, so, I guess I will know soon. Aafter doing some thinking and research, UofE is firmly my first choice, so, an offer would be amazing. 

Are you applying to be a student over here? 

[jigsy]

Oct 15, 2019 3:30:55 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

Oct 14, 2019 11:11:45 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Awesome! That is great to know. 

I think the interview went well, and I should know by the end of the week what their admission decision is, so, I guess I will know soon. Aafter doing some thinking and research, UofE is firmly my first choice, so, an offer would be amazing. 

Are you applying to be a student over here? 

Yes - I am going to do my MBA...and I just received my offer from University of Edinburgh...so, Fall 2020 I'll be there!

And because you offered, I am going to call on your advice already pittpurple, lol.  In terms of finding housing, I intend on letting a flat - and I would prefer to do so alone. Should I plan a visit to secure housing before I come out for the program? Start date is 9/7, and the visa allows for entry up to a month in advance. But, my concern with waiting until August is that I would be then looking for a flat during Fringe, and that means also staying in a rental at what is probably the most expensive time to do so. 

But, I have been looking on gumtree, and it doesn't look like renters line up flats much more than a month in advance, so I don't know that I would be successful if I tried to do so earlier. 

[dreamcrisp1]

I’ve been in the Netherlands for over a year now and we are loving life here. Even had a baby! 😂😂

My H’s work contract was extended indefinitely and our residence permits are valid until 2024. I have full working rights now but I’ll wait until the baby is a bit older to find a job. Graduation is November 7!

We are planning to purchase a house in the spring. Lots of European travel planned for next year (Portugal, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland).

For now, I think we will definitely be here for 2-3 more years. We’re not ready to go back to the North American life.

[pittpurple]

Oct 15, 2019 12:03:54 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Oct 15, 2019 3:30:55 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

Are you applying to be a student over here? 

Yes - I am going to do my MBA...and I just received my offer from University of Edinburgh...so, Fall 2020 I'll be there!

And because you offered, I am going to call on your advice already pittpurple , lol.  In terms of finding housing, I intend on letting a flat - and I would prefer to do so alone. Should I plan a visit to secure housing before I come out for the program? Start date is 9/7, and the visa allows for entry up to a month in advance. But, my concern with waiting until August is that I would be then looking for a flat during Fringe, and that means also staying in a rental at what is probably the most expensive time to do so. 

But, I have been looking on gumtree, and it doesn't look like renters line up flats much more than a month in advance, so I don't know that I would be successful if I tried to do so earlier. 

I work at the University so you'll be right next to me :-)

Flats move really, really quickly here. I wouldn't look in August - I'd come out prepared to stay in a B&B or similar for a couple weeks and be ready with everything on the day you view - often it's based on who gets to the office first (find out before you go how they'll take the deposit - some agencies will take it at the actual flat, some make you go to the office so my husband had to sprint down the street to get the first flat we rented to beat out the other person! We didn't realise this when we started looking)

Your bigger problem will be getting a bank account - since we didn't have a UK bank account (as it can be tricky to set one up without an address), we had to pre-pay 6 months rent up front. Mind, this was in 2006 so who knows what it's like nowadays but I'd ask other students to see how they manage this. After lots of looking around, HSBC was the only bank that would let us set up an account that day - so actually, if you are able to set up an American HSBC account now that might help you streamline a bit?

Do you know what area you want to live in? 

[jigsy]

Oct 16, 2019 2:34:38 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

Oct 15, 2019 12:03:54 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Yes - I am going to do my MBA...and I just received my offer from University of Edinburgh...so, Fall 2020 I'll be there!

And because you offered, I am going to call on your advice already pittpurple , lol.  In terms of finding housing, I intend on letting a flat - and I would prefer to do so alone. Should I plan a visit to secure housing before I come out for the program? Start date is 9/7, and the visa allows for entry up to a month in advance. But, my concern with waiting until August is that I would be then looking for a flat during Fringe, and that means also staying in a rental at what is probably the most expensive time to do so. 

But, I have been looking on gumtree, and it doesn't look like renters line up flats much more than a month in advance, so I don't know that I would be successful if I tried to do so earlier. 

I work at the University so you'll be right next to me :-)

Flats move really, really quickly here. I wouldn't look in August - I'd come out prepared to stay in a B&B or similar for a couple weeks and be ready with everything on the day you view - often it's based on who gets to the office first (find out before you go how they'll take the deposit - some agencies will take it at the actual flat, some make you go to the office so my husband had to sprint down the street to get the first flat we rented to beat out the other person! We didn't realise this when we started looking)

Your bigger problem will be getting a bank account - since we didn't have a UK bank account (as it can be tricky to set one up without an address), we had to pre-pay 6 months rent up front. Mind, this was in 2006 so who knows what it's like nowadays but I'd ask other students to see how they manage this. After lots of looking around, HSBC was the only bank that would let us set up an account that day - so actually, if you are able to set up an American HSBC account now that might help you streamline a bit?

Do you know what area you want to live in? 

I have read about the 6 months of rent in advance, which I guess I’m not terribly worried about since I will have at least 12 months of living expenses saved to qualify for the visa.

I’d like to stay in a walkable area to campus, when I was there last, I was out in Leith, and thought that seemed like a nice distance, but costs less than living in city center. But, I’m not picky. Any areas you’d suggest avoiding?

[pittpurple]

Oct 16, 2019 10:14:06 GMT -5 jigsy said:

Oct 16, 2019 2:34:38 GMT -5 pittpurple said:

I work at the University so you'll be right next to me :-)

Flats move really, really quickly here. I wouldn't look in August - I'd come out prepared to stay in a B&B or similar for a couple weeks and be ready with everything on the day you view - often it's based on who gets to the office first (find out before you go how they'll take the deposit - some agencies will take it at the actual flat, some make you go to the office so my husband had to sprint down the street to get the first flat we rented to beat out the other person! We didn't realise this when we started looking)

Your bigger problem will be getting a bank account - since we didn't have a UK bank account (as it can be tricky to set one up without an address), we had to pre-pay 6 months rent up front. Mind, this was in 2006 so who knows what it's like nowadays but I'd ask other students to see how they manage this. After lots of looking around, HSBC was the only bank that would let us set up an account that day - so actually, if you are able to set up an American HSBC account now that might help you streamline a bit?

Do you know what area you want to live in? 

I have read about the 6 months of rent in advance, which I guess I’m not terribly worried about since I will have at least 12 months of living expenses saved to qualify for the visa.

I’d like to stay in a walkable area to campus, when I was there last, I was out in Leith, and thought that seemed like a nice distance, but costs less than living in city center. But, I’m not picky. Any areas you’d suggest avoiding?

I can PM you :-)

[mrsukyankee]

I think an Edinburgh gtg would be a great idea pittpurple, jigsy.