Trying to decide between US and UK....

Hi, I'm a Yank (although being from Virginia, it pains me to call myself that!) engaged to a Brit.  Until now, we'd always intended to settle in the US, but SteveB just got a great job and the financial situation suddenly makes it much more eligible to go to the UK.

We're still undecided, but we're trying to make up our minds.  We had been completely mentally preparing for his culture shock, and now it might be me having to do it!     I keep asking him to describe in detail what life is like over there, and of course he's lived there all his life, so he isn't really able to guess what adjustments I might need.

I visited London in 2001 (before I met my fiance) and haven't been back there since.  And we would be settled in southeast Kent, which I know is not really much like London. 

Someone from Visa Journey recommended this forum, so here I am, ready to learn everything I can about my (potential) new country!

Welcome to the site. Life in England is different depending on where you are - just as in the US - so the best way to get to know the place a bit before going is diving into some topics on here! Both places have benefits, and plenty of people have gone both ways so no matter what you guys decide, cahcnes are someone here can completely reate. Welcome!!!

Hi, I'm a Yank (although being from Virginia, it pains me to call myself that!) engaged to a Brit.  Until now, we'd always intended to settle in the US, but SteveB just got a great job and the financial situation suddenly makes it much more eligible to go to the UK.

Someone from Visa Journey recommended this forum, so here I am, ready to learn everything I can about my (potential) new country!

Hello and welcome !!
There are quite lot of differences, some very obvious, some more subtle.

Language.
No doubt lots of people will tell abot words we use differently. Fag, jello etc.
Some words are just spelling variations like colour or color.
But some of it is idiomatic. "Pardon me" is an example.
And UK uses a different date format.

Food.
There is a huge variety of food available in both countries. One difference is that much more is imported in UK. Some names are different. And Okra can be hard to find. Dark chocolate is plain chocolate.

Cooking.
Measurements are generally metric.
Ovens are in deg C.

Driving.
Roads are narrower, cars are smaller, faster and more fuel efficient.
Given the price of fuel, they have to be ! And UK drives on the wrong side of the road.

Accomodation.
Smaller and generally more expensive on UK. But there are HUGE regional variations.

People.
Like anywhere. Good. Bad.

History.
And historical buildings. No contest !

Have fun.

Moving is a very hard thing.  My DF and I are talking about living in the Seattle area after our wedding in May.  I have lived overseas, he has not.  There are a lot of concerns that he has, some of which I am sure you are having as well.

One thing to remember is that because your partner knows what it is like to LIVE overseas, he has likely gone through all of the negative things associated with settling into a new culture.  So, in theory, he will be more understanding and helpful as you make the adjustments to like abroad than someone who has never LIVED in a foreign land.  As long as you are open-minded and willing to "go with the flow" and he is understanding and willing to help you understand the ins and outs of the culture, you should survive.

Good luck!!

Not only will you survive - you may love it! I did - but circumstances brought me back to the US. Enjoy your journey and welcome to UKY!
Melissa

I am in the UK now and pretty much love it.  I still miss mom and dad.  We live in the SW on the coast so being near water does my soul good.

I am actually from VA.  Went to ODU and lived from VABeach to Ghent.  My parents are living near Danville and Martinsville at the moment.

Actually if you think of Ghent and narrow the roads a bit you king of get the idea of living in more rural parts of the UK. 

Well WELOCOME!!

Hey Shell !!! we found this forum together by the looks of it !

I have no doubt that Wyatt will love living in UK, really! .  I know he is going to find the 'smallnest' of it a lot different when he gets there, and there will be things he's bound to miss from back here - but I'm sure he will still love it.  And lets face it, I live in a house that we both rattle around now and its like trying to keep up with the Fourth Bridge in keeping it clean and tidy!! .  I 'know' I'm going to love being back in a smaller house!!!

For a start I think I can safely say that after watching him these past 3 years practically 'live' his job (not through his doing), and knowning that he is in desperate need of a vacation, he will enjoy the bank holidays for a start! and the pace is much easier in UK - not so much hassle.

Medical bills are not a worry either! You can safely go to your doctors knowing that your prescription is only going to cost you 6 pounds!

You are going to get good and bad people anywhere you go, and UK is not exeception - but I've never yet lived in a rough area and always managed to live a great social live away from the 'rough' crowd .

I am so looking forward to showing Wyatt round UK and it will be nice to see it through his eyes.  It will also be nice to see those shadows go from around his eyes as well.. all he does is work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat - and not necessarily in that order.. lol !!

I'm sure you will love it Shell

Pauline

For a start I think I can safely say that after watching him these past 3 years practically 'live' his job (not through his doing), and knowning that he is in desperate need of a vacation, he will enjoy the bank holidays for a start! and the pace is much easier in UK - not so much hassle.

 It will also be nice to see those shadows go from around his eyes as well.. all he does is work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat - and not necessarily in that order.. lol !!

God I so know that feeling and look . . . 

Glad it's gone now!