From New England to... well, not England.. but close! Wales

Hello!!

So happy to have found this site! I can't even count how many times I've said to my husband (UK citizen) that I wish I could just purchase a "Moving to the UK for Dummies" book and I truly believe this website is even better! I am so grateful!

In ideal circumstances, I could provide an official moving date (for the sake of this post... and my current & ever so gracious employer) but sadly, I'm in the infamous settlement visa waiting dance. And my dancing partner is very slow footed right now. Hoping they pick up their pace soon.... They better. A little quickstep maybe!?

I'm 28 and a social worker. Joining my London "brickie" who currently lives in Wales as soon as I am permitted. We met online and have been traveling back and forth to visit one another for 2 years. We married this past March. No idea what I will do with myself once I get there.. talk about a leap of faith. It seems we've all done it.. where is the Scouts Badge for that?! There should be one!

I like to think I have a pretty good head on my shoulders. I know I'm in for a serious adjustment period once I hop the pond. But I know I will need a little extra help. It's connections like these that will make all the difference in the world. I'm already thankful and I'm still US bound! Hubby having X-box time means me on UK-Yankee. Perfect balance and a wealth of wisdom.

Very pleased to meet everyone Any others in Wales??? I will be pretty close to Shrewsbury as well. Need some US contact out there. I'd hate to end up like Madonna and speaking in a weird British accent... haha.

-MJ

Well...there are definitely books about moving to/living in the UK for foreigners.  Not sure how helpful they are but they might be worth a look.

I found these on amazon:

Hello and Welcome-- there are definitely some on the board in wales..not me but depending on what part of wales  I am not far

Hope your visa dance partner speeds up for you soon

Welcome to UKY! Hope you have a smooth journey! 

Welcome to UK-Yankee from another New Englander (Massachusetts) now at home in Coventry, England.

There's a thread specifically about social workers on here, might be worth a look if you want to continue that line of work once you move. http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=21614.0

And good timing if you like Ruby Tuesday's, they're opening one in Cardiff 

Welcome to UKY!  

I'm a social worker, though not in Wales.  

There is a social worker in Wales on the board.   You may also want to post in Calling All Social Workers or have a look at the thread.

You'll need to register with the Care Council for Wales, if you haven't done so already, to practice as a social worker in Wales:
http://www.ccwales.org.uk/  

See also:
http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/social_worker_job_description.jsp

I'd recommend taking this course upon your arrival, especially if your employer can sponsor it:
The law and social work in England and Wales
http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/k270.htm

You'd be liable for international student fees:
http://www3.open.ac.uk/contact/questions.aspx?t=S&cat=1-1GSQZC

HTH!  

Shrewsbury is pretty!

Another original Massachusetts (few stops along the way) UKY-er here (there are a few of us on here!)

Like aimlesstraveler posted, there are books about it (and I've read I think all of those on her list, like a dork I am- since I research, research, research, research constantly) and to be honest, while a good read (and if you enjoy reading, give 'em a go) this website and of course, real life  far outweigh those books. 

Welcome to UKY 

I moved from New England (RI) to Wales back in 2003! But I've since relocated to Cornwall.

I'll vouch for one of the books aimlesstraveler linked to! Before I moved I bought a copy of David Hampshire's Living and Working in Britain and it was an incredibly valuable resource. Buy it today!

Best of luck with everything! 

Hey there! I am a Floridian now living with my Welsh hubby in Cardiff (capital of Wales). We met on the internet as well and were in the same "boat" as you not long ago. I moved over 3rd of March on a fiance' visa and we were married 26th of June. I recently applied for my FLR(M). Would love to provide any help with transitions - I found loads of caring advice here too.


Cheers,
Melanie

EmmJayye - Welcome to UKY and I hope your partner learns the quickstep shortly!

Welcome again from another UKY New Englander!

I grew up in CT and am now living in MA.

Thank you all so much!!! Tons of useful information!! I really appreciate it!

I am so excited to know there are other New Englanders close by. I plan on packing as many bags of Dunkin Donuts coffee beans as I can when I finally make my move. I think I'm still in denial about losing my dear friend, Dunkins....

I will definitely check out the social work info and purchasing the suggested books. The more I can learn, the better I will feel.

Do many people connect in person from here? The American contacts is of such comfort!! I'm lucky to be going through this in the internet era, that's for sure!

Thanks again!!:)

Regarding UK social work law, these books may be handy:







Best of luck with it all! Exciting! 

I'm always saying, "These pretzels are making me thirsty," and my poor DH just doesn't get it. 

Thanks, Maple!

Haha, Chary... "You are soooo good lookin'!"

Sadly, Jerry didn't seem to make it overseas....