The thing about British people having social circles solely full of friends they grew up with is so real and honestly makes it difficult for even other British people to make new friends. It's like you're either in or you're not.
60 years ago I moved from Yorkshire to the Midlands to work. I was told by some, "Piss off foreigner, your'e not welcome here" Don't worry if you do not make friends quickly, you will eventually.
That's v true. And once you get near or over 30. I found most people have long standing friends and actually actively are trying not to add more. Also they are focusing on there partner marriage etc. Can be tough but you can make good friends. The trick is not forcing it or rushing it along
It really depends on the company and the industry. Sadly employers aren't obliged to inform why candidates are unsuccessful, although most will if asked.
She's got that thing known as unrecognized female privilege, so I'm not the least bit surprised to hear about her success at getting hired. It's particularly pervasive in Canadian governments: hiring personnel are all too happy to hire women because it bumps up their diversity scores and no one will come back to question you if you hired proportionately too many women.
Your "mistakes" are life lessons. I moved to a new area for work, still in the UK and I felt homesick. You don't have to cross the Atlantic to feel isolated.
I moved to another neighbourhood in my born city and I was feeling homesick for eight months. Sometimes is harder than usual. And I guess I'll always occasionally feel homesick.
I live in California, but that didn't stop me from getting a membership for English Heritage. I've never actually used it, but I probably will. I pay because I fully support what English Heritage does. It's worth supporting.
We all have some story behind and I would love to hear yours. Please make a video of what is for an English to move to Canada. Ive moved from Bulgaria to Myrtle Beach, SC/ Charlotte, NC. Lived there for about 25 years, And 3 years ago relocated to North West of UK
I left the UK in the 70's and suffered some of the same issues, homesickness was one of them. However, now back in the UK, since 2000, I wonder every day why on earth I ever came back. Also currently in Kent.
@Phil Madgewick Same here I left England in 69 and came back 2012. I have never been so miserable. It's harder to go back when have experienced regular sunshine and friendly people.
You’re not alone getting homesick every time you go home, I have had my own apartment for about eight months and I miss being able to talk to my Mam by just walking around the house to find her and when I do go back home it’s also hard because my Mam hadn’t lived alone until I left so she gets sad sometimes too. Homesickness is really powerful but at least it doesn’t mean you did the wrong thing. Thanks for the video I hope you aren’t too hot.
Good call with the National Trust membership. We have been members for years and enjoy some great days out. Lovely walks, interesting properties and great cream teas! Well worth it.
Alanna I always get excited when I get a notification for a new Adventures and Naps video as I know it will be entertaining and Informative. Thank you for taking the time to make these fantastic videos. 😎👍🏻
I live in Mexico, and i have lived in the US for many years before and im thinking moving to Spain and this video just reminded me all the trouble that you go thru when you are new to anywhere. It is hard to adjust, but once you get the hang of it and you go back to your own country its hard to re-adjust to your own country again. That is super strange to me.
I can’t imagine doing what you did. Such a big move would cause me so much anxiety, I’m not sure I could go through with it. I admire your strength of character.
It's definitely worth getting a National Trust and/or English Heritage subscription if you are going to do the historic touristy thing. Even if you are only here for a week or two you could save money. Also, it is worth checking if your National Trust is valid in other countries or their equivalent here. While staying in Rome we travelled to and entered Parco Villa Gregoriana with our Trust membership.
Im expecting to be going to school in the UK in 2024 and I've been watching your videos to help prepare myself for what to expect. Thanks for making such great content!
My biggest problem was homesickness. I did not realise that I missed so much about South Africa, especially the food as most English people would admit that what was offered in supermarkets during the seventies was rather dire! Has improved immensely now though! The quality of fruit was the worse then!
Very interesting as always Alanna . You have a superb work ethic and are a lovely person . I hope you stay here , you're a credit to your family back home 👍
I moved to southern England 6 months ago. I agree with so much of what you have said in this and other videos. The struggle to find work is real, especially now.
I am in America with my wife and two boys. We are thinking about moving to England. I never understood how difficult that is. We have passports, but are still working out visas, etc. We also have nowhere to live yet.
I've literally subscribed to your channel for few years. So cool to see your channel is growing! I still remember when I could not find a job in Canada, they asked me if I have a Canadian work experience. It was tough to get one unless you want to work at restauran but once you get one, it gets a bit better later on.
Thanks for the tip about English Heritage and the National Trust. I go over there for a couple of months every other year and that would save me a bundle. Love ya stuff. Cheers
I'm an expat American in Canada. I'm from near where you are from, in my case, SE Michigan, not far from Windsor, ON. My experience has been a bit different, since i came to Canada to be a professor and the cultural differences are similar, but wow do i commiserate about the home sickness.
"cultural differences are similar", what a nice phrase for a professor! British culture isn't that different from N. American's, as they both are based on N. European culture. To see real cultural difference, try some exotic place, like China.
of course! I was merely saying that the cultural differences between Britain and Canada, and Britain and the USA are similar. They're not big, but homesickness is real whenever one moves a long way from where one grew up.
Hi, Alanna , a very interesting and useful video, people thinking of moving to another country should take notice of this it will help them. But, hey, Alanna, what happened there was no lorry reversing or people using electronic power tools, I'm sure they'll soon be back. Looking forward to your next video soon.
Yep, travel is important to get the full flavour of the UK. Use those extra holidays that the UK has so many of (Bank holidays etc) and use some statutory days to stretch a long weekend into a week and jump in the car and head out. Try Cheddar Gorge, try Ironbridge (Shropshire) try Perth in Scotland, the variety is endless. Work is important to pay the bills, enjoyment is important to pay your soul :)
I am not an expat but serously considering moving abroad, Athens Greece. I like your attitude and really identify with manay of your ideas and thoughts, I eish u the best of luck, u are a sweetheart
Why would she be disappointed England is beautiful I think people like you living in England take it for granted, we have one of the most beautiful country side in the world, largest history, best health care, and best universities I could go on, don’t take out country for granted.
I used to live in Spain. Didn't go home for a year and but when I did return and out of nowhere, when the plane flew over England, I was overcome with emotion and started crying. Maybe it was the wine but I didn't even realise how much I'd missed it until then.
Hi Alanna, As you seem quite settled here, I think you were correct in getting your job first. There will still be plenty of time to travel and we all need money to travel. Plus Stone Henge is not moving anywhere. On a side note I visited Sutton Hoe, Suffolk, recently it well worth a visit ....
You can also get memberships for any of the museums. I am a member at the Imperial War Museum and at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Although they are free to get into anyway there are tonnes of other stuff they give which saves in the long run.
Start to build travel into your routine, say the last weekend of the month go visit somewhere new. It's not to late to join EH or NT both are worth while and have places all over the country, and once you've been a member for a year or so you can use it in Scotland and Wales as well. Could try and talk your employer into a corporate membership and get extra benefits.
Good video, Alanna. Lots of helpful advice for people looking to move to the UK. BTW - Re homesickness, I hear ya. I got homesick when I moved from SE London to Bolton! XD
Spending a few days travelling around the UK will probably help a new arrival get acquainted with the place. However, getting a job is a major priority and most people will have to wok very hard at that; I'd advise accepting a job even if it's not great because it's easier to get another job if one is already in work. Are student/young person railcards still going? Twenty pounds to see Stonehenge is a rip-off! A few miles away is the village of Avebury where there is a stone circle freely accessible to the public. Watching this video has prompted me to send off for National Trush membership.
Hey Alanna (I hope I spelt that right..), you should go to Wales, Port Merrion (voted number 2 best attraction in UK) in mid/north Wales. Oh and the castles are great, Conwy, Criccieth and Harlech. I am English and I love Wales...I want to migrate to Wales !
Thank you for these honest points. You can't buy experience and I think the only mistake you make in life that matters is the one that kills you. You are admired. Thanks for uploading - Liked.
Scotland also has Historic Scotland membership if you visit/move here specifically. About the same price. There's some great places included in it too, like Edinburgh and Stirling castles.
Have a look at the Historic Houses, lots of houses in the south east of England. Well worth investigating, different from the other historic sites, in that the organization is mainly for house owners. They have memership for the public which saves money.
This was a very interesting video! I would have thought that England would have been the easiest country in Europe to move to because they also speak English like Canada and the U.S., but I forget that the culture of each country can be vastly different.
Yes, a great fun post.....one thing you mentioned being homesick...well i am homesick too.....that is i'm sick of home......ha!.......the old ones are v the best......keep them coming.
I'm sorry I may have missed last week's video, a lot going on but I always look forward to your videos and smiled seeing your new video appear. I enjoy your discussions about yourself, previous life etc as much as your other videos. It's always interesting learning how people respond to challenges etc.
Lost my Google account a while back, which also meant all my subscriptions. If memory serves, last time you were going through your cupboards and eating English snacks, really quite funny. Marmite. Yum! Anyway, watched a Simone Giertz video earlier this evening and she has taken on your 'byeeeee' thing at the end of her videos too and hearing it reminded me of you. Looks like I have a lot to catch up on. That boyfriend of yours still hasn't put a ring on your finger, though! You also seemed to have moved at some point. Glad you're still here and it was really nice seeing you again.
I’m a fellow Ontarian living in Switzerland for 25 years now moving to the UK. The Swiss are also difficult to make friends with for the same reasons you gave for the British. What I found makes it a lot easier is to join clubs for activities you enjoy doing. Because you are involved in a similar activity you have a lot in common with the other members and it is much easier to make local friends.
I have been a new subscriber to your channel for about two weeks now maybe ... and I can safely say your video`s are always both amusing and interesting. I moved from Yorkshire to Lincolnshire for two years ... I did not move very far` about 100 miles .. but I still got homesick ... in fact the main things I missed was the noise from the railway and trees .. crazy things we miss. Oh yeah` the Friends thing you talk about .. we have made two Real Friends in about 33 years .. and recently we have become like strangers .. so yes` making friends in life can be hard in general .. plus working all time makes that hard going too.
I would recommend going Blackberrying or hunting for cobunts (like fresh, sweeter Hazelnuts, especially prevalent in Kent) I foraged some in ASDA car park, no cost and you get a good look at your local countryside, appreciate the little things, and you get to make a great apple and blackberry pie afterwards. Got the recipe if you need it. :)
Thanks for that, I think I'll join English heritage, I'd never really thought about it before but for 64 quid ill join and visit some interesting places.
The US National Park Service has a pass available for seniors that gives free admission (for four people) to their excellent facilities. It used to be quite inexpensive.
We used to alternate English Heritage and National Trust each year, but it also depends on where you live as to which has most value, in Kent I would say given that National Trust has a few more better properties within a reasonable distance. Bateman’s (the home of Rudyard Kipling) is a really lovely place, just across the border in East Sussex, Knowl near Sevenoaks with its deer wandering the grounds, Scotney and Sissinghurst castles are all rather pleasant. Then again Dover castle is one of the best complete castles with the underground tunnels. Unfortunately Hever castle (fantastic place), nor Leeds castle are part of either group.
I am an expat from British Columbia, Canada, living in Chester, England (I was in North Wales for a few years before this), and a lot of what you said I can relate to so much. Especially the friends part. I have been in the UK for almost 3 years ( moved here when I was 20), and my husband (who is also Canadian) and I still don't have very many friends at all. The closest friends I have made have been fellow foreigners. It's way easier. I have tried so hard to get in with British friend groups, and no one will let me in. I am still very, very lonely in this country.
you should have looked at sports/societies/hobbys/clubs/volunteering, and nearly all have social events/trips. Really good way to meet new people. I joined a local photography club, 10 min walk from my house, and met a lot of new people that way. I have a lot of respect for people who moved so far, I'd visited Vancouver, BC a few times and really wish I had made the effort to emigrate!
Great point about National Trust/English Heritage well worth joining not just for ex pats and immigrants but locals too well worth if you like that sort of thing
Hi! I don't usually comment but it's quite evident that you've put in your heart curating this list of 5 points! Thankyou for your great insights and I hope you're doing well in life. A suggestion, don't really consider these as mistakes. These are More of experiences that not many come across. Thanks 🙌
I spent a break year during uni teaching conversational English in Seoul, South Korea. I was an emergency replacement for a teacher who contracted hepatitis. I landed with no cultural prep and no real teaching experience. Fortunately our language institute gave us a week off after every 7-week term. It was only then that I had the time available to travel and learn about the country, which is something I wish I could have done before teaching. I learned to love the people AND the country. Upon return to North America I surprisingly experienced “reverse culture shock,” taking pictures of EVERYTHING in sight. My family laughed at me!!!!
I wonder if you have any tips on how to make friends with local people, or can share what you did? Because I agree, it is very difficult to break into an established friend group as an adult!!
Great video Alanna! I've been living in England for about 2 and a half months now (after moving from Ontario) and I'm definitely finding the job hunt a lot more difficult than I imagined. I thought I had a fantastic CV and was overconfident about finding a job in my field right away....but I was wrong. Also wondering how I'm going to make friends and starting to feel homesick. Thanks for reminding me I'm not alone! :)
Hi You been on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway ? If not do so. Book for the April special express (. Double header trains leave Hythe none stop up to Dungeness and back Side By Side )
I'm English, I didn't know about English Heritage and National Trust even though I'd heard of them. Something I'd be interested in but everything my friends are interested in involves alcohol, sometimes too much. Yes I need some different friends but like you said easier said than done because people have their own friends (groups). Basically people don't speak to people they don't know. It seems impossible. This is Leicestershire. Apparently in Yorkshire, where my aunt lives, everybody talks to anybody.
I know it’s a few years late, but rather secure work before you get to the uk and in this day and age, it’s easier to look back in hindsight, but rather secure work and then travel instead of the other way around. If you’ve got plenty cash upfront, then fine, but if not - don’t chance it.
Must be a nice option to be able to have the choice to travel, even if you didn't, I started working on Saturdays at 12 years old and haven't stopped since. I had to do distance learning for my degree because I couldn't afford not to work.
Just watch the first couple of series of The League of Gentelmen - it's full of very dark northern humour, if you think you could deal with that then you'll have no problem adapting to UK life =)
I may be relocating again and I plan to learn from my mistakes. Will definitely make time to meet people while doing the stuff I love doing. So investigate Meet Ups on FB, join clubs, research your hobbies, make new hobbies up if you have to, make a programme even if it takes some $$$ to do so. Friendships across nationalities are more genuine and easy that way. With my first move I just thought friendships would happen like in my home country. Not so
I'm Australian and moved to UK pre internet 1997-2001; your experienes and advise is pretty much the same. Then there was an expat London weekly guide/newspaper. I was lucky enough to do short 1 or 2 day travels around UK ( bus, train or cheap flights ie £15) when i was working and 4-6 weeks through Europe. And mix with the locals at the pub and you'll find anything you need.
I moved from Canada to England back in 1997 ... have been living & working in Cambridge (the original old one over here, not the one in southern Ont.) ... one does adjust to how they are not like us! ;-) but working here one gets far more leave ... I have been at my current post for 9 years, get bank holidays off & 6 weeks!
The thing about British people having social circles solely full of friends they grew up with is so real and honestly makes it difficult for even other British people to make new friends. It's like you're either in or you're not.
So true...
60 years ago I moved from Yorkshire to the Midlands to work. I was told by some, "Piss off foreigner, your'e not welcome here" Don't worry if you do not make friends quickly, you will eventually.
That's v true. And once you get near or over 30. I found most people have long standing friends and actually actively are trying not to add more. Also they are focusing on there partner marriage etc. Can be tough but you can make good friends. The trick is not forcing it or rushing it along
@Blackporsche roadster it's a matter of Who (more than) or what you know!... It can feel a bit like those (Jason) Bourne trilogies!... Asset or Proxy.
I agree! I moved to Derbyshire for work a few years ago and the exact same happened to me
You’re lucky they called you back. 99% of employers don’t even tell you that you haven’t got the job. They just ignore you. 🤷🏻♂️
That's normal no matter where you live
It really depends on the company and the industry. Sadly employers aren't obliged to inform why candidates are unsuccessful, although most will if asked.
Same way in the U.S.
If u dont get the job in the interview u haven't got it
She's got that thing known as unrecognized female privilege, so I'm not the least bit surprised to hear about her success at getting hired. It's particularly pervasive in Canadian governments: hiring personnel are all too happy to hire women because it bumps up their diversity scores and no one will come back to question you if you hired proportionately too many women.
In Romania we have a saying "As long as he lives, a person learns". You are very young and you have much to learn. Thanks for the video.
Great saying! Another great saying I heard years ago is: The only men who fail are those who fail to try.
It’s tough to get a job!😕
Really hot!
@@ukisbeggar8462 România is not communist since 1989
But most never learn, whatever lesson comes their way.
Your "mistakes" are life lessons. I moved to a new area for work, still in the UK and I felt homesick. You don't have to cross the Atlantic to feel isolated.
👍😁
I think I need to cross the Pacific as well as the Atlantic ;)
I moved to another neighbourhood in my born city and I was feeling homesick for eight months. Sometimes is harder than usual. And I guess I'll always occasionally feel homesick.
It depends on what "mistakes". They may or may not be "life lessons".
Roy you not British then, dumb fuck
I live in California, but that didn't stop me from getting a membership for English Heritage. I've never actually used it, but I probably will. I pay because I fully support what English Heritage does. It's worth supporting.
Kudos sir
Roger H Werner thank you!
Cheers for supporting a fine organisation
Thank you roger and hopefully you will get to use it soon there are some wonderful places to visit...you'll love it
A National Trust membership is worth it for the carparking alone!
I've just moved to Ottawa (5 days ago) from Kent to start uni so I'm sure I'll be able to do a reverse video of this at some point.
We all have some story behind and I would love to hear yours. Please make a video of what is for an English to move to Canada. Ive moved from Bulgaria to Myrtle Beach, SC/ Charlotte, NC. Lived there for about 25 years, And 3 years ago relocated to North West of UK
I left the UK in the 70's and suffered some of the same issues, homesickness was one of them. However, now back in the UK, since 2000, I wonder every day why on earth I ever came back. Also currently in Kent.
@Phil Madgewick Same here I left England in 69 and came back 2012. I have never been so miserable. It's harder to go back when have experienced regular sunshine and friendly people.
I’m in the process of planning to leave the UK. The world is too big to stay on one tiny island.
You’re not alone getting homesick every time you go home, I have had my own apartment for about eight months and I miss being able to talk to my Mam by just walking around the house to find her and when I do go back home it’s also hard because my Mam hadn’t lived alone until I left so she gets sad sometimes too. Homesickness is really powerful but at least it doesn’t mean you did the wrong thing. Thanks for the video I hope you aren’t too hot.
It's worth paying for National Trust membership for Cragside alone. Everybody should visit Cragside at least once.
Good call with the National Trust membership. We have been members for years and enjoy some great days out. Lovely walks, interesting properties and great cream teas! Well worth it.
Alanna I always get excited when I get a notification for a new Adventures and Naps video as I know it will be entertaining and Informative. Thank you for taking the time to make these fantastic videos. 😎👍🏻
English heritage membership, never heard of it before. Great new info, much appreciated, thank you. I'm going to look into that asap.
Thanks for watching!
I live in Mexico, and i have lived in the US for many years before and im thinking moving to Spain and this video just reminded me all the trouble that you go thru when you are new to anywhere. It is hard to adjust, but once you get the hang of it and you go back to your own country its hard to re-adjust to your own country again. That is super strange to me.
I can’t imagine doing what you did. Such a big move would cause me so much anxiety, I’m not sure I could go through with it. I admire your strength of character.
It's definitely worth getting a National Trust and/or English Heritage subscription if you are going to do the historic touristy thing. Even if you are only here for a week or two you could save money. Also, it is worth checking if your National Trust is valid in other countries or their equivalent here. While staying in Rome we travelled to and entered Parco Villa Gregoriana with our Trust membership.
🇨🇦 What a great way to spend a rainy Tuesday morning. We always look forward to seeing your great new videos. Never disappointed! 💚
Im expecting to be going to school in the UK in 2024 and I've been watching your videos to help prepare myself for what to expect. Thanks for making such great content!
Homesickness is not unique to ex-pats. I’m a Welsh national and I get homesick going to the shops.
Lol.😁.
Barry island lol
LOL !
What about online shopping? 🤔
@@shlibbermacshlibber4106 I guess if they're not looking at their own website then I guess it still applies ;)
You're not kidding, I had 367 rejections before I got a job after college, and I am British
Whole number often are, it's the tradition
Shlibber Macshlibber I got my first job after one interview
That makes me so happy
It may have taken you longer, but it shows strength of character to keep going in the face of ongoing rejection.
Congrats on getting a job. x
🙂
My biggest problem was homesickness. I did not realise that I missed so much about South Africa, especially the food as most English people would admit that what was offered in supermarkets during the seventies was rather dire! Has improved immensely now though! The quality of fruit was the worse then!
Thank you! It's lovely that you enjoy after all
Very interesting as always Alanna . You have a superb work ethic and are a lovely person . I hope you stay here , you're a credit to your family back home 👍
I moved to southern England 6 months ago. I agree with so much of what you have said in this and other videos. The struggle to find work is real, especially now.
When i was watching one of your old videos, this new one appeared on my notification! OMG! It's an awesome video! Keep it up!
Interesting, the hurdles you had to face and advice for other travellers to the UK.
I am in America with my wife and two boys. We are thinking about moving to England. I never understood how difficult that is. We have passports, but are still working out visas, etc. We also have nowhere to live yet.
You have such a level headed mature attitude. Look forward to seeing your vids
I've literally subscribed to your channel for few years. So cool to see your channel is growing! I still remember when I could not find a job in Canada, they asked me if I have a Canadian work experience. It was tough to get one unless you want to work at restauran but once you get one, it gets a bit better later on.
Thanks for the tip about English Heritage and the National Trust. I go over there for a couple of months every other year and that would save me a bundle. Love ya stuff. Cheers
I'm an expat American in Canada. I'm from near where you are from, in my case, SE Michigan, not far from Windsor, ON. My experience has been a bit different, since i came to Canada to be a professor and the cultural differences are similar, but wow do i commiserate about the home sickness.
"cultural differences are similar", what a nice phrase for a professor!
British culture isn't that different from N. American's, as they both are based on N. European culture. To see real cultural difference, try some exotic place, like China.
of course! I was merely saying that the cultural differences between Britain and Canada, and Britain and the USA are similar. They're not big, but homesickness is real whenever one moves a long way from where one grew up.
Hi, Alanna , a very interesting and useful video, people thinking of moving to another country should take notice of this it will help them. But, hey, Alanna, what happened there was no lorry reversing or people using electronic power tools, I'm sure they'll soon be back. Looking forward to your next video soon.
Thanks and pleased you’ve stayed here!
Yep, travel is important to get the full flavour of the UK. Use those extra holidays that the UK has so many of (Bank holidays etc) and use some statutory days to stretch a long weekend into a week and jump in the car and head out. Try Cheddar Gorge, try Ironbridge (Shropshire) try Perth in Scotland, the variety is endless. Work is important to pay the bills, enjoyment is important to pay your soul :)
I am not an expat but serously considering moving abroad, Athens Greece. I like your attitude and really identify with manay of your ideas and thoughts, I eish u the best of luck, u are a sweetheart
Thank you!!
Great advice! I'm moving to Kent in a few months from the Turks and Caicos Islands so I'm binge watching all your videos!!!
What ?! Why move from such a beautiful place? I hope you don't be too disappointed.
Why would she be disappointed England is beautiful I think people like you living in England take it for granted, we have one of the most beautiful country side in the world, largest history, best health care, and best universities I could go on, don’t take out country for granted.
Facing change is one of my fears. Great upload again Alanna.
No issue with change. It's strange foods I'd have an issue with !
Thanks for sharing such important information, Alanna! Stay happy!
I used to live in Spain. Didn't go home for a year and but when I did return and out of nowhere, when the plane flew over England, I was overcome with emotion and started crying. Maybe it was the wine but I didn't even realise how much I'd missed it until then.
Hi Alanna, As you seem quite settled here, I think you were correct in getting your job first. There will still be plenty of time to travel and we all need money to travel. Plus Stone Henge is not moving anywhere. On a side note I visited Sutton Hoe, Suffolk, recently it well worth a visit ....
Thanks so much...i actually worked for the "bermuda" national trust here in Bermuda.
You can also get memberships for any of the museums. I am a member at the Imperial War Museum and at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Although they are free to get into anyway there are tonnes of other stuff they give which saves in the long run.
I understand your regret about not taking time off, but you have my total respect for having constantly worked since you were 16.
Thank you for the British Heritage tips! I would definitely look into it.
Any time!
Start to build travel into your routine, say the last weekend of the month go visit somewhere new.
It's not to late to join EH or NT both are worth while and have places all over the country, and once you've been a member for a year or so you can use it in Scotland and Wales as well.
Could try and talk your employer into a corporate membership and get extra benefits.
Good video, Alanna. Lots of helpful advice for people looking to move to the UK. BTW - Re homesickness, I hear ya. I got homesick when I moved from SE London to Bolton! XD
Spending a few days travelling around the UK will probably help a new arrival get acquainted with the place. However, getting a job is a major priority and most people will have to wok very hard at that; I'd advise accepting a job even if it's not great because it's easier to get another job if one is already in work. Are student/young person railcards still going? Twenty pounds to see Stonehenge is a rip-off! A few miles away is the village of Avebury where there is a stone circle freely accessible to the public. Watching this video has prompted me to send off for National Trush membership.
They still have 16-25 railcards going! There's also a 16-17 railcard now too and a 26-30 one I think? There's a bloody railcard for everyone nowadays!
They also have a Senior Railcard, Friends and Family Railcard, Two Together Railcard and Network Railcard for London and the South East
Hey Alanna (I hope I spelt that right..), you should go to Wales, Port Merrion (voted number 2 best attraction in UK) in mid/north Wales. Oh and the castles are great, Conwy, Criccieth and Harlech. I am English and I love Wales...I want to migrate to Wales !
Loving the videos! Can't stop watching them! Thanks! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
You should visit Beamish open air museum. Oh, and Holy Island
Just what I needed on a Tuesday.😊
Yeah - I didn't accidentally rev my engine or reverse my truck outside while you were recording this week!
Hey queen, found your channel recently, love your videos. I love you talking about your experiences living in England
Thank you for these honest points. You can't buy experience and I think the only mistake you make in life that matters is the one that kills you. You are admired. Thanks for uploading - Liked.
Thank you so much for this video! You had some great tips and I walked away with notes to keep in mind! Thanks for the content.
Scotland also has Historic Scotland membership if you visit/move here specifically. About the same price. There's some great places included in it too, like Edinburgh and Stirling castles.
If you live in London try Palace Pass. Excellent value for money!
Have a look at the Historic Houses, lots of houses in the south east of England. Well worth investigating, different from the other historic sites, in that the organization is mainly for house owners. They have memership for the public which saves money.
This was a very interesting video! I would have thought that England would have been the easiest country in Europe to move to because they also speak English like Canada and the U.S., but I forget that the culture of each country can be vastly different.
Wonderfully informative as always especially #5. Getting better all the time. Great job! Thanks 😊
Yes, a great fun post.....one thing you mentioned being homesick...well i am homesick too.....that is i'm sick of home......ha!.......the old ones are v the best......keep them coming.
Thanks for the insight I was thinking about moving there for years I'm from the US
All the best with your move!
I'm sorry I may have missed last week's video, a lot going on but I always look forward to your videos and smiled seeing your new video appear. I enjoy your discussions about yourself, previous life etc as much as your other videos. It's always interesting learning how people respond to challenges etc.
Lost my Google account a while back, which also meant all my subscriptions. If memory serves, last time you were going through your cupboards and eating English snacks, really quite funny. Marmite. Yum! Anyway, watched a Simone Giertz
video earlier this evening and she has taken on your 'byeeeee' thing at the end of her videos too and hearing it reminded me of you. Looks like I have a lot to catch up on. That boyfriend of yours still hasn't put a ring on your finger, though! You also seemed to have moved at some point. Glad you're still here and it was really nice seeing you again.
I’m a fellow Ontarian living in Switzerland for 25 years now moving to the UK. The Swiss are also difficult to make friends with for the same reasons you gave for the British. What I found makes it a lot easier is to join clubs for activities you enjoy doing. Because you are involved in a similar activity you have a lot in common with the other members and it is much easier to make local friends.
I have been a new subscriber to your channel for about two weeks now maybe ... and I can safely say your video`s are always both amusing and interesting. I moved from Yorkshire to Lincolnshire for two years ... I did not move very far` about 100 miles .. but I still got homesick ... in fact the main things I missed was the noise from the railway and trees .. crazy things we miss. Oh yeah` the Friends thing you talk about .. we have made two Real Friends in about 33 years .. and recently we have become like strangers .. so yes` making friends in life can be hard in general .. plus working all time makes that hard going too.
I would recommend going Blackberrying or hunting for cobunts (like fresh, sweeter Hazelnuts, especially prevalent in Kent) I foraged some in ASDA car park, no cost and you get a good look at your local countryside, appreciate the little things, and you get to make a great apple and blackberry pie afterwards. Got the recipe if you need it. :)
Thanks for that, I think I'll join English heritage, I'd never really thought about it before but for 64 quid ill join and visit some interesting places.
The US National Park Service has a pass available for seniors that gives free admission (for four people) to their excellent facilities. It used to be quite inexpensive.
My only regrets are when I forget to watch one of your videos. They are all so interesting and informative. Thanks always for sharing.
Lucid explanation of potential pitfalls and great advice as to avoiding them.
We used to alternate English Heritage and National Trust each year, but it also depends on where you live as to which has most value, in Kent I would say given that National Trust has a few more better properties within a reasonable distance. Bateman’s (the home of Rudyard Kipling) is a really lovely place, just across the border in East Sussex, Knowl near Sevenoaks with its deer wandering the grounds, Scotney and Sissinghurst castles are all rather pleasant. Then again Dover castle is one of the best complete castles with the underground tunnels. Unfortunately Hever castle (fantastic place), nor Leeds castle are part of either group.
Very helpful video, thanks!
You are so likeable and funny! I really like these videos you do! Keep up the good work!🤗
A useful video as usual in ur own style ur funny even when u don't try to be, glad u came to england even county I'm in and found ur channel
I am an expat from British Columbia, Canada, living in Chester, England (I was in North Wales for a few years before this), and a lot of what you said I can relate to so much. Especially the friends part. I have been in the UK for almost 3 years ( moved here when I was 20), and my husband (who is also Canadian) and I still don't have very many friends at all. The closest friends I have made have been fellow foreigners. It's way easier. I have tried so hard to get in with British friend groups, and no one will let me in. I am still very, very lonely in this country.
mistake number six ... owning a sofa with toe breaking legs? ;p hehe, sorry, i love your weekly updates! thanks for sharing with us :)
Another great video.
you should have looked at sports/societies/hobbys/clubs/volunteering, and nearly all have social events/trips. Really good way to meet new people. I joined a local photography club, 10 min walk from my house, and met a lot of new people that way. I have a lot of respect for people who moved so far, I'd visited Vancouver, BC a few times and really wish I had made the effort to emigrate!
Great point about National Trust/English Heritage well worth joining not just for ex pats and immigrants but locals too well worth if you like that sort of thing
very good experience. Thank you very much!
Hi! I don't usually comment but it's quite evident that you've put in your heart curating this list of 5 points! Thankyou for your great insights and I hope you're doing well in life.
A suggestion, don't really consider these as mistakes. These are More of experiences that not many come across. Thanks
🙌
You are absolutely a lovely lady.i enjoyed your video.thank you.love and peace to you x
Very interesting vid - honest, from the heart.... very, interesting...... Cheers for sharing !!! :)
I spent a break year during uni teaching conversational English in Seoul, South Korea. I was an emergency replacement for a teacher who contracted hepatitis. I landed with no cultural prep and no real teaching experience. Fortunately our language institute gave us a week off after every 7-week term. It was only then that I had the time available to travel and learn about the country, which is something I wish I could have done before teaching. I learned to love the people AND the country.
Upon return to North America I surprisingly experienced “reverse culture shock,” taking pictures of EVERYTHING in sight. My family laughed at me!!!!
You are one brilliant young lady.
I wonder if you have any tips on how to make friends with local people, or can share what you did? Because I agree, it is very difficult to break into an established friend group as an adult!!
Join a Scout Group or Guides as a volunteer. They'll welcome you with open arms.
Great video Alanna!
I've been living in England for about 2 and a half months now (after moving from Ontario) and I'm definitely finding the job hunt a lot more difficult than I imagined. I thought I had a fantastic CV and was overconfident about finding a job in my field right away....but I was wrong.
Also wondering how I'm going to make friends and starting to feel homesick.
Thanks for reminding me I'm not alone! :)
Hi
You been on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway ? If not do so. Book for the April special express (. Double header trains leave Hythe none stop up to Dungeness and back Side By Side )
I'm English, I didn't know about English Heritage and National Trust even though I'd heard of them. Something I'd be interested in but everything my friends are interested in involves alcohol, sometimes too much. Yes I need some different friends but like you said easier said than done because people have their own friends (groups). Basically people don't speak to people they don't know. It seems impossible. This is Leicestershire. Apparently in Yorkshire, where my aunt lives, everybody talks to anybody.
And in Lancashire we speak to anybody and everybody.
And I’m happy again!!
I know it’s a few years late, but rather secure work before you get to the uk and in this day and age, it’s easier to look back in hindsight, but rather secure work and then travel instead of the other way around. If you’ve got plenty cash upfront, then fine, but if not - don’t chance it.
Home sickness never gets better. In fact it gets harder to leave home as time goes on. I know I have worked overseas most of my life including Canada
Must be a nice option to be able to have the choice to travel, even if you didn't, I started working on Saturdays at 12 years old and haven't stopped since. I had to do distance learning for my degree because I couldn't afford not to work.
Knowing what you know now...would you still have moved to England/UK?
Just watch the first couple of series of The League of Gentelmen - it's full of very dark northern humour, if you think you could deal with that then you'll have no problem adapting to UK life =)
We didn’t burn him!!!
I may be relocating again and I plan to learn from my mistakes. Will definitely make time to meet people while doing the stuff I love doing. So investigate Meet Ups on FB, join clubs, research your hobbies, make new hobbies up if you have to, make a programme even if it takes some $$$ to do so. Friendships across nationalities are more genuine and easy that way. With my first move I just thought friendships would happen like in my home country. Not so
I'm Australian and moved to UK pre internet 1997-2001; your experienes and advise is pretty much the same. Then there was an expat London weekly guide/newspaper. I was lucky enough to do short 1 or 2 day travels around UK ( bus, train or cheap flights ie £15) when i was working and 4-6 weeks through Europe. And mix with the locals at the pub and you'll find anything you need.
I moved from Canada to England back in 1997 ... have been living & working in Cambridge (the original old one over here, not the one in southern Ont.) ... one does adjust to how they are not like us! ;-) but working here one gets far more leave ... I have been at my current post for 9 years, get bank holidays off & 6 weeks!
The time-off in the UK is shocking compared to Canada!! It's wonderful!
English Heritage also do sick mead!
Oh God, I love mead, ^oo^