If I were to move... (or Canada for n00bs)

[jadekitty24]

Moral of the story: You have no right to complain unless you plan on doing something about it.

I don't recall her complaining.

I shall now unsubscribe from this thread.

Yeah, you do that.

Vniow, I can't add anything to help you with your questions about moving to Canada, but I DO wish you luck in that endeavor. I have always wanted to move there myself.

Maybe that's the attitude that is the reason for a move north.

No offense to you or anyone in particular, but I'm sure Asshats™ exist everywhere.

 

[candan9019]

Maybe you didn't get the memo about us electing our first conservative government in 13 years.

The Conservatives still lean farther left than the Republicans though. Still don't like them, Don't like any of the parties.

Ok I'm done with the politics, time for bed.

 

[candan9019]

No offense to you or anyone in particular, but I'm sure Asshats™ exist everywhere.

Oh I know, there all over the place, plenty up here to.

 

[telecomm]

...I don't plan to move anywhere until I get my degree and maybe some grad school. SF State is one of the few colleges in the world which has the program I want to get into and I'm certainly not moving to Indiana which is the other closest one.

Any chance there's a similar program at a Canadian university? Attending school here (and then getting a job here in the field afterwards) may be the easiest way to get in the door. Also, since you're not initially committing yourself to permanent residence here, that might be a nice way to see if Canada's for you.

PS: Tuition is generally cheaper here too, although you'd probably get stuck with international student fees, which tempers that advantage somewhat.

 

[vniow]

Any chance there's a similar program at a Canadian university?

There's some but none in the west coast area. Plus the only two programs they offer in my particular field are in French.

I could go to London or Australia wel well but I figure I'll stick around here since that involves being stationary for awhile. Plus I'd probably do grad school here as well so I might as well stay until I'm done with that. When that happens though I'm not sure where I'll go, maybe the situation will improve in the US by then. Who knows.

 

[neocell]

My opinion, and that's all it is...

I grew up on Vancouver Island and I've travelled sort of around the world and have been to the states a lot. I've always had trouble there, until I went to San Francisco, and for once I found an American city I could possibly live in. Chicago wasn't bad, travelling along the eastern seaboard was weird, it was as if a class system existed, just kind of strange. I've also lived out east in Canada too, for the last 5 years, and I must say eastern Canada (i.e. Ontario east) is nothing like B.C. Almost different countries, and well Alberta's kind of like Texas, but enough said. I love Vancouver, I'm partial to it, and I think it is a wicked place to live (may be expensive for Canada, but cheaper than San Fran).
vniow you'll either have an awesome time getting into this country, or else it'll be a red tape nightmare, hopefully the earlier. Why stress over crap that maybe you might be able to change, but it's one in a million, or go to a country in which people are chill and you don't have to fight so hard. The easy path isn't always the wrong path. No matter what the economics I can't imagine myself choosing to live in the U.S. over Canada, though San Fran was nice, but then the politics....
I hope you find peace in your decision, and supportive friends around you

 

[Otto Rehhagel]

Oh well that sucks for Canada. A country full of people running away from problems? Maybe if Canada made some contribution to the world other than politely and quietly disapproving of everything, we would take them more seriously.

I shall now unsubscribe from this thread.

Kind of hypocritical to characterize Canada as "A country full of people running away from problems" when you yourself are running away from this thread.

 

[Otto Rehhagel]

Making a move is difficult. I am in the process myself. Just some advice: Its not where you live, but how you live that will determine your happiness.

That being said, Canada is a beautiful country. I don't agree with bashing any country.

 

[Boggle]

I don't recall her complaining.

Vniow, I can't add anything to help you with your questions about moving to Canada, but I DO wish you luck in that endeavor. I have always wanted to move there myself.

No offense to you or anyone in particular, but I'm sure Asshats™ exist everywhere.

I'd like to second the sentiments of this post. I could barely get through reading that first page b/c it was so off topic and callous. As to the subject of moving to Canada: b/c you are still in the idea phase don't worry so much about the details, just know that it is not simple, or easy. There are however, a couple of good ways to accomplish your goal.

1. The easiest way in is thru a school. Either directly into a Canadian University Program or by attending a univeristy in the states that has a program based in Canada. There are quite a few of these.

2. You can also try to get a job in Canada b4 moving there. This is more difficult that any student option unless you possess some professional attribute not commonly available in the Canadian work force. Even w/ desired skills you'd need an employer to sponser you (i think sponser is the term,). Basically, they tell the Canadian Goverment that they need YOU over other applicants, and the gov't decides if you're elligable to work.

I know you're just having ideas now, but I wanted to offer this bit of advice learned from years of f*****g-up my life. It is always better to run TOWARD something, than away from it. Personally, I think everybody should live in another country for a while. I know that many of the most important experiences I've had have came from living outside "The States."

Hope this eases some of your frustration.

Boggle.

 

[frankblundt]

Glad to hear. Maybe I'd like to live in one of those quieter countries, they seem to draw less attention to themselves. I hear New Zealand's nice too although I don't know if I'll find much work there. I really need to be in a place similar to San Francisco, liberal environment, lots of people. Otherwise I'll probably be out of a job.

Don't know about SF, but I hear Auckland's quite a lot like Vancouver... and we're pretty liberal, even to some extent out in the wide open. We have plenty people for my tastes, nice beaches and pretty decent coffee. What kind of work are you looking for?

 

[pseudobrit]

There's some but none in the west coast area. Plus the only two programs they offer in my particular field are in French.

I'd recommend studying French ASAP regardless. Being bilingual (fully fluent in both English-French) will get you into Canada with nothing more than a high school degree. Even without being fully fluent, the more proficient you are adds points to your score, which can make up for shortcomings in other areas (especially sponsorship).

 

[Abstract]

And how is running away scared to Canada going to solve any of these perceived problems? They're still going to be down here, a few miles from your new home. Do you think you're "sticking it" to America by leaving? Theres 10 million Mexicans waiting to take your place.

Why does she need to have a justifiable reason, in your eyes, to leave the US? She can move for political reasons if she wishes, just like I would never move to the US because I don't like your government. Nobody is running. She's just walking away.

And to the person who made the suggestion to stay in the US and voice your negative opinion by voting......haha, that's funny. Imagine making a life decision around your ability to make 1 vote in your country in the future.
Anyway, vniow can still vote in the US, since she's moving, not becoming a Canadian citizen immediately. She can still be in Canada and vote, then see what happens.

Move to Vancouver. It's nice there. There's a bit of a drug problem there, but it's not like the city is a hole or anything. It's still great.

Don't know about SF, but I hear Auckland's quite a lot like Vancouver... and we're pretty liberal, even to some extent out in the wide open. We have plenty people for my tastes, nice beaches and pretty decent coffee. What kind of work are you looking for?

Melbourne has a "Vancouver" vibe. Perth is pretty sweet, too. Never been to Auckland, but it might not be populated enough for her. Same with Perth. Melbourne might be, though.

- Ian from Canada.

 

[AndyR]

Whatever you do don't move to the UK! This country is going down the pan v.v.quickly at the moment. Saw an article on the BBC site the other day which said in 5 years time, the native britian will be outnumbered by asian/african/indian people. Shocking!

Though it dam easy to get into the UK and stay here as no one will force you to leave, in fact you will probably get given a house here if you hijack a plane on the way in. Still can't beleive that actually happened!

I would love to move to the USA. Wanna switch identities: )

 

[miniConvert]

AndyR, that's so off topic that it's probably already in Canada

I'm also thinking of moving to Canada, but from the UK. I've just read up on the Entrepreneurs option thanks to pseudobrit and it sounds a little, well, invasive for my liking. Perhaps Skilled Worker really is the best way to go. Either way it sounds like possibly a long and drawn out process, but I find that extremely reassuring.

 

[After G]

AndyR, I'll switch with you

Then you can get Apple products sooner and I can drive to France / Germany / Spain whenever I feel like it

 

[itcheroni]

I've never been to Canada, but I have to say there's only one country I've been to that's more liberal (in the good, positive sense of the word) than SF, and that's Amsterdam. It's absolute heaven. I recommend you take a nice long vacation there, staying at several different cities. And I don't know how long you've been in the Bay Area but you should also check out Santa Cruz.

But if you need French lessons, I'd be happy to help.

 

[vniow]

And I don't know how long you've been in the Bay Area but you should also check out Santa Cruz.

Check it out? I lived there for 5 years.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

More like the people running the place. I'm growing tired of fighting the downhill slope that this country is going and figure I'd be better off going somewhere and joining the rest of the world in the 21st century. I do have a lot of friends and family here so I don't want to go too far but quite frankly I'm getting fed up. I know people have played the "move to Canada" card before but I'm actually serious about this one. If not there then somewhere else but the distance and the culture sound appealing.

I am one that "played" the move to Canada "card". Back in 2000, and in 2004. But as a gay couple it was hard back then. As a single without a college degree, and now well over 40 yo old - it is even harder.

After Iceland and London in February - I am more set on wanting more for my life - even if it means loosing friends here in the US. Sure my visit was short. And I had better opportunities to get "know" the people of Iceland, than I did in London - but the experiences that I had showed me that we in the US can learn some from our European "cousins".

The problem for me is that as a single Gay male with no college degree and no vast amount of wealth - it is hard to legally enter into most other countries.

And to be honest, at 48yo this July, I should be planning on my retirement - not trying to make a new start for the life I would have wanted in my youth.

At the risk of sending this to the PF here on MR. In the past 6+ years we have gone from the plus side on the National budget, to a deficit. This has lead to the US$ being in the tank against many other currencies. We now have those that for the first time in 100-200 years that want to limit the rights of the people.

Heck, in the past two elections we could not decisively decide on a President. Heck, yesterday we as a nation could not decisively decide on an "American Idol"!

Never mind how that might effect yours or my desires for equality. But how does that effect more basic needs for the nation as a whole?

I share your concern....

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Thank you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you hate the United States government that much, do you think you're going to hate it any less from within Canada? The only difference between you living here and you living over there, is that if you're over there, you can't actually do anything about it but point and complain. And that isn't going to do you any good, especially from within Canada. Nobody in the United States pays any attention to what that country thinks.

Moral of the story: You have no right to complain unless you plan on doing something about it.

To you last point. There are many of of that have "tried to do something about it" over the last 8-10 years. But it does not matter in this age of the internet and big $.

In many foreign nations, they have "better" health care. Lower costs, and options for those that are willing to spend more.

They have more open dialog that allows for equal numbers of teens to "discover" themselves with lower incidents of pregnancies and STD's (according to recent articles in the Washington Post).

For myself, I would prefer to seek a new life in the UK than here in the US. They seem not to seek the definition, now, on marriage as one that is based on Religious basis.

Sure I would end up paying a higher tax burden. But I may be willing to pay that price for "personal" freedom.

Let me give this idea. Lets allow for those in other countries "exchange" the rights of immigration and citizenship to those of us that see "greener grasses" in other nations.

Let us seek out the values that we were raised with, with countries that meet those values? May the best country win in the end. As it is now -IMHO - the US is very near being the next Roman Empire.

Sad to say as one from a military family. For I was taught at an early age to face towards the bugle at the evening tattoo.

 

[yg17]

Thank you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you hate the United States government that much, do you think you're going to hate it any less from within Canada? The only difference between you living here and you living over there, is that if you're over there, you can't actually do anything about it but point and complain. And that isn't going to do you any good, especially from within Canada. Nobody in the United States pays any attention to what that country thinks.

Moral of the story: You have no right to complain unless you plan on doing something about it.

The difference between him living here and him living there, is that if he lives in Canada, he could probably no longer give a **** about what the US does. I normally don't recommend running away from your problems either, but moving to Canada is far easier than trying to get an entire government to change every policy it has.

 

[Chundles]

I've never been to Canada, but I have to say there's only one country I've been to that's more liberal (in the good, positive sense of the word) than SF, and that's Amsterdam.

You mean "The Netherlands"? Amsterdam is a city.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

You mean "The Netherlands"? Amsterdam is a city.

Neither is SF, as in San Francisco, though many of us think of SF as a country unto its own - in a VERY positive way!

 

[jaysmith]

You mean "The Netherlands"? Amsterdam is a city.

that pretty much sums up amsterdam in one hilarious statement.

but being canadian, i can tell you that learning french isn't any sort of requirement. we only came up with french as a deterrent so that americans wouldn't flock up here. seriously though, there are easier ways to get a good citizenship score. learning french takes a long time, and in 75% of the counrty isn't really used. especially moving to the west coast. i'm moving to london ontario this fall and its already my favourite city.

 

[maestro55]

This thread (and others about moving out of the country) are of particular interest to me. As some might know, I am a 17 year old (will be 18 in June) and will be starting TSTC (Texas State Technical College) in the Fall. Assuming I have the funds and all works out, December 2008 I will graduate with three Associate Degrees (Networking Security Technology, Computer Networking Systems Administration, and Unix Specialization). Over the past year I have been trying to decide where I want to make my life. Over my lifetime I have wondered about living in London, Maine, California, Maryland, Texas (of course..), India, and now Canada.

My recent choice is based on a few things, number one, I would like to experience the foreign country living for a couple of years of my life, and Canada would be the most easy way (compared to moving to India or London.. as those countries are maybe too far for atleast right now). Also (and call me crazy) but the most amazing girl that I know is going to be going to school (she thinks) at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. So if I could find a job in Montreal I think it would be a great place to live for a few years. I don't know, as I have nearly three years to decide, but it doesn't hurt to read about things.

I guess I am just bored in my small town (where I have lived for nearly 18 years) and I want to expand my experiences. So I guess that gives me two years to learn french, eh?

 

[job]

I'll be honest here, I was able to appreciate the differences and the oddities and the problems even(!) in the United States after living in Europe for 6 years. Europe was such a different environment than the one that I had previously come from that it allowed me to "expand my horizons" as clichêd as that is.

I absolutely enjoyed my time spent abroad, but at the same time I always felt that the United States was my true home even with my maternal and paternal overseas ties (being the first generation born in America on both sides of my family.)

I think what you might find nviow, is that even if you do move elsewhere, you may find yourself wanting to come back to this country. Going to a different country, while a serious possibility given your stated circumstances may allow to find the peace of mind that you need, but at the same time, every country, town, city, or hamlet, no matter where it is, no matter what sort of government is currently in power has it's problems. While Canada may seem to have more going for it for your needs, bear in mind that it may not be everything you hope it is. Living somewhere is much, much different than just visiting, even for an extended period of time.