Moving abroad

TheEffect

This might not be the correct part of the forum to post, sorry about that!

I'm 21 and will be finishing my degree soon in computing! I've always dreamed of moving to America, but have always been told it's near impossible unless you have lots of money, are very well educated with a good degree and have worked in a specific industry for many years, so I've always thrown the idea to the back of my mind.

Recently I've been deciding what to do when I graduate which has made me think about moving abroad again, to start my career!

Has anyone got any advice or experience dealing with green cards/opportunities to move to the states and start a career/new life?

BrandNewDay

It's definitely hard to move to the US.

What is your degree in?

TheEffect

BrandNewDay wrote: »

It's definitely hard to move to the US.

What is your degree in?

Computing!

Was thinking of going into teaching!

property.advert

The best and easiest way to move to the USA is to work for a company which is either USA owned or has a significant presence in the USA. After establishing yourself in the UK the company would surely listen to your desires and it is the case that many encourage movement, though a depressed economy will scale numbers back somewhat.

If after some business trips and an extended period you decide you wish to remain in the USA then your company may sponsor you for your visa and so forth. After a few years you can get residency and perhaps even nationality.

Pitching up yourself with no visa nor work permit means you are far more costly than a local hire. Remember that.

Pont

Well out West, California, Arizona, Nevada etc, there seems to be a glut of teachers so perhaps not the best career move if you were planning on any of these states (don't know about other states). However, with a good (2:1 or above) in an ICT subject it may be worth a shot applying direct to companies and see if there are any openings. Networking - getting to know somebody already working in your preferred company/state is probably a good way to go.

Have you thought about maybe working for Camp America or such, just to get to know a particular area/people first?

A green card is a strange and wonderful thing, if all else fails marry an American (just joking of course)!

angelil

I would go with the 'get a job in a UK company that has bases in America and gradually worm your way in' route. I can't think that teachers are in short supply in the US.

I was also wondering what you are basing a move to America on? Do you just think it would be cool, or do you have some experience of the place? I ask because a) holidaying somewhere is different to living there [believe me, I love the US and am off on holiday there next week but as sure as hell wouldn't want to live there], and b) I moved abroad [to France] about 3.5 years ago and it's hard enough when it's really quite close to home and you really really want to do it...

Person_one

Have you considered Canada? I believe the entry requirements aren't as strict and while its a bit colder, you're less likely to get shot...

belfastgirl23

What about this as a start

http://j1visa.state.gov/

Lots of stuff there for budding teachers!

surfboard2

This topic comes up quite a bit on another forum i occasionally browse.

Check out this link: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9142773&postcount=5

thegirlintheattic

Without sponsorship from a company in the US it is very difficult - so direct applying to US companies is a good idea.

The J-1 teacher program requires three years experience as a qualified teacher and is an exchange program. You cannot live in the US after the exchange is over on that visa.

gingin_2

I really think the USA is extremely unlikely unless you are a passsport holder that is eligible to enter the greencard lottery ( it rules out Brits) and even then it's such a small chance.

What about going backpacking for a while? At 21 you could go and work at a US summer camp and then earn enough to go and travel for a few month afterwards, or go to Oz and do bar/farm work, or teach EFL in Japan/ China/ Taiwan.

British Expats is a great site, as mentioned before. If you really want to go as a teacher you could look at countries who list it as an occupation on their skilled shortages list. I know Canada, New Zealand and Australia have such lists but whether teaching is there, I am not sure.