Moving to USA

1886

I have cousins who moved from the UK to Michigan 20 years ago. Mum, Dad and two young boys probably both slightly under 5yo. They did'nt have a dual nationality, the father had a job offer.

It must have been very hard for them to leave their family behind, esp the mum's mum as they were very close. We went over to see them in 2004 and it was brilliant, very odd though meeting children that our now teenagers with no trace of an English accent.

I would say go for it. They have friends and family visit for two - four weeks at a time. That amount of time put solidly together is probably more time than you'd spend with them in a year here!

I know that the mum found having her children a really good way to make friends i.e through the school friends otherwise she would have struggled as she does'nt work and would'nt meet many new ppl

caevans

Thanks. Re schooling, I guess quality of schooling varies across states and within states, just as quality of schooling varies in the UK. I had terrible schooling here in the UK, but thankfully managed to get decent grades!
Re. Healthcare - obviously it would be a prerequisite ensuring that good healthcare plan is in place before we go out. That's a no brainer. I work in health here and the thought of having to pay for treatment in US is terrifying, so would definitely ensure insurance is very much in place. My husband has 1 sister and 1 brother also in the states so we could ask them how they have managed etc. Just don't really want to ask them just yet when we are so undecided. Need to be covert girl for a bit I think!

Gloomendoom

If you work in healthcare here, a similar job there may come with healthcare benefits. This was the case with my SIL. However, despite being a specialist intensive care nurse educated to degree level with several years experience in the UK, she had to re-qualify before she could get a similar job in the US.

over_seer

Very interesting forum and comments! We moved to the USA in Dec 2008 in our late fifties and live in Atlanta. We are established now and our daughter lives quite near us as she is now a citizen through marriage.

I often find I need advice on UK bank accounts (switching accounts etc), remortgages (typical Ex Pat mortgages for Buy to Let are lower than 75% LTV). Just don't know where to go to for advice as most of MSE's posts apply to people living and working in the UK? Ideas - advice anyone? Want to ask me a question?