Moving abroad

haras_nednats

Hi everyone!
I love the Old Style MS board and thought I would put this to you, although it's not really OS - I'm moving to Austria and wondered if anyone has any tips, tricks, hints, anecdotes they want to share about moving to another country, or even just moving house.
I'm in an amazing position in that I am moving from my parents' house to my boyfriend's flat so I don't need to worry about rent, furniture etc. but I will have to look for a job over there.
I have lived there before so I know what I'm letting myself in for, but I'm still nervous as I don't have any of my own friends and I know that I will get homesick for my family... I'm also worried that my boyfriend won't adjust to me being there, but expect me to change/compromise.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Sarah

PasturesNew

I'm guessing you read this yesterday:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/austria/articles/austria-things-to-see-and-do-reasons-to-visit/

I couldn't live somewhere without a seaside, I'd feel claustrophobic and hemmed in and trapped.

Slowly57

haras_nednats wrote: »

.... I'm still nervous as I don't have any of my own friends and I know that I will get homesick for my family... I'm also worried that my boyfriend won't adjust to me being there, but expect me to change/compromise.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Sarah

Awww .... well, change is scarey as well as exciting - but you are choosing to make this big change. Take it slow, make compromises that you are comfortable with and go at your own pace. You've been living with your parents as an adult - so you've no doubt had some practice at compromise

I'm sure you'll make friends - a new job will take care of some of that - and I'm sure you'll find ways of keeping in touch with your family and UK friends. However, don't keep looking back - your life is in front of you Don't experience life totally through your boyfriend either - you are having your own adventure as well as sharing it with him. Wishing you good luck xx

haras_nednats

I hadn't actually seen that article, thanks for the link!

I know what you mean, I grew up by the seaside and it's something that I miss a lot in Austria. Having said that, the beautiful blue Danube does make up for it in some ways http://viennawurstelstand.com/media/k2/items/cache/f203d630ce0c3265f9c9461092194e6b_XL.jpg

haras_nednats

Slowly57 wrote: »

However, don't keep looking back - your life is in front of you

Thank you very much for those words, such good advice! :):)

jackyann

My advice is at first, don't be afraid to 'be a tourist', look for & soak up everything.
My second is also not to be afraid of seeking out fellow Brits - they will usually have lots of advice, and will be a familiar language that you will sometimes long to hear. Mostly they will also be 'outward' rather than 'inward' looking.
My third is: always ask - as we often say on this board, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Fourth: you don't say how proficient you are in German. I imagine you must be very good, but it may still be worthwhile to sign up for some sort of classes, if they have them. I think that there is a big leap between being reasonably fluent and getting the idiom and odd quirks of grammar.

You probably won't have time to do all of these, but pick those that seem most convenient / worthwhile. If you can afford it, it is sometimes worthwhile picking up part-time or even voluntary work whilst you get used to everything.
I hope you have a wonderful time.

Nomoonatall

Ignore the naysayers!

I'm so jealous! If it was me, I'd dress like Maria Von Trapp and twirl around the mountains!

I'd also buy a St Bernard and eat Austrian chocolate. What more could anyone want in life?!

Best wishes to you!

Oh and toast melted cheese in front of the fire. Please don't burst my bubble!