"It's not an easy decision to make when thinking about emigrating, especially when that country is on the other side of the world! You always see people on TV going away and thinking 'that is what I want to do', but it is not quite so easy a decision as you think. What will my family and friends say? Can I really leave them behind? Afterall, they are the most important people in my life! But at the end of the day, you need to live your life for you and no-one else. So why Australia? I chose to emigrate to Oz because of the laid back lifestyle, the cheaper cost of living and above all, the sunshine!!"
Ian Moran : still resident in Yorkshire, but emigrating to Perth soon.

Prepare yourself as much as possible for your arrival and avoid making last minute arrangements. Simple things like having dental check-ups done;obtaining sufficient prescription medicines (if applicable); having your driver's License updated; arranging for a free email address (e.g.www.hotmail.com); checking to ensure that you won't exceed airline handluggage limits (this can be very expensive when suddenly caught unawares).Try to learn as much about your end destination as possible by using the internet. Also contact the relevant State and city's tourism authority for free maps. The more organised you are on arrival, the easier the transition to your 'new' home."
Prue Gilbert ex U.K. and now living in Adelaide.

Check your suburban newspaper for local assistance with mundane chores like ironing, cleaning or gardening. Babysitters also advertise. Treat yourself to these services occasionally! The other advice I give is to get over any fears you have of spiders! They will leave you alone if you leave them alone and even though most are harmless, they look scary Buy yourself an illustrated book to help identify the "baddies" from the "goodies".
Tracy Pelser ex South Africa and now living in Sydney.

Our decision to move to the land 'Down Under' presented challenges we had never faced before. Saying goodbye to everything we knew, friends, family and our lifestyle was hard, but we survived the movers, farewell parties and the long flight. When asked if I would do it again, my reply will always be the same : absolutely! Australia welcomed us with open arms, warm weather and a relaxed, friendly attitude that made the "arrival stresses" much less intense. If I have any advice to give, it's take a lot of photos of home as you will miss it. Write to friends and family often, keep in touch with those you left behind, but always remember, you have a new home now. Become involved in your community, build relationships, find value in your new environment and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Reg and Sarah Alexander ex UK and now living in Adelaide.

Schooling children in Australia may be somewhat different to your current situation. Whilst most private schools do have codes of conduct that are enforced, state (government) schools are not always able to implement their levels of discipline. This carries through to dress codes, modes of behaviour and even start / finish times.There are very good state schools in Queensland, however there are also some that perhaps will not encourage values similar to your own. Do your research well--if possible, visit the school(s) and talk not only to the staff, but also to the students. There is more to schooling than just good academic grades. Look for schools that offer the best all-round education and excel in extra-curricula activities. Having your children participate in afterschool activities will greatly assist in building their social group and making friends. This in turn gives you the opportunity to 'get involved' and meet parents with a common interest.
Maureen Kaplan ex South Africa and now living on the Gold Coast, Queensland.

If you're thinking about emigrating, remember to pack all the "little" stuff--the ornaments given to you by your kids (and paid for out of their pocket money!); the kids' paintings, silly things that always lie around the home--these will become "super" important to you as memories flood by and will help turn your new house into a 'home'. Having sentimental and familiar things around will make the move (and settling down period) easier on the emotions... ! Wendy McCarthy ex South Africa and now living in Melbourne.

The internet is a great way to find out about where you're going. Look up everything you can about your destination town or city and it's suburbs. Visit the 'link' web sites, send off for information (schools, business centres, community groups etc.) It does not matter if they are not meaningful or of interest to you now. It orientates you and could well prove to be your source to meet new people. You have to make the effort to develop new friendships. Community service clubs like Rotary and Lions, sporting clubs and even your child's school are a great way to start.
Margaret and Clive Phillips ex UK and now living in Sydney.

Grocery shopping in Australia for the first time is quite an experience. I didn't recognise any brandnames and the vegetables... so many were very different to what I knew! My advice is that you "take a chance" and experiment a little. Or ask a neighbour what they would recommend. Also try to watch the cooking shows on TV and see what 'labels' they use. It certainly makes dinner a little more exciting and interesting!
Marie Kruger ex South Africa and now living in Brisbane.

Prepare yourself for the casual and informal Ozzie lifestyle. Entertaining is more casual, in restaurants and at home and the dress code is far less formal. Coming from the UK, the biggest factor affecting our lifestyle was the weather. Life takes place out-doors. Entertaining is almost always 'al fresco' and children play in the grounds all year round. So don't forget to pack all your outdoor activity equipment.
Geraldine Nicholson ex UK and now living in Perth.

If you are considering a move to Australia, plan ahead, for the sooner you come the easier it will be to settle and establish your own new history in your new country. Don't leave it too late as there can be complications and age is not kind 'on points'. The job market recognises Australian experience before all else and any qualifications gained in Australia are beneficial on your Resume. One only has to turn the picture around! If you were an employer and two people applied for a position, one being locally educated and experienced, while the other had no local experience -- who would you employ? It's not about favouritism, nor about a dislike of other nationalities, but about what you can bring to the job. There is no "right" time for making the move; just sooner. Its no co-incidence that children settle fast and more easily than adults!
Gail Paterson ex South Africa and now living in Brisbane.

Drawings by courtesy of Geoff Higgs, Toowoomba, Queensland

Australia Compared to Europe