Over the last few years, I've really gotten tired of the UK and am keen to work overseas for at least a couple of years with a view to permanent emmigration. I'm having difficultly in deciding where would be the best place to go.
I'm a 34 year old senior software engineer with an MSc in Artificial Intelligence, so it would have to be somewhere with a substantial technology industry. I'm gay and with a partner, so somewhere tolerant. I'd like to live somewhere near the coast, ideally with cultural activities (art galleries, opera, theatre, classical and pop concerts, cinema ). I've heard that Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne and Sydney are great places, but haven't had chance to visit them. Have been to Vancouver, Canada a few times, and love it, but the Canadian High Commission website states that it will take nearly 4 years for them to process my application, and I really don't want to wait that long.
Where would everyone recommend?
2006-09-17 05:03:14 · 10 answers · asked by itom200 2 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
I've lived in Auckland, Wellington, Christhurch, Melbourne and Sydney. I'm 38, educated - and gay, too.
In my honest opinion, it's a toss-up between Wellington and Melbourne - and I'd lean towards Wellington. I was born there, so I have a natural bias, but it has a better climate, no nasty bitey-stingey things, an excellent working environment, stunning scenery, and a very good technology infrastructure. Sydney/Melbourne are both three hours flying time away, as are most of the warm tropical holiday destinations in the Pacific. House prices are climbing steadily (as here) but are still much lower than the UK - and lower than Oz. It's less congested, although you will need a car. Wellington is compact as a city, but public transport can be infrequent - especially at weekends, and the networks are not as developed because of the sparse-ish population distribution outside the cities.
Melbourne is hotter in summer and cooler in winter. It has excellent cultural development, thanks largely to the large eastern/southern European population - especially Greek/Italian. It has excellent restaurants, and the arts are second to none. The city is larger than Wellington both size and population-wise (350,000 vs 1 million+), and the centre of the city is bigger - though not as quaint/friendly as the New Zealand capital. Wellington is also the seat of government and, in your line of work, this could be excellent if you land a job working for a govt department.
Good luck. A little more website research is needed here, or possible a month 'down-under', with two weeks in either place. It's a big move down there, so careful planning will pay off.
2006-09-18 00:37:54 · answer #1 · answered by ManBoobs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for NZ, Wellington is definately where the culture is. Auckland is just a bit too spread out, and after a while the time spent travelling everywhere will really get to you.
Surely a senior software engineer can afford a round the world ticket? Go and visit them all, spend a couple of weeks in each, and make your own decision.
Personally I like Christchurch and Melbourne, but I also like chicks, so eveyone is different.
2006-09-17 12:11:30 · answer #2 · answered by Kiwi Chicken 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be put off by the Canadian High Commission website. Friends of mine are currently trying to emigrate and they are using an immigration agency to help speed their applications etc. Also if you can find a job in Canada first that helps. Helps too if you have a skill that is in short supply in Canada. The answer is to do as much research as you can into emigrating, visit the area where you would want to live as much as possible and keep positive.
Can't blame you for wanting to go to Vancouver - I loved it.
2006-09-17 12:22:56 · answer #3 · answered by Libby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lulu did you by any chance read what the man was asking!! you have told him exactly what he doesn't want to do and how long has Canada been east if your in UK...Itom why not try S Africa you would fit in with your qualifications but of course my own choice is OZ. Good luck.
2006-09-17 12:19:28 · answer #4 · answered by srracvuee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like Wellingtons the place for you.
2006-09-19 03:09:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Kiwi Chicken about Wellington - it's definitely where I'd want to live if emigrated.
2006-09-17 13:25:56 · answer #6 · answered by Phil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wellington!!!
2006-09-19 16:14:39 · answer #7 · answered by bambam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Germany is looking for IT professionals and is importing them from India. Hamburg would fit your requirements.
2006-09-17 12:37:17 · answer #8 · answered by john b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
france 9its really nice no trffic and good industry or maybe italy it's nice to . if you wanna go east try canada ive hearcd it's veryu nice and if you like it then you cant go wrong
2006-09-17 12:09:39 · answer #9 · answered by lulu l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
new zealand! new zealand new zealand new zealand new zealand new zealand new zealand new zealand You get the picture! Defenitely nz!
2006-09-18 12:16:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋