I'm an Aussie city girl who's moving to Alberta to be with her man. Pretty nervous about being away from friends and family. Has anyone else done the big move (to Alberta or Canada generally) for love? How hard was it? How did you adjust? And are there any Aussie expats in Alberta?!! Cheers, Rosie
2007-04-04 18:16:33 · 5 answers · asked by rosie 1 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Other - Canada
Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question from quite the same perspective, as I am from the U.S. and moved to Canada to marry and be with my husband. Lived first in Calgary, then back in U.S., and now in Vancouver.
The weather difference was not near as extreme for me as it will be for you, but I don't think it will be as bad as you might imagine, either. The Calgary area is lovely, and in summer months is dry and warm, though not too hot. While winter can be bitterly cold, there are also "chinook winds" that blow through on occasion and warm things up and melt the snow for a bit.
It is difficult to be away from friends and family, and for the first few months especially you will probably be very homesick. Just keep close in touch via phone and internet, esp. webcam. There will also be times that you long for "home", for the stores that you know, for the home accents, and the products you are familiar with. You might bring with you a few of your favorite sweets (you may be happy to know that TimTams are available in Canada, LOL!) and perhaps your friends and family can send "care packages" from time to time of things you miss.
I am assuming that you have the needed documents in hand for living in Canada ... if you do not, I assume you are aware that without them (i.e. permanent residency, or other status) you cannot work, nor qualify for the National Health Care, so be prepared to pay for health care if needed.
I am sure there must be other Aussies in Calgary, of all places in Canada! Hopefully you will be able to meet up with some.
Msg me if you would like some additional info and ideas.
Keep me posted, eh?
2007-04-05 00:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by Pichi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was born and raised in Alberta and my dad worked the oil rigs for over 40 years.He would sometimes be away from home for weeks or even over a month at a time and we all lived in the same province.He and my mom made their marriage work for 36 years and the only reason it didn't last longer was because he passed away in 1997.As long as you look ahead to the big picture and don't start making him feel bad about being away from home it will be okay.I'm sure it's going to be hard enough for him to go so far for work but there are a lot of Easterners who work out here that come from as far away as Newfoundland so just support him and be happy that he will have a good paying job that he loves doing.And if you do decide to come West then Welcome to Alberta!!
2016-05-17 08:59:57 · answer #2 · answered by janene 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you get lonely for other Aussies, go to Banff - there seem to be lots there working at the ski hills in the winter months
2007-04-05 06:47:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring warm clothing!!!! It's so cold in the winter.
2007-04-04 18:18:33 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree, it is cold, that is why i left, esp. in the winter. the summers are nice. but there is alot to do there.
2007-04-04 20:58:07 · answer #5 · answered by happyday to you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋