Is foreign relocation amongst UK citizens set to increase?
Friday, 16th October 2009
A recent article in the Daily Mail has highlighted the results of a recent study which indicate that ‘Britain is the ‘worst place to live in Europe’.
According to the article, researchers weighed up official data for ten European countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Poland. After taking into account 17 quality of life measures, the study put Britain at the bottom of the list, with Ireland second from last. The best quality of life could be found in France and Spain.
Although the average Brit enjoys a high income, this is apparently cancelled out by long working hours, poor annual leave, rising food and fuel bills and a lack of sunshine…
Is life in Britain really that bad? There are many people who might consider that in comparison to a lot of countries worldwide, we really have it pretty good in the UK. There are certainly others who would agree that Britain’s grey skies and overpriced goods give its inhabitants just reason for feeling disillusioned, though.
In the midst of a period where there seems to be such a wide-spread feeling of general pessimism regarding both the current state of the UK, and the options for future change, relocation abroad could well be something that increasing number of people consider.
France, Spain and Italy in particular have long been popular choices for ex-pats, particularly as a retirement or post-career option for people in search of a more relaxed or affordable lifestyle. The number of people choosing to do this has admittedly been affected of late, primarily as a result of the poor exchange rate that Brits have been experiencing when they head to Europe, but this may change as the situation improves.
For those who are less financially cushioned and still need a way to earn money abroad, teaching English as a foreign Language continues to be a popular and useful option.
How much people choose to integrate when they move abroad varies quite a lot, and arguably those who remain in British-speaking enclaves will have little need to learn the local language proficiently. For those who choose to live in more rural areas, or who are determined to make new friends and integrate into the community though, it’s a different story.
Learning the local language really is key to integration, even if your progress is relatively slow. Simply making the effort to learn the new language will count in your favour, and will never go unnoticed amongst your new neighbours. Aside from being a gesture to your new-found friends, learning the language can actually be essential when it comes to the practicalities of your new life, especially if you live somewhere with no other English speakers. How are you going to get that leaky pipe fixed, or the brakes on your car checked if you don’t have the means to explain yourself?
There are lots of ways for you to acquire some of the language, both before and after you go. Whilst you could consider taking an evening course, or one to one lessons prior to relocating, upon your arrival you could enrol in a local language school, or even continue your learning online....there are a wealth of options for you to explore.
Tags: relocation, course, language, location, tailor-made, germany, italy, france, spain, italian, learning, food, german, french, spanish, english
Posted by Laura Harrison 2009-10 under Experience Cultures,
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Posted by yurtdışı eğitim on 11/06 at 02:29 PM
it was a nice article thanks a lot....