So, Im moving to the US OF A.

MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
<div class="IPBDescription">From jolly old.</div>so! the topic is pretty self explanitory. basically, its come to the point, where, aside from some aspirationaly uni dreams, i have no reason to remain in the country really, gf is studying abroad for 2 years on her IB, so thats cool, parents are hundreds of miles away, so another 0 wont matter etc <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

I'm also adopted, so i am actually Elligible for american citizenship, now, my question is, how long is it gonna take to sort out? my bio dad seems to think, if i ring the embassy on monday, explain that i basically wanna get going fast, maybe be like ' yeah i got nowhere to go, staying with friends' they can get me my citizenship sorted out in like 1/2 weeks. and then, i got a ticket paid for by my bilogical dad, i get on plane. and poof. im living in the us <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> got a friend to stay with in upstate new york, she is gonna hook me up for as long as i need, i figure i can find work relatively quick, as the large majority of yanks, ( im sure some sarky people on here will try and tell me otherwise) like brits! so im gonna be playin on the accent <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

Basically, i need tips! what do i need to know, any large cultural differences? ive been on holiday to the states a few times, but nothing more, any advice? things i should know? possible ideas for work?

I'm a qualified electrical engineer, but not practiced it for years.

SO! Gieb advice?

at the moment, i plan to sell everything i own, b4 i go, to raise some more cash, i dont think its worth taking my pc over there, since, lets face it, itll probarbly be more hassle then its worth..or am i wrong? would it be a simple luggage carry or more complex? i mean, i know i would have to convert the power source etc..
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Comments

  • CrispyCrispy Jaded GD Join Date: 2004-08-22 Member: 30793Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1637828:date=Jul 8 2007, 01:23 AM:name=Moquiao)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moquiao @ Jul 8 2007, 01:23 AM) [snapback]1637828[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->SO! Gieb advice?

    at the moment, i plan to sell everything i own, b4 i go, to raise some more cash, i dont think its worth taking my pc over there, since, lets face it, itll probarbly be more hassle then its worth..or am i wrong? would it be a simple luggage carry or more complex? i mean, i know i would have to convert the power source etc..
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->I still don't understand why you're going in the first place, but meh.

    For your PC I'd take the lightest and most expensive parts of your PC (mobo maybe, GFX card probably, CPU, RAM, HD) and sell the rest and just build a new PC in a new case when you arrive. You'll either want to pack them incredibly well or pack them fairly well and take them on as hand luggage (perhaps on a subsequent trip). But you can buy any parts you need when you're over there with your super expensive pound savings.
  • MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637831:date=Jul 8 2007, 01:31 AM:name=Crispy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Crispy @ Jul 8 2007, 01:31 AM) [snapback]1637831[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    I still don't understand why you're going in the first place, but meh.

    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    not many do, basically, im... unsatisfied with things over here, and why not now? whilst i got nothing holding me down, then to just take a shot, and go for it.. i planned to move to the us at some point in my life, why not now?
  • arcticaarctica Shindiggery innit Join Date: 2005-02-18 Member: 41646Members
    you're probably better off selling everything and just moving over and starting fresh. You'll get more money than you probably realise from the massive advantage you have with the exchange rate. Less luggage hassle too.
  • AnarkiThreeXSixAnarkiThreeXSix x_x Join Date: 2003-12-31 Member: 24894Members
    Pfft. Yeah, why not? Even if things don't go too well, it'll be quite an adventure!
    (Just make sure you go to the usa, not jesusland.)
  • XythXyth Avatar Join Date: 2003-11-04 Member: 22312Members
    Yeah! U-S-A! U-S-A!

    Really though, I would reccomend just selling your entire computer and maybe keeping the harddrive if you have alot of data you want to keep. As far as finding work goes, you probably won't have much problem in NY, it's a big place. Though if you really want to make some good money I'd say move somewhere close to DC.
  • semipsychoticsemipsychotic Join Date: 2003-07-09 Member: 18061Members
    Both NY and DC have high costs of living along with high-paying jobs.

    D.C. is something else; life and culture around there is endlessly hectic. There's a general obsession with advancement, prosperity, and activity; it's sort of a collectively type-A area, so avoid it if you don't want to "live hard" in the professional sense. New York probably isn't any better, though. If you want something relaxing, move down south to the aforementioned Jesusland. It's more extreme further south (everything: the relaxation, the Jesus, the guns, the country music, and other stereotypical good or bad stuff), though once you hit Florida, things feel more northern as you approach the southern end of the state.
  • CabooseCaboose title = name(self, handle) Join Date: 2003-02-15 Member: 13597Members, Constellation
    Learn the American English equivalant to words you use on a regular basis.

    Rather than saying "petrol" say "gas"
    Rather than saying "lift" say "elivator"
    Rather than saying "car park" say "parking lot"

    I know it doesn't seen like much, but a lot of us are pretty damn stupid, and using Britishisms confuses more people than you'd think it should. I occationally throw on a fake accent and have fun with the locals, asking for directions and such, it's a blast.
  • AnarkiThreeXSixAnarkiThreeXSix x_x Join Date: 2003-12-31 Member: 24894Members
    but but, I bet he'd get way more chicks if they thought(knew?) he was a fancy brit.
  • TestamentTestament Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 4037Members
    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Rather than saying "car park" say "parking lot"<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    A car park and parking lot are different things, at least in Canada.
  • CabooseCaboose title = name(self, handle) Join Date: 2003-02-15 Member: 13597Members, Constellation
    <img src="http://www.armatura.connectfree.co.uk/concangis/images/carpark.jpg" border="0" alt="IPB Image" />

    Google Image search says this is a car park in the UK. Looks like a parking lot to me.
  • aeroripperaeroripper Join Date: 2005-02-25 Member: 42471NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    Don't forget to pick up your free gun in the tents outside the airport. Welcome to America!
  • the_x5the_x5 the Xzianthian Join Date: 2004-03-02 Member: 27041Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1637867:date=Jul 8 2007, 03:29 AM:name=aeroripper)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aeroripper @ Jul 8 2007, 03:29 AM) [snapback]1637867[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Don't forget to pick up your free gun in the tents outside the airport. Welcome to America!
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    -__-


    Anyways...

    I think you should go on a road trip when you get here. Most people here forget how beautiful and diverse the US is. Each state alone has some pretty notable diversity (well except for the central plains states... no offense...). People outside of the USA tend to just think of us as one big superpower but in fact we are a nation of several unique states united as one and <i>that</i> is the source of being a world power. This may seem trivial but so many forget (especially politicians) that it is the power of <i>unity</i> that makes the USA what it is.
  • Paranoia2MBParanoia2MB Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7832Members
    Moq!

    Long time no talk, still have the bike(s)?

    Come to the USA and be pwnface, have everybody think you're a bully and are fat and dont care about anything else, but at least you pwnface everybody else!

    Move to California with the traffic the illegals! haha And oh, the uber uptight cops where they pull over importers but they don't pull over other domestics. Eh, that will change when i'm CHP or something. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

    Random I know, but whenever you come. Enjoy your stay! I know this isn't informative, but this is a post of me not thinking and that is a bad idea!


    I'll make a post later with handy info, besides Orange County, California being one of themost expensive places to live in a house w/o a good job or remate or some kind of financial help.
  • arcticaarctica Shindiggery innit Join Date: 2005-02-18 Member: 41646Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637868:date=Jul 8 2007, 02:45 AM:name=the_x5)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(the_x5 @ Jul 8 2007, 02:45 AM) [snapback]1637868[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    -__-
    Anyways...

    I think you should go on a road trip when you get here. Most people here forget how beautiful and diverse the US is. Each state alone has some pretty notable diversity (well except for the central plains states... no offense...). People outside of the USA tend to just think of us as one big superpower but in fact we are a nation of several unique states united as one and <i>that</i> is the source of being a world power. This may seem trivial but so many forget (especially politicians) that it is the power of <i>unity</i> that makes the USA what it is.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    am I the only one who shed a tear at that?

    ;)
  • aeroripperaeroripper Join Date: 2005-02-25 Member: 42471NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation
    edited July 2007
    <!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I think you should go on a road trip when you get here. Most people here forget how beautiful and diverse the US is. Each state alone has some pretty notable diversity (well except for the central plains states... no offense...). People outside of the USA tend to just think of us as one big superpower but in fact we are a nation of several unique states united as one and that is the source of being a world power. This may seem trivial but so many forget (especially politicians) that it is the power of unity that makes the USA what it is.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Aww man and I live in Nebraska! You cut me deep ;-D.

    There are many reasons and circumstances why we became a world power, and not solely through unity. True, national unity helps makes a nation stronger, although things like military power\soft culture\ and money make a bigger difference IMO. Arguably, you could have a militarily led government without the consent of the people, and still be a world power. Unity by force, or unity by consent? Although a discussion like that belongs in the discussion forum, maybe I should start a thread hmm...

    Anyways, hope you enjoy your time in the country. Wish I had the enthusiasm to just pick my life up and move it to another country just for the experience, not to mention the financial means.
  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1637832:date=Jul 8 2007, 01:33 AM:name=Moquiao)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moquiao @ Jul 8 2007, 01:33 AM) [snapback]1637832[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    not many do, basically, im... unsatisfied with things over here, and why not now? whilst i got nothing holding me down, then to just take a shot, and go for it.. i planned to move to the us at some point in my life, why not now?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Because we've now actually got a government that listens more than the last?
  • AbraAbra Would you kindly Join Date: 2003-08-17 Member: 19870Members
    Also: Slaves!
    LOlol OH NO HE DIIEEENT! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

    I would love to visit America, or England for the sake of improving my English - and using it.
  • MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
    edited July 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1637881:date=Jul 8 2007, 10:23 AM:name=aeroripper)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aeroripper @ Jul 8 2007, 10:23 AM) [snapback]1637881[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    . Wish I had the enthusiasm to just pick my life up and move it to another country just for the experience, not to mention the financial means.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    oh dont worry, i dont have the financial means <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> im going over with less then $300, thats half the fun. i gotta make it for myself <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" /> i am going to try and pick up a new digicam b4 i go, so that i can take alot of pics, meeting my biological parents for the first time(well first time since i was 0.6 months.) will be interesting. ive only had communicaion via phone/email so far.

    as for NY itself, i will be moving to upstate ny, around the woodstock area. purely cos my friend is there, and its near the canadian border(ish)

    EDIT : hey para bro <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=";)" border="0" alt="wink-fix.gif" />, and no, i dont ride anymore, since the accidents involving my friends, ive been too scared to get back on a bike. i do miss it alot though, maybe when i get to the us ill pick one up..
  • MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637885:date=Jul 8 2007, 11:00 AM:name=Thaldarin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Thaldarin @ Jul 8 2007, 11:00 AM) [snapback]1637885[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Because we've now actually got a government that listens more than the last?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    I hate to be the one to break this to you, but i dont make my life choices based on who is @ number 10.
    I couldnt give a flying monkeys who is in. or out. there is no political basis for my choices, if anything its classist. thats about it.
  • DepotDepot The ModFather Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7956Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637892:date=Jul 8 2007, 06:48 AM:name=Moquiao)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Moquiao @ Jul 8 2007, 06:48 AM) [snapback]1637892[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    [...]

    as for NY itself, i will be moving to upstate ny, around the woodstock area. purely cos my friend is there, and its near the canadian border(ish)\

    [...]
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I lived in upstate N.Y. for 12 years, a very short ride from Woodstock (Hudson). The people are fast-paced and rude, as a rule, and look pale as if sickly (remember, I live in Florida... they don't get enough sun). Oh, you won't find tea and crumpets at 3:00pm either. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> Woodstock has some badass candle and leather shops on the main drag, remnants from Woodstock1, and you'll see a lot of old people running around in togas etc.

    Unless you've a high dollar computer that's relatively new, leave it there. As for employment, the town is small, but Kingston and Newburgh aren't to far off.

    Visit the Catskill mountains while there, don't miss the world-famous Catskill Game Farm, and ignore the stuck-up NYC ######s up there. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • cshank4cshank4 Join Date: 2003-02-11 Member: 13425Members
    Whatever you do, stay out of Michigan (Unless you have a vehicle with a tail-mounted machine gunner and someone foolhardy enough to man it.) and the deep southern bible-belt.
  • DepotDepot The ModFather Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7956Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637897:date=Jul 8 2007, 08:26 AM:name=cshank4)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cshank4 @ Jul 8 2007, 08:26 AM) [snapback]1637897[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    [...] and the deep southern bible-belt.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I resemble that statement! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":angry:" border="0" alt="mad-fix.gif" />
  • enf0rcerenf0rcer intrigued... Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14584Members
    I hope you're moving for the right reasons - you say there's nothing keeping you in the UK but once you've moved you might find that just flying to a different country hasn't solved this lack of substance.

    It would make more sense to go for a sort of travel test period since you know lodgings are available to you - on a whim stuff like this can either work out well or end in misery. I'm hoping this ends up being a good choice but I think you need to put way more thought into it.
  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    Moving there without a solid economically basis doesnt sound like a good idea to me, although I envy you, I have always wanted to visit 'the states.
  • cshank4cshank4 Join Date: 2003-02-11 Member: 13425Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637919:date=Jul 8 2007, 12:24 PM:name=Epidemic)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Epidemic @ Jul 8 2007, 12:24 PM) [snapback]1637919[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Moving there without a solid economically basis doesnt sound like a good idea to me, although I envy you, I have always wanted to visit 'the states.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    It's the same as any other place.


    'Cept we got more awesome per mile^2. (That's right. ###### the metric system.)
  • EpidemicEpidemic Dark Force Gorge Join Date: 2003-06-29 Member: 17781Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637920:date=Jul 8 2007, 05:31 AM:name=cshank4)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cshank4 @ Jul 8 2007, 05:31 AM) [snapback]1637920[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    It's the same as any other place.
    'Cept we got more awesome per mile^2. (That's right. ###### the metric system.)
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yes, I guess <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • MoquiaoMoquiao Join Date: 2003-05-09 Member: 16168Members
    thats just it...

    there is no real reason to go.

    but there is no real reason to stay either, that is what makes it perfect in my eyes.

    i dont WANT to think too hard about it. thats not how i like life... i might go over there and end up tossing off hobos for a quarter! who knows! thats the fun.

    and ofc, if i dont like it, i can come back.. it isnt said anywhere i cant <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> but my tenancy ends on my flat etc, anyway, so nothing woudl change, i keep what i keep at my parents etc..

    it seems you guys need more sense of adventure <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" /> i think this will be fun
  • Kouji_SanKouji_San Sr. Hινε Uρкεερεг - EUPT Deputy The Netherlands Join Date: 2003-05-13 Member: 16271Members, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue
    Yeh, but so do the Brits. So this is of no relevence to the OP <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

    Your benzine --> gas is also loads cheaper. This is comming from the Netherlands, which in total is just as big as the state of NY so... ehm... You drive have to traverse larger distances and have overall huge cars which love their gas intake. So I think were even?

    Hmm another culrural difference. How many of you yanks drive automatic are the stickshifting cars a very small minority? Hope you have fun over there in the states Moq AND REMEMBER THEY DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • sherpasherpa stopcommandermode Join Date: 2006-11-04 Member: 58338Members
    i've been looking at moving to america and id like to sort out a job prior to going, but the only ones being offered to overseas people are like cleaning ladies/ski lift operators where the pay is $6/hour and that's like, half of the minimum wage in the UK...

    plus i heard in the first couple of years you won't get more than a couple weeks holiday, in the UK you're looking at at least 5 weeks (as in mon-fri = 25 days)
  • 404NotFound404NotFound Join Date: 2006-10-31 Member: 58103Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1637923:date=Jul 8 2007, 12:48 PM:name=Kouji_San)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Kouji_San @ Jul 8 2007, 12:48 PM) [snapback]1637923[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Yeh, but so do the Brits. So this is of no relevence to the OP <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

    Your benzine --> gas is also loads cheaper. This is comming from the Netherlands, which in total is just as big as the state of NY so... ehm... You drive have to traverse larger distances and have overall huge cars which love their gas intake. So I think were even?

    Hmm another culrural difference. How many of you yanks drive automatic are the stickshifting cars a very small minority? Hope you have fun over there in the states Moq AND REMEMBER THEY DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->


    For the most part, an automatic is now the standard option on any given car in America. But fear not, you can still get a stickshift on your honda civic so you can go omg lawls fast lolol!!111

    Manuals here, with the exception of sports cars, are driven mostly by teenagers/early20s peeps.
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