Hi,

I'm moving with my company to Brisbane in a few weeks time. My wife and I have been out for a couple of weeks in July and seem pretty impressed, however there are nagging doubts.

If anyone can provide advice (or reassurance!!!) it'd be really welcome.

1. What do wives at home do all day? (i.e. we have no children and my wife's interested in doing some volunary work - maybe RSPCA).

2. How easy is it to build social networks with Australians (if you don't have school/children)

3. Do most Expats end up in a network of Expats? - (and thus this site? - or is this a route out to the wider world?)


We'll be coming over again in late August, probably to live in south Brisbane (purely so that my wife can walk into town when i'm at work).


Any advice (or invites!) really welcome!

Thanks

Chris.

 

Hiya Chris and welcome to BIB.

We have been here nearly 4 years and have a mixture of english, australian and kiwi friends. I think at first sites like this can be helpful and most new english migrants seem to make friends with other english people quite quickly, maybe its because we all understand what each other has been through and also the fact that without family you do sometimes need help from others.
I do find the aussies a friendly helpful bunch, of course if your anything like me you will come across the not so pleasent ones too,lol,, i guess this is the same in any country. The majority i find are really interested in the massive move you have made and also in the country we left behind. I find our accents great conversation starters, our slightly varying vocabulary is also a show stopper some times,lol,,I have lost count of the number times i have asked for something in a shop and not been understood,lol i use these oppurtunities to talk and get to know people,i work on the basis if you smile at them ,they will smile back, walk around like a lonely sulky Annie and no-one gives you a second glance.

There are lots of voluntary groups and clubs in and around Brisbane,animals, crafts,sports, not forgetting the volunteer services like the SES. With having no children this would probably be your biggest oppurtunity to meet people, take every invite you get, even if you don't feel the host is 'quite your cup of tea'' , someone else also invited to the BBQ/party etc may be.
If possible join a selection of groups at first , you can then narrow your choice down via preference when you have settled a little and met some friends.

Hope this helps a little, lots of luck with everything and i am sure you will be happy south of Brisbane,there is loadssssss to do and the coast isnt a million miles away.

Cal x

 

Hi Chris, Welcome to BIB,

I can only echo what cal has said, I have been here just over 12 months and found the Australians a friendly bunch on the whole. They will not come running round to meet you when you move into your house, but if you go and introduce yourself you will be welcomed. Voluntary work is a good way to make friends and get invited to social events, as cal says your accent can start of conversations, I Once spent 10 min try to buy a bag of ice, then found out they thought I was asking for a bag of eye's, so be prepared for a couple of strange looks when you ask for things. :biggrin:

 

Thanks folks. - your feedback and replies are really welcome. I guess that we all know this really, but it's nice to hear it from someone (just as a bit of reassurance).

I think that we've found a place to live in south Brisbane now, so like you said - the coast is just 30 mins away. Also, Brisbane itself seems so pleasant (and so do the people).

- I agree that i've found that a smile or grin goes along way to geting a pleasant response. In the UK most people just think that you're a little bit mad!

Once we are back in Bris, will be online and maybe invite people for drinks etc.

Thanks

Chris.

 

Hi Chris

Have to echo what others have said. There is a huge amount of voluntary work available in the Brisbane area. I'm studying at the moment and don't want to work until January so have been looking into this myself. There's so much choice - to suit every personality and ability. We live near in the Bayside area of Brisbane and there's stacks to do around the waterfront too .... I may well have to rethink getting that job !!!!! :laugh: Good luck with your future move