Relocating to the UK can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when moving with a family. I wanted to share some personal insights and practical advice based on my own journey, which I hope will be useful for those of you considering or preparing for the move.
When I first arrived in Gosport with my wife and two teenage daughters, I had never visited the area before. However, I was drawn to the idea of living on the south coast, and Gosport presented an affordable opportunity with a variety of shops spread across different parts of the town. Additionally, having Portsmouth right on the doorstep was particularly appealing, as it offers plenty of activities and cultural experiences.
Finding Accommodation
Securing a place to live was one of the more challenging aspects of relocating. The rental market moves quickly, and properties often disappear before you even have a chance to enquire. Being overseas adds another layer of complexity, as landlords can be hesitant to rent to someone who hasn’t physically visited the property. To navigate this, I established contact with local estate agents early on and was fortunate to find one who was proactive in helping us secure a suitable home. Throughout the process, I also had support from Brune Park, where Tracy provided useful guidance on different areas and potential temporary accommodations, fortunately, we didn’t end up needing them.
Well, this is the UK and people here are undoubtedly friendly people, and Gosport is no exception. The abundance of pubs and social spaces makes it easy to meet new people, and my school colleagues were incredibly welcoming and supportive. Having my family with me, as well as some pre-existing friendships from previous time spent in the UK, meant I didn’t face many obstacles in this regard. However, for those arriving alone, there are plenty of opportunities to build a social network. Interestingly, as a North American, I was even approached to join a local softball league which was something I didn’t expect to find here!
QTS Process: Pros and Cons
The Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) process was relatively smooth. The government website is clear and self-explanatory, and any questions I had were easily addressed by HR. I secured my QTS by submitting the required evidence, and while the process took a couple of months to finalize, it was straightforward and free of charge.
The biggest challenge was the cost of moving. Transporting a household across continents is expensive, and our personal belongings didn’t arrive until a few weeks after we did. While my visa was covered by the school, I had to pay NHS and visa fees for my wife and children, which quickly added up. Another hurdle was dealing with North American phone numbers and security settings—many personal accounts and emails require authentication via text, so I highly recommend updating your security settings before the move to avoid being locked out of important accounts.
Overall, while relocating came with its difficulties, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. I hope this insight is helpful, and I’m happy to share any further advice with those preparing for their move.
