Emigrating from UK to somewhere colder

[top-cat]

Dubai has a very large and good indoor snowdome..... oh and a great and thriving event industry. Try people like gearhouse arabia for work. Oh and its 0% tax out there !!

 

 

Obviously if you actually want to live in a colder place you're out of luck with Dubai. It's rather hot. But if you just mean you like the snow sports then SkiDXB is great. (Going in a minute!).

 

I have a membership at SkiDubai and can confirm if that's what you're into, it's a good choice of places to go, absolutely huge indoor slope with freestyle areas and the world's only indoor black run.

 

Gearhouse do often employ UK techs (although I don't know if the PRG merger will affect this). But there are other companies too, keep your eyes out on here, the gigs usually end up on the BR jobs board.

 

Living in Dubai does have it's pitfalls too... good money and no tax is definitely a winner but if you like a drink you may be slightly put off at paying no less than £6 a pint (it's often more like £10!). If you enjoy a bit of herbal remedy in the evenings you're out of luck and if you like buying things online you might not like the lack of post codes, which means you have to describe where you live in the address line.

 

But basically, for moving abroad as I said you need to look at it as justifying the expense and ballache of bringing over an expat; because of the specialist skills they bring with them. For people with very specialist skills and knowledge this can permit travel within the Western countries, but below that level, you have to look at which countries do not have a native population with the necessary skills. And there are simply not many countries out there with both a thriving events business where you can be paid a proper wage; but no natives who can do the work.

[morristech]

Dubai has a very large and good indoor snowdome..... oh and a great and thriving event industry. Try people like gearhouse arabia for work. Oh and its 0% tax out there !!

 

asia is a massively up and coming area ( I live in Macau) although hell would have to freeze over for me to see any show here but japan and s korea both have excellent ski areas.

 

Norway is bloody expensive (I have a friend who lives and works there at the Oslo opera) but it is lovely in the snow.

 

France could be a good bet if you are looking to doing touring work in the uk. you could tour for a couple of weeks and then pop home to france when your not working.

 

 

Dubai has a very large and good indoor snowdome..... oh and a great and thriving event industry. Try people like gearhouse arabia for work. Oh and its 0% tax out there !!

 

 

Obviously if you actually want to live in a colder place you're out of luck with Dubai. It's rather hot. But if you just mean you like the snow sports then SkiDXB is great. (Going in a minute!).

 

I have a membership at SkiDubai and can confirm if that's what you're into, it's a good choice of places to go, absolutely huge indoor slope with freestyle areas and the world's only indoor black run.

 

Gearhouse do often employ UK techs (although I don't know if the PRG merger will affect this). But there are other companies too, keep your eyes out on here, the gigs usually end up on the BR jobs board.

 

Living in Dubai does have it's pitfalls too... good money and no tax is definitely a winner but if you like a drink you may be slightly put off at paying no less than £6 a pint (it's often more like £10!). If you enjoy a bit of herbal remedy in the evenings you're out of luck and if you like buying things online you might not like the lack of post codes, which means you have to describe where you live in the address line.

 

But basically, for moving abroad as I said you need to look at it as justifying the expense and ballache of bringing over an expat; because of the specialist skills they bring with them. For people with very specialist skills and knowledge this can permit travel within the Western countries, but below that level, you have to look at which countries do not have a native population with the necessary skills. And there are simply not many countries out there with both a thriving events business where you can be paid a proper wage; but no natives who can do the work.

 

I appreciate the suggestions, and I have heard good things about the snowdome and Dubai in general, but it really doesn't fit into the 'cold' criteria at all. I'd only really want to go there for short term contracts or a dream job. Still, if I'm working anywhere in Europe it shouldn't be too hard to fly out for the occasional contract in the middle east.

 

The best thing about France is that you can just go on strike when you don't feel like working http://www.blue-room.org.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif

 

I suspected it might not be possible to move to the North America at my current level, but maybe it's something for a few years in the future when I've got a longer CV.

 

Sweden is actually looking pretty tempting and doable. I just need to get there before the ukips take over and make things more difficult.

[Bryson]

 

I love the cold and I am drawn to somewhere like Canada or Alaska.

 

It's not all that cold. Where I live is pretty temperate... That said, you might stand a better chance of getting what you want in a more remote community like Whitehorse in the Yukon, and so on. You'd need a "staff" job up there, though.

 

I realise what the culture is like in the States, having spent a semester of my degree studying there, but have never visited Canada. I hope the GPA of 4 I achieved whilst there might be a bit more alluring to prospective employers over there than it is here, and might look good for the visa application!

Possibly. I don't think any employer will care all that much about your GPA. The question is: are you any use? Your GPA is mostly uncorrelated with that metric.

 

Has anyone reading this been through this? Do any of you live in these parts? If so...

Yep!

- What is the job market like in events/theatre/music in North North America?

It's OK. I moved to one of the major cities in Canada. I was employed within a month, full-time employed within 3 months, and employed to a job that matched my skill level within 6. So, that should give you an idea.

 

- Is it good enough for a company to blow a load of dosh on sponsoring me with a visa?

Nope. Sorry.

 

- Is there hope of being self employed as an immigrant, at least after a while as an employee?

Sure. If you're any good, you will get work in any of the major cities.

 

- Will I be able to make a comfortable living, and place a deposit a modest house after a while?

Should do for the first one. The second one: Well, it depends. Property prices in Vancouver and Toronto are pretty insane. It's cheaper (and colder) up North, but there will be much less work. Your best bet is Calgary/Edmonton/Winnipeg/Saskatoon as the property prices haven't got totally out of control yet but there is work to be done.

[trussmonkey]

the reason I suggested Dubai is it is a good alternative to get your snow fix. I love the snow and the cold and I have an apartment in the french alps (meribel) but I could not live there all year round and work in france. I live and work in meribel and get my snow fix from extended holidays japan, korea and the like. Finding a place that ticks all your boxes is going to be almost impossible so compromise is needed.

[the kid]

Ski season has started way way up north.

 

Only its way way up north, where 10 people live and you have about 30 mins of light in December.

[Jivemaster]

Have you considered working for a cruise line/ship specialising in Arctic Circle cruises. You will meet real cold while still having a ride back to warmer climes.

 

Remember that coastal towns will be less variable in temperature than inland towns. Vancouver may be "temperate" as Bryson says but when my parents did a summer camper tour of Canada they found Lake Louise still frozen in July. In Calgary their friend and host said that "one day in September they will wake to several feet of snow even though summer was hot"

 

Look at the Ice Hotel in Norway, it's seasonal but regular. See whether you have what it takes to work a season for them, they must take seasonal staff because they let the hotel melt for the summer.

 

added;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hotel

[morristech]

I love the cold and I am drawn to somewhere like Canada or Alaska.

 

It's not all that cold. Where I live is pretty temperate... That said, you might stand a better chance of getting what you want in a more remote community like Whitehorse in the Yukon, and so on. You'd need a "staff" job up there, though.

 

I realise what the culture is like in the States, having spent a semester of my degree studying there, but have never visited Canada. I hope the GPA of 4 I achieved whilst there might be a bit more alluring to prospective employers over there than it is here, and might look good for the visa application!

Possibly. I don't think any employer will care all that much about your GPA. The question is: are you any use? Your GPA is mostly uncorrelated with that metric.

 

Has anyone reading this been through this? Do any of you live in these parts? If so...

Yep!

- What is the job market like in events/theatre/music in North North America?

It's OK. I moved to one of the major cities in Canada. I was employed within a month, full-time employed within 3 months, and employed to a job that matched my skill level within 6. So, that should give you an idea.

 

- Is it good enough for a company to blow a load of dosh on sponsoring me with a visa?

Nope. Sorry.

 

- Is there hope of being self employed as an immigrant, at least after a while as an employee?

Sure. If you're any good, you will get work in any of the major cities.

 

- Will I be able to make a comfortable living, and place a deposit a modest house after a while?

Should do for the first one. The second one: Well, it depends. Property prices in Vancouver and Toronto are pretty insane. It's cheaper (and colder) up North, but there will be much less work. Your best bet is Calgary/Edmonton/Winnipeg/Saskatoon as the property prices haven't got totally out of control yet but there is work to be done.

 

Thanks for the response, it's great to hear from someone who's been there and done it. May I ask why you chose to move there?

 

Figured with the GPA it would be a quantifiable way of telling immigrations that I might be a better option than someone else, but as you say noone in their right mind would sponsor me, so it's more or less redundant anyway. Glad to hear there is work though, and that you've managed to get on well.

 

Edmonton might be a good call with the second largest fringe festival behind Edinburgh. I read the other day that Saskatoon is a place where boredom goes to die!!

 

I've pretty much written off North America for now, I'd need more savings and more experience to make it workable.

 

 

the reason I suggested Dubai is it is a good alternative to get your snow fix. I love the snow and the cold and I have an apartment in the french alps (meribel) but I could not live there all year round and work in france. I live and work in meribel and get my snow fix from extended holidays japan, korea and the like. Finding a place that ticks all your boxes is going to be almost impossible so compromise is needed.

 

Nice! It is certainly a thought, I know there is plenty of work to be had in Dubai.

 

Indeed. Some of the boxes:

• Cold in winter, more snow than rain. Sunny in summer.
• Lots of uncultivated and uninhabited countryside
• Affordable detached properties in a city suburb with a bit of breathing room between neighbours
• Affordable living costs
• Plenty of work in arts and events
• Low frequency of appearance on 'Dodgy Technicians'
• Easy to get in (visa-wise)
• Easy to bring some possessions
• Low crime
• Clean air
• Free/cheap healthcare

Parts of Scandinavia seem to tick quite a few of those boxes, or at least half-tick them.

 

Ski season has started way way up north.

 

Only its way way up north, where 10 people live and you have about 30 mins of light in December.

 

All ten of them could do with some entertainment no? :P I now know that finding somewhere that far North with a decent population, and thus, work, isn't going to happen. I'd be alright further south in Stockholm, Gothenburg or Helsinki.

 

Have you considered working for a cruise line/ship specialising in Arctic Circle cruises. You will meet real cold while still having a ride back to warmer climes.

 

Remember that coastal towns will be less variable in temperature than inland towns. Vancouver may be "temperate" as Bryson says but when my parents did a summer camper tour of Canada they found Lake Louise still frozen in July. In Calgary their friend and host said that "one day in September they will wake to several feet of snow even though summer was hot"

 

Look at the Ice Hotel in Norway, it's seasonal but regular. See whether you have what it takes to work a season for them, they must take seasonal staff because they let the hotel melt for the summer.

 

added;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hotel

 

I will have a look at cruises, it would be a good way of saving money and learning the language whilst getting the cold weather.

 

That's what I'm after really, Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place and should be looking at more central areas of Europe, like Switzerland or Germany...

 

The Ice hotel does look wicked. I'm already set up with some good work for December and January in the Alps this year, but may consider it for next year if I've not already moved somewhere and haven't taken up the December/January Alps contract again.

[Wingwalker]

I also would second the Ice Hotel just outside Kiruna in the far north of Sweden (within the Arctic Circle). May be worth giving it a go - otherwise take a look at Vancouver for seasonal work.

[Jivemaster]

At least with the Ice Hotel -(and there seem to be a few actually) they expect to recruit seasonal staff! Therefore they must need some new staff each year. Pick your ice hotel learn the language and live in the freezer for practise ;) It's going to be -10 to -30 ALL the time.

 

Norway has some odd power supplies including three phase delta so things are wired differently.

[GridGirl]

 

Some of the boxes:

• Cold in winter, more snow than rain. Sunny in summer.
• Lots of uncultivated and uninhabited countryside
• Affordable detached properties in a city suburb with a bit of breathing room between neighbours
• Affordable living costs
• Plenty of work in arts and events
• Low frequency of appearance on 'Dodgy Technicians'
• Easy to get in (visa-wise)
• Easy to bring some possessions
• Low crime
• Clean air
• Free/cheap healthcare

Parts of Scandinavia seem to tick quite a few of those boxes, or at least half-tick them.

 

 

If you're prepared to travel to the other side of the world, New Zealand ticks a lot of those boxes (South Island more than the North). I'm from Christchurch and while it isn't buried in snow during the winter, there are stacks of skifields within easy reach (under two hours from leaving home to standing in the lift queue). It was, of course, decimated by the earthquake nearly four years ago but the rebuild is well underway. Also a lot of the winter events which happen in Queenstown, further south (much snowier!) are run by Christchurch companies - I think one of the lighting companies I used to do some work for actually opened a branch down there because the demand was high enough.

[morristech]

 

I also would second the Ice Hotel just outside Kiruna in the far north of Sweden (within the Arctic Circle). May be worth giving it a go - otherwise take a look at Vancouver for seasonal work.

 

 

At least with the Ice Hotel -(and there seem to be a few actually) they expect to recruit seasonal staff! Therefore they must need some new staff each year. Pick your ice hotel learn the language and live in the freezer for practise http://www.blue-room.org.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif It's going to be -10 to -30 ALL the time.

 

 

 

Norway has some odd power supplies including three phase delta so things are wired differently.

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I sent off a couple of emails yesterday. One to the Hunderfossen Vinterpark, with ice hotel, and another to the english language theatre in Gothenburg. Will contact a load more and see if I get any sort of response. As I currently know close to nothing about the language I think it unlikely that I'll get any work at all, but I'll get started learning some basics, whilst sitting in the freezer.

 

I've got quite a few friends who have done ski seasons in Canada, I could have a gander. But having looked into it Europe seems more appealing for now, plus it was about time I learnt another language.

 

 

 

 

Some of the boxes:

 

• Cold in winter, more snow than rain. Sunny in summer.
• Lots of uncultivated and uninhabited countryside
• Affordable detached properties in a city suburb with a bit of breathing room between neighbours
• Affordable living costs
• Plenty of work in arts and events
• Low frequency of appearance on 'Dodgy Technicians'
• Easy to get in (visa-wise)
• Easy to bring some possessions
• Low crime
• Clean air
• Free/cheap healthcare

Parts of Scandinavia seem to tick quite a few of those boxes, or at least half-tick them.

 

 

If you're prepared to travel to the other side of the world, New Zealand ticks a lot of those boxes (South Island more than the North). I'm from Christchurch and while it isn't buried in snow during the winter, there are stacks of skifields within easy reach (under two hours from leaving home to standing in the lift queue). It was, of course, decimated by the earthquake nearly four years ago but the rebuild is well underway. Also a lot of the winter events which happen in Queenstown, further south (much snowier!) are run by Christchurch companies - I think one of the lighting companies I used to do some work for actually opened a branch down there because the demand was high enough.

 

 

 

 

I have fantasised about moving to NZ, it looks wicked. But I'm not sure that I am prepared to travel to the other side of the world at the moment, especially with my lack of budget. Will visit NZ one day for sure, it looks amazing!

[morristech]

I applied to Carnival for a cruise job earlier in the week and have been invited to an open day on Cunard's Queen Victoria next Sunday. If I get something it should be a good career move and will allow me to see parts of the world I would never have visited before!

 

I have started learning Swedish, and have the idea that ultimately I'd like to live there. Even if I don't it'll be great to be able to speak another language.

[Bobbsy]

My wife would love you. She keeps nagging me to move from Australia back to somewhere colder. I took her to my old homeland of Canada a few years back to show her what "cold" is and she shocked me by ENJOYING standing outside smoking (her bad habit) at temperatures around -30C!

 

However, having gone through it a couple of times, don't underestimate the difficulty of getting a visa/work permit for a non-EU country. For me to get into Australia in 2007 I had to start the paperwork 2 years early, have a wife with Aus residency and be able to prove I had sufficient money (i.e. a pension scheme) to support myself. My joke...not so far from the truth...was that the visa was only granted when my pile of paperwork was a tall as me. Getting in to work depends on the jobs you want being on an "approved" list of areas where there are shortages...and there are never shortages of people wanting to work in theatre/entertainment.

 

We looked into NZ and it wasn't all that different. I've looked into Canada for my wife in case we should want to move there and it would take a lot of paperwork and a Canuck-passported husband (me...if I ever renew that passport).

 

...which all goes to make EU countries easier except for the language barrier. Taking Swedish (or any other language) lessons is a great start but never forget you'll be up against locals who speak the language like natives!

 

Me? Having grown up in Canada where walking to school at -40C was normal, I'm enjoying a place where I only augment my shorts and T shirt a couple of months a year! :) I can't even say I miss the skiing since I did in my knees years ago when I live 45 minutes drive from Banff and some of the best skiing in the world!

[morristech]

My wife would love you. She keeps nagging me to move from Australia back to somewhere colder. I took her to my old homeland of Canada a few years back to show her what "cold" is and she shocked me by ENJOYING standing outside smoking (her bad habit) at temperatures around -30C!

 

However, having gone through it a couple of times, don't underestimate the difficulty of getting a visa/work permit for a non-EU country. For me to get into Australia in 2007 I had to start the paperwork 2 years early, have a wife with Aus residency and be able to prove I had sufficient money (i.e. a pension scheme) to support myself. My joke...not so far from the truth...was that the visa was only granted when my pile of paperwork was a tall as me. Getting in to work depends on the jobs you want being on an "approved" list of areas where there are shortages...and there are never shortages of people wanting to work in theatre/entertainment.

 

We looked into NZ and it wasn't all that different. I've looked into Canada for my wife in case we should want to move there and it would take a lot of paperwork and a Canuck-passported husband (me...if I ever renew that passport).

 

...which all goes to make EU countries easier except for the language barrier. Taking Swedish (or any other language) lessons is a great start but never forget you'll be up against locals who speak the language like natives!

 

Me? Having grown up in Canada where walking to school at -40C was normal, I'm enjoying a place where I only augment my shorts and T shirt a couple of months a year! :) I can't even say I miss the skiing since I did in my knees years ago when I live 45 minutes drive from Banff and some of the best skiing in the world!

 

The air is so much nicer than muggy hot air! It's the closest thing there is to a cure for hangovers.

 

Yep I came to that realisation and decided EU was the way to go for now, I'm certainly not committed enough to go through 2 years of paperwork. I've decided cruising might be a better start, so I can see the world a bit and then decide where to settle whilst saving up a bit of cash!

 

That does sound glorious for a while, but don't you get bored of the weather being the same all the time!?

[Judge]

 

 

Living in Dubai does have it's pitfalls too...

No doubt, esp if you are female.