Clear Across The World

[schwee44]

Hey y'all

I'm from middle America (Kansas, baby), my best friend lives in New Zealand and my SO lives in Australia. Recently, my friend talked me into moving in with her temporarily in New Zealand. After my visa is up there, my SO wants me to move in with him in Australia.
I've been really excited about this and really scared at the same time. I don't like it here, but all of my other friends and family are here too. I've noticed I'm procrastinating on talking to the bank or doing anything that could be final. I really do want to go, but I can't get over my initial fear.

I'd really appreciate any advice.

[lucybelle]

Buy the ticket. Then you'll have to start making plans!!

[usmcgirl]

I already said this, but I'll say it again:
I know you're worried about making people here sad. But, if it's right for you, then you need to do it. Don't spend your life making other people happy; make yourself happy. Buy the ticket. You'll be happier.
(although, you should come see me before you leave! )

[Zephii]

Granted, I'm heavily biased BUT Australia and New Zealand are beautiful countries, and that alone makes them worthwhile visiting.

There comes a time where you just have to DO IT. Make a list of everything you need to get sorted, it will help you find a place to start.

Also research research research. Visas are time consuming, expensive and an all round pain in the arse, so it's best to get started on working out what you need well before you need it.

[dglynn77]

How exciting!!! Go for it!

[Tooki]

Go for it!

I'm guessing you will be visiting on a tourist visa? Or will you be getting a Working Holiday visa?

You will love it down here regardless. NZ & Australia are quite different.

Getting a WH visa should be easy, as long as you have the funds.

[schwee44]

Ahh, so scary! Another question: I want to get there as soon as possible, but should I take out a loan for it and pay it off until I leave, or save up my own money and buy it myself. (I'm terrible at saving, but I don't wanna kill my credit)

Tooki: I actually wanna go on a Working Holiday Visa or, my New Zealand friend wants me to get a Study/Work visa too. I'm not sure which yet xD
Also, just noticed, you live in the same city as my SO. Cool

usmcgirl: I can totally do that add me on facebook or something. Everyone else can too, if they want :3

Thanks everyone, on my next day off, I'm gonna force myself to do something about this

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...02&ref=tn_tnmn < by the way

[kittyo9]

Tryyyyy to save up for it, if you can... I know it's hard, but there are lots of small steps you can take to work up to big savings. I think there are at least two threads on LFAD about ways to save money. It takes some discipline, but if you have a clear goal and a clear plan of action, things may work out in your favor.

[Tooki]

You should definitely try to save up without a loan. I don't think there is a lot of paperwork for a Working Holiday Visa. You will need two seperate visas for Australia and New Zealand as well. But they have the same conditions, more or less.

And you will love Melbourne.

[morven]

i can completely understand u being worried about going ... i leave for australia today and im sooooo scared even though i know my bf will be waiting for me at the other end ... to be honest its not a place i would have picked to go to but im willing to give it a try ... as someone said book ur flight then u need to start gettin ready to go u only live once so u might aswell give it a go and if u really dont like it then u can always go home

[schwee44]

Holy crap, good luck and have fun morven~! How long are you staying?

I might at least ask the bank about the loan.. though now I really don't think I want to take it xD

[morven]

ive a return flight for the 9th of jan but it all depends what my bf is doing then ... im going over on a working holiday visa anyways so that lasts a year from the day of arrival as nervous as i am i just want to get there now

[lademoiselle]

When you say your SO wants you to move in with him, do you mean permanently? Have you guys met offline before? Does your relationship have both your families' support? (Just wondering!)

[LoveL]

Save as much as you can. If you can't save all of it, but the remainder on the card. You've them at least minimized your debt, and ultimately will have a smaller payback and lose less $$ to interest.

As far as making the choice goes, if the only thing holding you back are friends and family, just go. You can always call and skype them. Friends and family will sometimes tell us not to do things just because they don't like the idea of change and/or they are a wee bit selfish and want you for themselves.

Go for it.

[CynicalQuixotic]

Also, you know getting a visa can take a long time, right? Have you researched anything in that area? Also, I'm wondering the same things as lademoiselle.