| So, I've interviewed with 4 schools and have received 2 offers and am waiting for the last school to provide Bluewave an offer on Monday.
So it looks like I'm going to be teaching in England! Yay!
But I'm a bit nervous. I have to be out there by January and, with the holiday season inching up, I don't have a lot of time.
I'm wondering if someone who has made the transition from the US to England can give me some advice on how to pack for my move.
Obviously, I'm not taking any furniture. I'm wondering, though, if I could take my DVD player and my DVD's. They're all Region 1 (NTSC) and I know all of Europe is Region 2 (PAL). But my DVD player can play PAL DVD's. My TV, however, cannot. So I probably won't be packing my TV.
I also need to bring my computer. Should I mail it to my residence? What about pets? I have two cats and I know they'll need to be put into quarantine. I'm trying to find them a good home at the moment, but I don't just want to give them to anyone.
It's all the small things that are stressing me out. I take medication and I saw on Bluewave's checklist to get about 3 months worth of meds from my doctor.
But how does one go about finding a doctor in the UK? How long does it take to be covered on the national health care system (or are we even able to be covered)?
So, I guess, for those who have made the jump across the pond, what did you find was necessary to bring, unecessary, and things you wish you would have brought.
Thank you!
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Bring as much as you can.
This is not America. There is no such thing as Wal-Mart. Cheap and inexpensive do not exist in england. If our schools were in america, they would go out of business because things are so expensive here. |
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Hi,
Actually, Wal-Marts is called ASDA over here and there are loads of inexpensive shops for odds and ends...Wilkinson's, poundland, poundaround, some British versions of outlet malls...etc. There are even some bulk discount stores like Sam's Club here. You just have to be willing to get out and look or ask around. Make friends with a local and they'll show you.
What you wont find over here are shops that support teachers. Teaching supplies and craft supplies are very difficult to find over here at reasonable prices. Bring things that will support your teaching...resources which are general enough for you specialization that you can easily adapt to specific needs. Kids respond very well to technology, so CD-roms with interactive activities, info databases, virtual practicals (labs),...etc go over pretty well.
Also, if you have an easily adaptable gradebook program...I found I missed mine and had to dish out some big bucks ordering Gradequick from an online site (but it has made my job just that little bit easier)....of course if you are comfortable with simple paper register or excel spreadsheets, most teachers actually use those over here.
I've personally also found that most of the reasonably priced fashion choices over here are not things that I like. I tend to do my clothes shopping over christmas break when I'm back home in the states...and that includes the undies which I've found are inferior in terms of elastic and base cloth. I know that sounds like a silly thing, but if the undies are uncomfortable nothing quite feels right. That said, people over here don't tend to own as many outfit as Americans are use to owning, so you can get by with less.
Anyway, I hope that helps. |
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Hi again Britomart,
Sorry, I didn't respond fully to your post the first time. Actually, the multi-zone portable DVD player is a great idea! I've actually taken mine to school with me. I brought educational videos with me from the US and I use them when I'm gasping for breath. I also offer a Friday movie during lunch day for students in my form group who have not received negative referals.
As for the TV, no don't bring that. Britain is slowly changing to Digital only broadcasts. Also, last time I looked ASDA had a small basic model TV (DIGITAL ready) for about 40 pounds.
Have your cats had implanted ID chips and their shots? If so they may be eligible to come over without having to stay in quarrentine. It's worth checking out. Although I must say that if you bring them you will have a lot harder time finding a flat. I was lucky in that my brother was willing to adopt my 3 cats...I seriously miss them though.
I had my National Insurance number within the first month. There was paper work involved, but I must confess I don't remember the specifics. I haven't found a doctor myself yet. My friends here say it's as easy as walking into a doctor's office close to my flat and saying "I'm in your catchment area and need to enroll." Haven't even tried yet.
Every trip home, I find myself packing and bring back comfortable clothes and teaching resources...oh and comfort foods from my home town like Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce, Cracker Jacks, and Cincinnati Chili.
Good luck to you. |
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Joey,
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Thanks. I don't shop at Walmart here anyway, so I won't be missing it. :)<br><br>
I'm very reliant on technology and I *need* my computer. So I guess I'm wondering how people managed to transfer their desktops over to England.<br><br>
Yes, I realize I should get a laptop, but my desktop is custom-built and I would hate to lose it. So, I suppose I should mail it with insurance to my residence.<br><br>
I found a home for my kitties and I'm going to miss them, but they haven't had their shots or a microchip (their indoor cats and never get to go outside--I live in a big city.)<br><br>I just want to be prepared when I finally get over there and, since I'm expected in January, my brain is racing as to what to bring and what not to bring.<br><br>
Are furnished flats available? Or am I going to have to purchase my own furniture? I probably already know the answer--"look around." :D
<br><br>Anyway, thank you everyone. I'm excited and anxious. Hopefully I'll get to meet some of my fellow Bluewave teachers when I get over there. |
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