Tips for Emigrating | A Thousand Words

[@karentladi7498]

This has been the best video I have ever seen about immigrating. So honest. You've givene and my husband some realistic things to think about. Thank you

[@Wyebank]

Great video. I emigrated from South Africa to London almost 10 years ago. 100% agree that you have to be committed.

[@walkerhjk]

I have just now come across your chammel. I emigrated fro UK in 1962, the best thing I ever did! It took two years negotiating with NZ House and in those days it was a six week voyage by ship which really emphasises how faraway we are. I have never felt homesick as such, I am very much an outdoor person and love the bush and the mountains, that was a steep learning curve after the Peak District, the Lake District and Snowdonia, (which I must admit I still miss even after a liftime here). You have to remember that NZ is not a piece of England in the South Seas, it is a different coountry and in those days I knew other immigrants who kept hearking back to England, some of them packed up and returned when they became homesick. Forget about comparing prices, they are what they are here, deal with it! By now you have been here around 9 years so you will have got used to us. Taranaki is a lovely place, a little off the beaten track in some ways. I live in the central North Island. As far as I'm concerned, this place is Paradise, I love it!

[@jakobgray8787]

Your videos are heart-breakingly honest and I love them. They're super helpful for making big big big decisions in life. I'm thinking about a few countries/states and NZ is one of them.

[@AThousandWords]

Thank you, I hope you've found them helpful. Best of luck with your decision.

[@simplegiftsandtruths8263]

thanks Jen. this is very helpful. I've done the emigration thing twice. once as a child and now as an adult. I wish I'd seen these tips when I made that second move. I think an additional tip is to pray for strength, wisdom and endurance.

[@AThousandWords]

+simplegiftsandtruths Oh definitely!! I couldn't have done it without the amount of prayers (and answers) I had along the way!

[@shannenpiper8772]

I really love how honest this is. It’s not negative but it’s a reality check for those of us considering moving abroad.

[@gidsvanvuuren2004]

Ive started over 3 times,Canada,Australia and know NZ It is not a joke...but def worth every second I learned a lot Ive worked very hard at it and finally got my NZ residency...

[@trueserenityone]

This is the 2nd video from your collection I've had the pleasure of watching. I love how you present and explain. I love how this video really makes you think and re-think! Thank you and I've subscribed to your channel. CA, USA

[@AThousandWords]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for subscribing :)

[@rochellebarnes3560]

Awesome video Jen! In 1909 my grandparents got on a ship in England with their 5 children, the youngest of whom was my mother, and sailed to Australia. About 6 years later, with 3 more children, my grandmother got on another ship and joined my grandfather who had gone ahead to New Zealand. She never returned to either country, or saw her family members again. I am so grateful for her sacrifice in pursuit of a better life for her children.

[@AThousandWords]

+Rochelle Barnes Wow, what a woman! Such courage. And what better life than in NZ?

[@AntoinetteEmily]

I love your honesty and have so much respect for and your family. I'm a new Zealander who has been living in Germany for the last 6 years as my husband is German. My family and I will be moving back to NZ in a few years and its exciting but scary at the same time.

[@AThousandWords]

+Mama's Studio Thank you for your kind words. Germany is lovely, I fell in love with it when we visited, but there's no place like good old NZ. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help when you move back!

[@AntoinetteEmily]

+A Thousand Words Thank you so much! xx

[@ernicanoel]

Really appreciated this video. Yours words were so kind and wise and got me thinking about things I didn't realise was worth examining. I am contemplating moving to New Zealand and this really helped to put things into perspective. Thank you. Blessings to you and your family.

[@AThousandWords]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! All the best with your decision.

[@Frenchbean1]

great video! i've been through this in Australia. i was alone and only 24

[@withoutmalicexo]

Wise words, tough questions, genuine points to ponder.

[@AThousandWords]

Thank you, I hope it was helpful.

[@emmaheise620]

Thanks so much for your videos, you truly speak from the heart. We are living in Joburg and looking at moving. Been watching loads of You Tube videos and New Zealand looks like our cup of tea. Off to a New Zealand seminar tomorrow night!

[@AThousandWords]

All the best with your move!

[@samanthabotha53]

I love your tip about buying kids clothes in England in advance of making the move 👍🏼 We're spoilt over here for cheap, good quality clothes!

[@AThousandWords]

+Samantha Botha That's for sure!

[@JanSKrogh]

A great video. I left Norway when I was 26, for Lithuania. Now I've spent 25 years here. In your late summer we intend to visit your new country. Therefore I have already watched some of your videos. They give me some information which is very interesting and useful for me. So thank you very much, Jen! I really look forward visiting NZ.

[@AThousandWords]

I'm sure you will have a wonderful time! Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you found my videos helpful.

[@medinaangielyn]

Hi, It's nice to learn things from you. We just moved here in NZ for few months and I was just browsing to look for some tips and inputs coz I wanna learn and know things I needed to be aware of. Good thing I've seen your page. I would watch more of your videos. Nice to meet you (virtually) :)

[@AThousandWords]

Thank you for the lovely feedback, I'm so glad you have found my videos helpful! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions to add too my "Moving to New Zealand Q&A" videos.

[@melissaquimpo9301]

Hi Jan. Your videos are helping me through the process of packing up our family from South Africa. Tx for sharing your experiences

[@AThousandWords]

All the best with your move x

[@Diane.Bishop]

I really enjoyed hearing all your tips. We are just 10 days away from emigrating from the UK to Melbourne in Australia so it is a hectic, exciting and scary time all rolled into one for us at the moment. I'm already not sure how I will feel watching other UK KZbinrs when they are doing all their Christmas videos in their Christmas jumpers with everything looking cosy and warm while I'm in the sun thousands of miles from home. It could make things harder or it could make me happy to think of home.

[@AThousandWords]

Wow, good luck with your move! Hope all goes smoothly and that you settle soon. I found UK videos a huge trigger for the first few years, it might be safer to give it a miss, but see how you go. It helps to concentrate on making brand new Christmas traditions and memories. Just follow your feelings.

[@arielasol]

Hi! I My name is Ariela, I am moving to New Zealand to work as an English teacher in a nonprofit for about a year. It's in Auckland. I am from Brazil/ Argentina, grew up in the States (with my family), lived a couple of months in Chile (because of ex fiance) and now, heading to New Zealand. I am a bit worried about missing my parents, even though I have never felt like this before, but I also feel this is the time for this change in my life. I am very excited and I just wanna thank you for your videos! They are very helpful and clear. My greatest hope is to be able to make true friends because it would suck to be in a wonderful place and to be alone. Keep the videos up! They are great! Love!

[@AThousandWords]

Hi Ariela, you will most likely be homesick and miss your family at times, it is natural. But you will have so much fun and growth that it will be worth it! Have a wonderful time on your adventure, I wish you all the best!

[@SophiaTheSophist]

this made me realize i cannot!! make an impulsive decision without all the facts. thank you for the video. you smacked me with some reality! and that's a gift to me, thank you. i'm trying to plan a big move in the next two years and you brought up some serious things i need to sit down and consider and write down and discuss with others. thank you. this video is full of real guidance for immigration.

[@AThousandWords]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@justinelikestalking7251]

Love watching your vlogs they always keep me excited for going over to NZ next year !

[@AThousandWords]

Exciting!

[@kammiborngraber1748]

Oh My Gosh, I only found this now! How is that even possible? Thanks for all the tips ... I think I have been fortunate though, you have talked me through a lot of this personally! My personal immigration coach. Dude you need to start a business on helping people with this stuff! U ROCK!!!

[@AThousandWords]

How IS that possible? Glad you found it anyway, and that it was helpful. YOU ROCK TOO!

[@DaFooling]

I'm a South African and I've emigrated to and back from the UK. I am going to be emigrating a third time to New Zealand beginning of next year. Apparently it is third time lucky with emigration and New Zealand is the charm! Totally agree with the points you made in this video, very insightful and succinct. One way my family deals with homesickness is creating our own traditions of celebrating something we miss. It can be something as simple as sitting together to share a slab of Galaxy chocolate while watching BBC's Sherlock. Your videos on daily life in NZ are really helpful for me during this process, thank you!

[@AThousandWords]

I'm glad you are finding my videos helpful! All the best with your move, I hope everything goes smoothly.

[@linettelow]

Heart-warming & inspiring, thank you for sharing, lovely :) God bless you always ♡

[@sarvin.adventures]

That was soooo helpful Jen. I really enjoyed watching the video and learning so many things! I really hope we manage to move to NZ one day. just pray for us

[@AThousandWords]

I'm glad it was helpful! Best of luck with your future plans. x

[@liljahash9608]

Did u moved

[@wygodnaanna]

oh i agree with you soooooooo much! I've moved to Norway from Poland a year ago and I love this country so much and i feel like home here. There are many Polish people here who complains and say really not nice things about Norwegians , hate it! Totally agree with you that we are guests in our new country and I personally think that we should be thankful for the opportunities we get. I've found your channel because i was actually searching for "life in NZ". You can ask "why? You love Norway, so what for?" And the answer is: I love being surrounded by the nature and i'm an introvert, the same as you I'm happy with myself and my boyfriend and dog. :) And I really want to live in the peaceful country with beautiful nature but after a year I can say that less rain and at least a bit higher temperature would be something veeeeeeeeeeeeeery good. :) So New Zealand is quite fitting into this. ;) We haven't done any decisions yet, we just collecting info buuuuut never say never. ;) And because of that I have some questions Jen and of course if you know and can help with me with the answers I would be sooooo grateful! I've seen that you'are into make up also, so maybe you know if in Auckland would be possible to find a job as a make up artist? I've already checked that there are 6 M.A.C stores there and now I'm working in M.A.C in Norway so I hope that this could help, what do you think? And could we emigrate with our dog? In another video you were talking about problems with Christmas tree, so I assumed that the dog can be a PROBLEM. :P And btw It is sooooo nice to see and hear honest person as you are, thank you for that! Anna

[@AThousandWords]

Thanks for your comment and thoughts :) I honestly have no idea of the job availability of makeup artists, so I checked out the Careers website and it says average: www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/arts-and-media/entertainment/make-up-artist/ You could emigrate with your dog, although I believe it is super expensive and there are quarantine laws so you would be apart for a while. Google for more info as unfortunately I don't know much about it, just that it is possible. I've just filmed a video answering some questions about the practicalities of moving to NZ, so look out for that on my channel. If you have any more feel free to let me know and I'll film another one answering them. Thank you for your kind words, and best of luck with your research and decision making!

[@wygodnaanna]

+A Thousand Words thaaaank you so much for your response I will definitely watch your new movie! :) kisses from Norway :*

[@vladancvetanovic589]

Dear Jen, thanks for your sincerity... We recently decided that we wanted to move and this was helpful...

[@beone3783]

Greetings to you and and your family . I just bumped into your channel. You guys made the right move for your kids and your grand kids. They will thank you for very much in the future. SA is getting worse by the day; 1.Destruction of infrastructure. 2Farm killings 3Burning of trucks from Durban habour. 5. People getting followed from the airport and robbed 4The population explosion of people who want everything from the govt. The continued decline of the ANC and the ascendancy of the EFF to power sums up the future.

[@faheemagranville6595]

It was lovely to find your encouraging videos on KZbin

[@AThousandWords]

Welcome to my channel, I'm so glad you've found my videos encouraging :)

[@mariamabey6039]

Thanks I have been in Melbourne for 18 months still in temporary accommodation and still looking for a house I just hope 2016 finds us a home to settle down in. You r right it is so much harder than I thought . Thanks for the video . 😀😀😀

[@AThousandWords]

+Maria Mabey Oh you poor thing, hope you can get settled in your own house soon, that temporary feeling sucks! Hang in there, feeling settled will come with time.

[@radiattromp7151]

you and your family are blessed to live in New Zealand out of south Africa crime

[@AThousandWords]

Absolutely!! We are very grateful.

[@frankvendetta9230]

Yeah SA is in a civil war.

[@Deontjie]

Really?

[@df3yt]

Frans is just crying wolf

[@Sumiya-lp8mm]

Radiat Tromp Who brought the crime there to begin with??? And then British, Germany finished them off for over a hundred years. ....bs.

[@gracedu2]

I really started to get settled once I got in a financial position that I was able to isolate my safe from the spanish. not having to deal with them everyday as well as being able to ship in US food rather than the spanish food reeeeelly made me happy. :)

[@AThousandWords]

Whatever works for you! Glad you are feeling more settled.

[@LDSouthSession]

Great vlog. Really inspiring. My wife and I are planning on moving and a rough estimate is around a year and half process before we set foot to NZ. I am hoping you can make videos on grocery and starting things without transport.

[@AThousandWords]

I have done three grocery hauls: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfZaXaPd7ahprM kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2kmKODhs53gbs kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWXceaCBd85po8k I can also recommend other NZ KZbinrs who share grocery hauls if you like. As for "starting things without transport" do you mean starting life in NZ without a car? We bought our car through a dealership we found online before we arrived in the country so we had it right away, so I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I think it would be very difficult to get things settled without a car so I'd recommend at least hiring one to start with.

[@frankvendetta9230]

Agree with you on a few issues but if I heard you correctly you mentioned something like ancestry in England? Well that makes it much easier but for someone a total stranger not knowing anyone in the "new" country, totally on your own, little money, oh my lady that is total different scenario. Also New Zealand is not a land of milk and honey as everyone makes it out to be. To find employment for a start is a huge difficulty That for a start is REALLY hard. I will admit the only and only advantage NZ has above SA is safety and much less corruption that's it. You and I both know NZ was classified as the 3rd most expensive country in the world to live and work in by a survey company n USA not too lang ago. Salaries are poor and most people are living from week to week and buying a house is totally out of reach. I'm talking here about Joe average not professionals who walks into NZ from SA with millions. That's very easy. NZ is small and thousands of immigrants per year are pouring into this country causing all kinds of social problems e.g. not finding employment then going on the benefit on tax payers money. I see the dark side of NZ every single day and believe me when I tell you the squatter camps in SA compare well. I'm not negative just facing facts.

[@Savyra]

Wow.

[@ricardoclark9130]

I'm from Brazil and live in Canada. Something I feel about moving is that it made me somewhat unfit to my own homeland, as I now don't think and act the way most Brazilians would. Also, I didn't have the same childhood, teenager experiences that an average Canadian had. So I don't completely fit here either. I can only imagine how crazy it gets moving more than one time. The more times you do it, the more unique you are and the less you fit the place where you live and the places you left behind. In your case, though, you just moved around through the British world, so the language and some cultural traits didn't change.

[@AThousandWords]

I know what you mean - I can totally relate to what you said. Moving from SA to England was more different than moving to NZ where it is similar to how I grew up in SA. It also helps to make friends with others who have been through similar experiences of moving countries.

[@camofilms]

you have amazing eyes. top tips. super cool and simple to understand; ) my best friend just taken his family of Canada from uk.

[@AThousandWords]

Thank you so much!

[@ireneebekker4886]

Thank you for this video. It gave me a lot to think about!

[@oneladybass]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been seriously considering moving to New Zealand from Ireland since I visited last January. You made some great points to think about, especially the maybe not so positive ones, which I hadn't allowed myself time to consider and I'd definitely would love to being able to ask more questions if I can. I still feel like this is the right to time to move if I'm going to, as at the moment I'm still young (well nearly 35), and not particularly tied down anywhere.

[@AThousandWords]

I'd highly recommend joining the Moving to New Zealand Facebook group for answers, it's linked in the description box. All the best.

[@oneladybass]

Thank you so much for replying, I really appreciate it! I'll go and join the facebook group now. Teresa :)

[@thosewerethedays5712]

This was a beautiful video and very informative. I so much appreciate you making this video. (I am also a South African). By the way, you have beautiful blue eyes.

[@mellowcincin]

It was so helpful! Thanks for your tips! Now I could prepare all the things to move to NZ :-)

[@AThousandWords]

Best of luck with your journey!

[@donnamayphotos]

Enjoyed watching this and everything you have said is the mindset my husband and I already have ready to try and emigrate. We are flying to New Zealand in November for 6 months with the hope that we can eventually emigrate. But we're lucky to have friends and family already in the country. We also have a good idea of where we want to work and live and have been in contact we agencies etc. that we hope to meet when we come out. We have nothing to ship and no children so are literally coming out with just our suitcases on a whim that we can get job offers and initially get essential skills work visa for my husband who is a carpenter. No idea if we will get the visas needed to stay or if it will work out. But we're 100% all in ready to try and make it work 🤞🤞🤞

[@AThousandWords]

All the best with your move!

[@donnamayphotos]

@@AThousandWords Thanks Jen 😊 x

[@vasilykulchenko8640]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience!

[@vevedehavilland4743]

I am from England and when I was a teenager we moved to Switzerland and as a adult I moved to the USA so I know how you feel.

[@AThousandWords]

It changes you forever, but I do think the experiences are valuable.

[@1987srd]

Thanks for sharing, really helpful thoughts!

[@BDGKruger]

Thank you for all the effort. Me and my wife applied for jobs in Auckland and hope to move there soon from South Africa. These video really helps a lot.

[@AThousandWords]

All the best with your move! Please join the Moving to NZ Facebook group, we'd love to have you there: facebook.com/groups/366961367030120/

[@eliotduke8011]

I liked this. Very focused and succint.

[@radoslavikonomov6667]

Hello! I just stumbled upon your channel and your videos and I'm glad I did. You give a lot of good information that would be hard to find or get if you don't have friends or family in NZ. My question is why did you choose New Zealand and not Australia when you were making the big decision? Thanks ^_^

[@AThousandWords]

Thanks for the question, I'll answer it in my next video :)

[@samanthabotha53]

We're living in the UK and thinking about moving to South Africa (I'm British, hubby is from SA). We have 2 children and your video really helped make my decision... think we'll be heading to SA!

[@AThousandWords]

+Samantha Botha Will you really move to SA? Personally if I only had the choice between the UK and SA I would choose the UK for sure, definitely, 100% - for a number of reasons, but a future for my children being top of the list. However we are all different and if that's what's right for your family I wish you all the best, sincerely!

[@samanthabotha53]

+A Thousand Words Honestly, yes! The UK education system worries me greatly & the work, work, work, money, money, money mentality is so unhealthy! We're an outdoorsy family & there's only so many times we can enjoy walks or kayaking in the rain here in England. We live in Dorset, which is lovely but isn't offering us the lifestyle we'd like for our kids. :( Our dream would be to move to Australia, I've been twice before & fell in love with the country, but it's so hard to emigrate there. My husband's family are all in Knsyna/Plettenberg Bay in SA. It's such a beautiful part of the world, excellent education & my nieces and nephews are thriving. School during the day, down the beach for a braai after, or back home for a dip in the pool. Wonderful childhood for the kids! Opportunities for the kids when they're older does worry me about SA, but we'd keep our house here in the UK & could always move back once they've finished school. Good to chat about these things, it's a big decision! x

[@AThousandWords]

+Samantha Botha It really is a big decision and there's no one right answer for every family. Have you ever considered NZ?

[@samanthabotha53]

+A Thousand Words We have yes. I think Oz is top of our list but we'd struggle to get in. I'm not sure NZ would be any easier as neither of us have recognised 'skilled' jobs. We're heading to SA later this year to check out the job situation and we whether we want to move. Exciting (but tough) decisions to make :)

[@AThousandWords]

+Samantha Botha That's good that you're visiting and having a proper look. Wish it was easier to move here ... but then again I guess it would soon be too peoply if it were!

[@niemeyer71]

Hi, thank you for sharing all this information. It is very helpful. I'll start a PhD in Wellington in a few months and will move with my family (husband and two sons) from the US.I I am preparing this huge to-do-list and contemplating what should I take with me. I heard that electronics and appliances are more expensive in NZ (you mentioned that clothes certainly are) and I was thinking about taking TVs, vacuum cleaner, laptops and even smartphones and etc. On the other hand, I heard that the voltage and plugs are not compatible with what we have in the US. Is it that much expensive that it is worth paying the moving costs?

[@AThousandWords]

You can check out prices on sites like harveynorman.co.nz/ and www.noelleeming.co.nz/ and decide for yourself. If you do decide to bring a vacuum cleaner it will need to be a brand new one or you will have trouble with MAF because of the dust. Also if you are bringing a washing machine or fridge you might have trouble with mould.

[@richwagner9883]

I'm just starting to think about the idea of emigrating, but it's very attractive. I'm a single 54 year old computer programmer, and my biggest question is: I'm introverted and shy (though good socially when the ice is broken). How will I make friends? I've found that it's hard via work because IT is (unfortunately) often male dominated. Do you have any suggestions? I'm thinking about friendships at least initially, and do NOT want to limit myself to my own age group. "College town" vibrancy is great; I've lived in many in Massachusetts (e.g. Cambridge). Maybe something like hiking clubs, if NZ has such things, or intro scuba? Second big question is: Job market. I'm very skilled, have a BS and MS in computer science from MIT and have been a senior programmer / architect for most of my career. I'm guessing Auckland would be where I'd look. Any knowledge of that job market ?? Anyway, I've only seen a few of your videos so far, but they're GREAT and very helpful: THANKS !!

[@AThousandWords]

That is a very good question and I'll be answering it in my next Q&A video. As for jobs, this site might be helpful as it tells you information about salary and job availability: careers.govt.nz/ For jobs look at trademe.co.nz/ or seek.co.nz/ Auckland would naturally have more opportunities because it's more populated, but you could find work elsewhere too. So glad you are finding the videos helpful, thanks for the feedback!

[@richwagner9883]

Wow, great !! That is so nice: Thank you !!

[@sergeyknol]

Reeeeeally good video. Thank you very much!

[@AThousandWords]

Thank you, I hope it was helpful.

[@dudehere1981]

Interesting vlog! I'm curious why are so against going back to S Africa? Is the country unstable or in turmoil? Interesting you prefer England and definitely NZ the most. I definitely discovered I am not a hot weather person, so I stay in Seattle Washington where the weather is cool and mild all year round. I would definitely love to visit NZ for a holiday, long plane ride. Love your vlogs! ;)

[@AThousandWords]

+dudehere1981 The political situation is a (sick) joke and crime is completely out of control. It is so dangerous. I am not optimistic about the future of South Africa. We weren't when we left it in 1999 and it's only got worse over the years. It would be about a 16 hour flight, which is long but doable if you are motivated ;) It took us 25 hours to fly here from England. When we flew from South Africa to England when we emigrated we went via Frankfurt and it was a 17 hour journey - so not fun but we survived! I would love to visit Seattle, it's one of the places in the US that really appeals to me.

[@AThousandWords]

+dudehere1981 We had at one stage decided on Australia but further research put us off. I was never keen on all of the deadly wildlife lol, but then add the extreme heat, bush fires, racism, and other things we became aware of and we knew it wouldn't be a good fit for us. NZ suits us so well, we adore it. It can get pretty hot here, or at least hot to me or hot when you are out in the sun painting! But overall our climate is pretty temperate. I've always been fond of the US and have always wanted to visit, I love the diversity in climates and nature and people. I know what you mean about how some people think of southern Cali and NY but I promise that's not me :) My mom fell in LOVE with Carmel when she visited, I'd love to go there.

[@theelectofgod629]

Hello Jen! Thanks for the vids! Question... How long did it take for you to get residency from start to finish? Do the rental market ask for referrals and credit? Thanks!!

[@samr.s.4487]

Hello! I'm considering a move to Christchurch for college later this year. I've already got an idea about the social lifestyle and culture in NZ, but one thing I'm finding a little challenging is to become accustomed to the Kiwi accent. Is there anything you guys did to make it easier to comprehend? I'd really appreciate it. Also, if you have any tips for an international student about to land in NZ, I'd really appreciate the insights. Thanks!

[@AThousandWords]

Hmm, I'm sorry I have no advice as we didn't really struggle with understanding the accent. It will get easier as you get used to it. As for an international student about to arrive, I'd recommend doing your best to study and practice English as much as you can, and be prepared to get involved with clubs and groups and put yourself out there to meet people. All the best, hope it goes well for you!

[@pipanigelongdingdong]

i have a huge dilemma now. It is really a dream to live in NZ as it has the things i am looking for, which my country does not have. However, I am extremely attached to my family and home sick and this would be a huge problem for me. That being said, i think that it is a great unforgettable experience to have to at least work and live in a different country for a couple of years, just for the sake of experience even if i am not planning to live there forever. Relatives and friends are also encouraging me to venture out when i am still young, rather than have regrets and no opportunities when i am older. Any advice you can give me? :/

[@AThousandWords]

I'd say go for it. Give it at least two years, as the first two years can be the hardest. The personal growth you will gain from the experience, even if you hate it and end up going home, will be so valuable. And who knows, maybe some of your relatives will join you. Be brave, be strong, go out and enjoy the adventure!

[@kumardenish2702]

Hey I'm so pleased by watching you and you are such an inspiration. Well I'm a single South African man and I would like to have some advises as a single guy before I move to NZ where I have a plan to move in march 2017. Beside that is it easy to have a NZ staying visa? Thanks in advance for everything

[@AThousandWords]

It depends on your circumstances and the type of visa you apply for. I asusme you've checked out immigration.govt.nz/ I don't think your marital status makes any difference. All the best for your move!

[@kumardenish2702]

Thanks but i would like to move for work. I appreciate

[@WanderDude]

How did you actually decide that you will emigrate to new zealand? I don't mean how you chose the country. More like how did you say "yes, we want this" and "We are sure that this will be the right place to spend our future"? Thanks and all the best :-)

[@AThousandWords]

Great question, I'll answer it in my next Q&A video, thank you.

[@hilltopcresent]

If anyone moves to New Zealand please don't come to Auckland, we are full, houses are extremely expensive and the motorways are blocked. Plenty of other places to move to in NZ other than Auckland.

[@michaelmclaughlin261]

hilltopcresent ...how is Christchurch?

[@hilltopcresent]

Michael McLaughlin it's fantastic dude, can't fault chch. It's all being rebuilt brand new since the quake so it's really nice.

[@hiraotonashi8540]

I plan to finish school here in the USA as an automotive electrician (being it's in the needed jobs list) and move my family to the north island. I am currently saving money (@$7000 usd and still saving) would it bother u if i was to ask, how much did it take for u to make your move from England to NZ? Was it a comfortable amount? Do u have any regrets on how much u were able to save? Passports are already purchased and most everything we own will be sold before making the trip aside from things I know will cost soooo much more there, lol. Having to pay for a shipping crate would actually cost us more in the long run since our belongings don't cost much and don't have much anyway, hehe. So with all that, just trying to make heads or tails of exactly how much we will need for comfort. Thanks!

[@AThousandWords]

I can't remember exactly how much it cost to make the move but I think it was around US$30,000. It was a comfortable amount, the only regret we had was spending too much on a car initially (NZ$15,000) but we sold it and bought a car for half as much. Pretty much everything will cost more here! I'd recommend bringing as much as you can as it's cheaper to ship than replace, generally, although your appliances will all need replacing as we are on a different voltage. For example, we don't have IKEA here and a bookcase that would cost the equivalent of NZ$40 in England costs $700 here (there are companies that import IKEA goods but as you can see they cost way more!)

[@seshagan229]

any chances of getting job in oil and gas industry in NZ

[@AThousandWords]

Yes, I believe there are skills shortages. For more info go here: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/?_ga=1.229144735.269483730.1452327690 www.careers.govt.nz/searchresults?q=oil+and+gas

[@sharonp.v3502]

Thanku for the video..just I want to know about how the life will be in NZ as an expatriate ..I'm an Indian ..presently working in Qatar(Middle East) as ELV engineer ..can u explain me about the procedures to apply a job in NZ ..

[@marym9103]

Thanks for the tips...really helpful! I am going to contact you by email. Big hug from Orlando. Florida. US.

[@1945gmc353]

we been looking at moving to new zealand watched your videos we rent here in ireland dont have any relatives here only in uk and phillippines we dont have alot to take were thinking of wellington area do you have any idea about it

[@noahoani7770]

the thing about sitting on a table is, that you eat off the table you don't eat off a toilet sit do you and it the same with your feet, so think about it, it just disgusting

[@nj6222]

Hi! Thanks for this really great vlog. Planning to emigrate soon, would love to be in touch! Hugs from a rainy JHB

[@AThousandWords]

Hi Nicky, all the best with your emigration! Please join my FB group (it's linked under the video), we'd love to have you there.

[@robbiai]

Hello Jen, how are you ? thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips ! i love your videos. i am italian and lived in Paris for the past 11 years. I am motivated to relocate and am taking into consideration new Zealand. could you please suggest the name of professional and trustworthy immigration lawyers in NZ ? I would pick auckland as my ideal destination. thank you for your time, roberto

[@AThousandWords]

Hi Roberto, I would recommend New Zealand Shores (ask for Sarah Crome): newzealandshores.com/ All the best!

[@Mr__B.]

I would also like to live in a small town, however it is quite challenging to find a job in such places because of my occupation of software developer. As I heart, a job for my profession exist only in a few cities. Can I ask: what do you do for the living? Thanks, Mike.

[@AThousandWords]

That's a shame. Pity you can't do it online / remotely. My husband is in sales and marketing, and I manage our guest house rentals and do KZbin.

[@liljahash9608]

How long would it take me to immigrate to NZ

[@almagerber1539]

How long does it take to become a citizen? And also even for permanent residency?

[@ASMRMuzz]

NZ Immigration website will tell you all the details, but I think you have to be PR for 5 years before Citizenship.

[@tito419]

Hello am planning on moving to new Zealand from south Africa i would be grateful if you can give me more information on were to meet people in new Zealand thank you

[@AThousandWords]

I did a video on how to make friends that you might find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p16saYaKfJ57jMU

[@tito419]

Thanks i was really helpful am grateful

[@lauragreaves1937]

What made you chose to move from Auckland to Taranaki? We are looking to move to Taranaki from UK next year.

[@AThousandWords]

I think I've answered that in one of my Moving to NZ Q&A videos, but the short answer is cost of living and lifestyle. We prefer low population and countryside and you just can't beat the house prices down here in south Taranaki.

[@lauragreaves1937]

Thanks Jen, we are busy doing step one of our move to NZ..lots and lots of research. We have visited NZ before and there are too many beautiful and great places to live. I agree low population amd value for money properties makes Taranaki very attractive. I have been watching.lot of tour Vlogs iver the past few weeks from immigration tips, Q&As even your food prep and errand chats. Its great to hear about real life in NZ thats not in Auckland. I have plenty more vlogs to watch. Thanks again.

[@trueserenityone]

What would be your opinion on obtaining employment there as a healthcare worker?

[@AThousandWords]

You'll be able to find information here: www.careers.govt.nz/ Hope that helps!

[@aayushsays4194]

hii.. hope this msz finds u well.... i hv a question in my mind.. y did u left England..

[@AThousandWords]

I answered that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqDCo6ypf7OGi9k Hope that helps :)

[@amyrachar2341]

I live in Canada right now and am really wanting to move to New Zealand after high school and go to school for midwifery in New Zealand. Is this a realistic goal? Any advice?

[@AThousandWords]

I don't see why not, it sounds like a great goal. I'd just recommend doing some research as to how the qualification is viewed if you plan to return to Canada and work there - you may need to requalify. I've started a FB group for those moving to NZ if you'd like to join: facebook.com/groups/366961367030120/

[@amyrachar2341]

Thank you so much for your input. I'm definitely going to join the group :)

[@Mr__B.]

Did you do this process through immigration agency or alone?

[@AThousandWords]

We did it alone.

[@ghost_of_earth]

Jen, what do you recommend for an American wanting to flee the leadership of Donald Trump and the economic downturn that is seemingly pending? I've been interested in New Zealand for a few years, and now that the election is over I'm heavily considering moving within the next year.

[@AThousandWords]

I'd recommend starting with this site to check out your options: immigration.govt.nz/

[@ghost_of_earth]

Thank you so much!

[@Deontjie]

You want to flee a democratic elected billionaire? Come to South Africa and face a corrupt president that steals everything, and rape the rest. I will trade you Jacob Zuma for Donald Trump any day.

[@InFltSvc]

Jen Scholten you are going to move out of the USA because of an election ??? Don't forget to look for your "safe space" in your new country and make sure they sell coco and have support groups when that new county election don't go your way. And BTW! The last eight years has been hell for most Americans " that work" need I mention the 2008 housing crash. I personally did not get a raise in 2008 and 2009 because my fortune 100 company was out of control form what happened to this country during that time. And what makes you think this has any affiliation left or right ???? You are lucky to be able to live in the USA

[@briantrend1263]

I live in the UK an id love to live under the leadership of president Donald Trump ! thankyou President Trump for your HONESTY TRANSPARENCY AND TRUTH jen scholten you actually wanting to flee the bullshitting lefty false fake media you now nothing about Trump other than the bullshit you libtards are so fucking gullible you suck up all the liberal bullshit because you are false and weak

[@df3yt]

Didn't you have to pay import tax on the clothes?

[@AThousandWords]

No, because they are for personal use and not to sell.

[@df3yt]

I would have thought they'd been suspicious given the amount ;)

[@leewilson3908]

Hi, I am currently in the process of emigrating to NZ, would you say an income of $50,000 is liveable for 2 adults and a child?

[@AThousandWords]

Hi Lee, it depends on how frugally you live and where you live but I'd say $50k is a tight squeeze. It's doable but probably won't be comfortable.

[@leewilson3908]

Did you take your car with you or buy one when you got there? Also what did you do with your electrical equipment, take it all with you or buy new when you got there, not sure what to do due to different plugs, voltage outputs etc

[@hassanshehata5394]

thanx for your efforts>>> i need your advice>>> if i have around 150000 NZ dollar is it enough for emigrating to NZ. and start a simple business ???

[@AThousandWords]

Thanks for the question, I'll be adding it to my next video. The short answer is yes / it depends.

[@hassanshehata5394]

thanxxxx ..... waiting

[@AThousandWords]

Longer answer: yes it should definitely be enough to cover the visa costs, shipping fees, flights, getting set up here, and buying a business but obviously not if it's an expensive business (in other words it depends on the business) and of course how expensive the house you rent, what type of car you buy etc.

[@johnrobertruiz9201]

Why didn't you choose canada tho?

[@AThousandWords]

Mainly because of the cold and snow and long winters.

[@johnrobertruiz9201]

Oh that's fair enough.... cheers ☺

[@TruthSeeker-ee8tj]

We are from Canada and that's why we are looking at moving to NZ! Visiting the North Island for 2 wks in February 2017! First step

[@Nickkn7]

Hey jen , i got a question later i want to emigrate in america and it also really expensive but would they choose a american above a immigrant? and your video was really helpful i watch the whole video thank you love from the Netherlands soon america ;D

[@AThousandWords]

Nope, no nationality has an advantage, it's the same path for everyone.

[@paulyfrog6553]

New Zealand is easier to defend.

[@Nikolizky]

My advice to anyone and everyone who's interested in living or visiting South Africa is not to listen to a white South African. Be aware and vigilant that most of what they'll tell you is influenced by politics and Verwoerdism. If you wanna know the truth about South Africa, rather take advice from non-South Africans who lived there for at least a year and traveled the country. Would you listen to what Nazis or closet Nazis tell you about how great Germany is now compared to how it was in 1938? Without the ANC government corruption and White South Africans who've emigrated elsewhere and embarked on a negative campaign against South Africa, that country is great.

[@ToxicVaccines_HivHoax]

Very good advice! 👍👍❤