What's All This Then?

So I have made the decision to move to the UK.  While I have always wanted to live abroad, there was always something holding me back, maybe it’s just a fear of the unknown and of being away from home for so long; but when I looked at the SWAP (www.swap.ca) brochure, yet again (I do this every year), I noticed that the age limit for the UK is 30.  Having just turned 28, it dawned on me that it's now or never.  After bouncing the idea off of family, friends and colleagues who have been overwhelmingly supportive and with nothing concrete holding me back in Ottawa, I have decided that it's time.

 

Last May I registered for the SWAP program.  I debated whether I should go through SWAP or do it on my own but in the end, I decided that the help with getting my work visa and the assistance they provide once abroad will be worth it, even if it’s just for peace of mind (which is greatly undervalued, in my opinion).

I am still in the very early planning stages, but my excitement and obsessive planning have already begun.  Since I can’t apply for my work visa until three months before I plan to leave (which makes that October since I plan to leave in early January), my research is somewhat limited and more vague at this stage.  I have been reading a lot of blogs written by Canadians who, like me, have registered for SWAP UK and who are already in London.  My top three blogs are:

• For the Love of London (very useful and thorough information and lists that I have shamelessly copied, including what to pack, where to live, what to do in London, etc.)
• Ramblings of a Canadian Bloke (interesting perspective and his thoughts before he left for London – I’m a little concerned that he hasn’t written, except for once briefly, since he got to London.  I’m hoping that this is because he’s having so much fun and he can’t find the time!)
• SWAP Blog (links to other blogs and useful information)

 When it comes to living London, what I'm most excited about is:

• commuting on the Tube;
• awesome accents around me all the time;
• proximity and affordability of travelling to so many exciting European destinations; and
• a new and exciting experience that I couldn't get at home.

 What I'm most scared about:

• being far away from home and everyone I know;
• panicking if everything doesn't go according to plan; and
• missing out on opportunities while I'm away.

That said, I think the good things far outweigh the bad things and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be in London in January 2014.  The only questions left are: what will I do there and how long will I stay? 

I will be using this blog as my sounding board before, during and after my London adventure.  I welcome any and all questions and comments and look forward to sharing this experience with anyone who chooses to read this.  Stay tuned for more of my ramblings!