What do you think of foreigners (esp Aussies) moving to Chicago? (Mark: gated, living in)

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by Lorielicious

Need more! If I meet one more person from Michigan....

I hear ya on that...so much of Chicago's diversity is Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, southern Illinois...If I meet another artist or writer from Iowa...

[Kamms]

Originally Posted by coming2america

No Kamms this decision will be to move permantly I want to contribute to the community not just in work. The only downside is that I will have to wait 5 years after getting a green card to become a US citizen (but as they say good things comes to those who wait). Once I move to the States there will be no turning back to oz. I keep up to date with what is going on in America and this decision is not taken lightly.

You'll do fine wherever you end up moving to in the U.S.

[chicagobear]

As a white native English speaker, you will not be viewed as a "real" foreigner. Your accent will be viewed positively.

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by RingWalk

In my experience most Europeans who visit certainly like Chicago, but I would imagine most wind up in NY...it's just that much more exciting. Most come wanting to 'do' America for a few years and Chicago while great is not NY. That's been my experience anyway.

Obviously Australians are not Europeans but same difference.

LA...meh...

LOL at Australians being Europeans lol. Someone actually said that lol.

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by Kamms

Wasn't Australia originally a penal colony for the Brits?

I think so...I heard t was where they sent the less desirable during the British empire times.

[expatChicagoan]

I moved to Chicago from Australia when I was 30. I loved it, and for the most part, the locals loved me - just be prepared for people to ask you *often* if you are from England

[coming2america]

Originally Posted by FlyiMetro

I think so...I heard t was where they sent the less desirable during the British empire times.

Yes I am a decendant of those "less desirable" convicts on the first fleet! The crime wasnt for stealing hankies or bread. Oh no my ancestor when he committed a crime he went all out "Highway Robbery" yes stand and deliver!!!!! Though you will be relived to know that crime does NOT run in the family!!!

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by chicagobear

As a white native English speaker, you will not be viewed as a "real" foreigner. Your accent will be viewed positively.

This. Any animus (fair or unfair - I'd argue the latter) that Chicagoans have toward dark skinned foreigners who speak an unfamiliar language will not be directed to you.

Australian accents are said to be a chick magnet. (Translation: attractor of females.)

Welcome to Chicago. CAUTION - someone said there are plenty of Aussies here. There are relatively few.

[Payne222]

Me and all my friends and family are perfectly fine with foreigners coming to America. We have first through fourth and fifth generation Americans in our family. The only thing I can say is what peeve's my family and friends off about foreigners are the people who come here and then segregate themselves into an ethnic community and (99% of the time) only associate and what not with them.

[tb4000]

Yeah, my boss is actually from New Zealand. There are a lot more brits and aussies running around this joint than you would think, you just don't know it by looking.