Jessie asked:


Hello. I’m looking to move from the United States to New Zealand after I graduate from college. I’m a recreation and tourism major. I’ve spent time in New Zealand and I absolutely loved it. I’m meeting up with some travel buddies from England next summer I met while we were working on a conservation volunteer project through New Zealand. Even though we did get to travel last time, we want to go back and just travel and be tourists, since last time we were doing conservation work much of the time.

I figure this would be the best time for me to move: I don’t really have any possessions in my name such as a house, and I don’t have any outstanding loans since I got scholarships for college and my car is paid off. Most of my personal value is in savings accounts and not in material items that I’d want to take with me. It also helps that I’m not married and don’t have any children too. And I have a sincere interest in New Zealand; I’m not one of these people leaving the U.S. because of being mad at the president or economic situation.

I’m looking for some suggestions and advice. Not so much about residency visas and other forms of legal requirements since I’ll be reading in on them, but more personal observations. If you moved to New Zealand or have even lived in both countries, what did you notice about the two countries? Such as noticing taxes or the cost of living was much higher in one country than the other, cultural differences, things to be aware of, or the job market. Any insite you can give me would be much appreciated.

Amber