Older Teenagers / Young Adults Meeting New Friends

[Boxertony]

Hi everyone,

 

It's really good that parents are helping their young children to meet new friends on their behalf via this amazing website. But my issue is that I have two children, Shannon aged 16 (hairdressing apprenticeship) and Nathan aged 20 (Pro -footballer and now at University). Both of my kids have a very big social network here in Newcastle upon Tyne and both studying hard for their intended careers.

 

It is in my opinion that school children age, will automatcially settle down in OZ quickly because they will meet a lot of new friends through their school network and most parents tend to socialise with their children and with other families who have young children. Even to the point of saying can your son or daughter be friends with my son or daughter.

 

But my siutation is different, my kids would go crazy if they found out that I am trying to make friends for them on their behalf, even though I mean well. Because we are going on the 475 visa and not having too much savings to rely on, it will be vitally important for my wife and I to find suitable employment asap on arrival. At this period/time we will not be able to afford my oldest two kids to attend University or TAFE education as the fees are really really expensive due not being on a 475 visa.

 

Because of their ages both my kids have not got work experience and not gained any advance qualifications yet, so finding suitable employement is a non existant. I cannot stop thinking that my two kids are going to be left isolated, not have any money to socialise and meet new people, to continue in their education to aid with their chosen careers. My son and daughter have both mentioned that they are willing to stay in Newcastle upon Tyne and to finish their studies, if thats easier for my wife and I, but obviously our Visa will not allow that and we dont want that anyway.

 

What I am asking for is! Is there any other families who feel the same as I do, or, am I alone. As any families been through this and can shed some light on their similar experiences of having emigrated to Adelaide, with older children say 16 to 22 year old, what did your kids go through and their experiences and your feelings and experiences of being their parents.

 

Another note, which is separate, has anyone got good contacts within the professional soccer scene in Adelaide, who can provide some help advice and assistance for my son and I. I was a professional boxer for ten years, so whats the boxing scene like in Adelaide, would love to continue with coaching boxing for youths. I also coach youth football as well, which is something I would like also to continue.

 

Come on parents, your kids might be grown up chronilogically, but their will always be our babies.

 

Tony (40), Jane (38), Nathan (20), Shannon (16), Charlotte (10)

[lorluc]

Just replied to your other similar post on another thread...

 

http://www.pomsinadelaide.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10995&page=2

 

I've replied honestly...which is, what i believe, you are looking for...honest opinions.....

[Guest michellesewell]

Hi

We have 3 children aged 16,17 and 21. The younger one wants to emigrate with us the older 2 have their lives in the UK. I feel sad but it is our decision to make the move and they can always visit.

[Rachiegarlo]

I think it depends on your kids' personalities, if they are outgoing and happy to meet new people and try new things then it will be easier for them. If they have always stuck with the same friends and gone to the same places they may find it harder. The fact that two of your children are of similar age then they will have support from each other.

[Guest salisbury massive]

Most young people here have jobs from their middle teens. Lots of supermarkets take kids on and I'm sure if they got some employment it would help. Believe me they don't need work experience to get a part time job here. Just turning up on time would be a start. As long as they look smart and express a bit of interest, they'll be fine.

 

We only have the one proper professional side here which is Adelaide united. The A league is very small and covers the whole of Australia. Here is the website

http://www.adelaideunited.com.au/

 

I don't know how much use they will be and I don't know if there are semi professional teams. Some-one else on the site may help you with that. However there are heaps of soccer clubs and your best bet would be contacting someone from the Federation. You'll be able to find out about doing a coaches course at this website as well. Usual police checks will apply. You'll have to get a South Australian one done. Heres the web site for the Soccer Federation

http://www.ffsa.com.au/

 

No idea about the boxing but these might help

http://www.boxingaustralia.org.au/contactus.html

 

I think it can be a difficult road for the late teens/early 20's group especially as they already have their social groups made up. However sport is king here in Oz and once you are part of a club the social side can offer good opportunity to make friends. I guess its really up to how much effort they want to put in when they come.

 

Hope that helps

 

Jo

[Guest the dobsons]

hi tony

 

i am also from newcastle and came here in april with wife and two sons 16 and 17.

 

they did find it hard at first due to bordham but both have found apprenterships . i will reply in more detail later as i have to go . it is much better than uk !

[Guest Little Wiganer]

Hey,

Just thought i would give you a little hand with your kids, i'm 19 and my sister is 22, we moved out here with our parents a few years ago. Me and my parents moved over to adelaide in march whilst my sister stayed back at home to finish her studies and came later on, when i first moved over here i had to do yr 11 and 12 at high school, i must admit it wasn't the easiest thing to do and i didn't gain a big network of friends from it either! Girls over here already had their group of friends and it was really hard to settle in so from my opinion if anything i think your kids have an advantageas it did put me off adelaide and living here at first! i made most of my friends through sport (mainly), work and even through my parents... at first i hated the whole, "Come down to a BBQ with us and meet someone's daughter or son..." but it turned out to be the easiest way to gain a network of friends, not only are they in the same position as you but they to understand what its like to leave a busy social life back home and to go somewhere totally new and not know anyone! so its easy to get along as you already have lots in common usually and also if they have been here a while they will also have some friends that no doubt you will get introduced to... thats how i gained good friends - meeting through other people!

Hairdressing is popular over here and there are plenty of salons that are willing to take on apprentices all she would need to do would be find a salon and they should arrange all her TAFE for her, i have a few friends from england who are currently doing hairdressing and was in the same position.

I'm not too sure about your son but there is still lots of work available over here, even if its office or bar work just to get him started. Put down his GCSE/A-Level scores on his CV as they will match a the high school standard over here! It worked for my sister she has a high paid job working as a secretary for one of the orthopedic doctors!

if you guys need any help when you get here give me a shout!

 

Lianne

[Guest Ledges]

My eldest daughter is 17 and almost decided to stay beind in the UK. However, she is now coming with us. We arrive on 21/9. I am concerned that she isn't bored and doesn't decide she wants to come back. We are renting for a couple of weeks in Glenelg initially. She's leaving her boyfriend behind so there will be a pull to return. She's really friendly and sociable and loves horses. Any suggestions anyone ?

[Guest aglenn411]

Hey ledges. i'm 17 and been here since march and i'm from ireland its alota work gettin a network of friends and being 17 you can't go to school and its fairly difficult to get a decent job as an immigrant at my age. if you wana contact me e-mail me on aaronglenn@hotmail.co.uk it would be great to be able to hang out with someone my age and in the same situation!

[Guest Miss-Wales1987]

Hi everyone. Wow, finally a post with people my own age! I'm Taryn, 21 and I am originally from South Wales =) 22 this month!

 

I moved to Adelaide last Dec and I am also trying to meet new people here. I have a friend Ryan who is out from Wales too who is also 21. He is here on a year Visa, but has just got a job with his trade in Lonsdale and is hoping to get spons.. I moved out here with my family and am now a Perm Resident. We live in Moana Heights. If anyone is interested, we would love to meet up. We are both very social and out-going, love life and we are wanting to meet like minded people.

 

Hope to hear from someone soon =)

[Guest Bluenose]

Hey Tony!

 

Mate, I totally understand where ya coming from....I arrived as a 16 year old with the folks and I wish they had the same concerns as you rightly do....might have made "adjusting" a little easier.

 

Don't forget the Geordie accent is a bloody shocker for the Aussies to get their heads around.....they used to say "English please" when I spoke....cheeky buggers ha ha

 

I found it difficult but joining a sporting club made things a little easier which may help ya son......if he's any good then he could get a game for Adelaide United cos they're doing ****e at the moment ha ha

 

Anyway, good on ya for having the hindsight to share ya concerns....ya kids might be shocked / embarrassed etc that you've done something like this.....but trust me....I wish my parents had!

 

Cheers

 

J

[Guest jones]

hi I bought kids over aged 16 + 20 can but u in contact will football club my 20 year old son has just started training + the kids will have no problem finding part time jobs my daughter is on her 2nd didnt like the first