NationStates Jolt Archive


Going to England

Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 22:10
After seeing the news and becoming increasingly distressed about the American way. I was curious as to how easy it is to move to the UK?

And in the UK could I say join the RAF? Despite having bad experiences with the US military I would like to try at it again. And would it be hard to do so? I know the US has that if you serve one term in the military then you become a citizen.
The Tribes Of Longton
14-05-2005, 22:11
After seeing the news and becoming increasingly distressed about the American way. I was curious as to how easy it is to move to the UK?

And in the UK could I say join the RAF? Despite having bad experiences with the US military I would like to try at it again. And would it be hard to do so? I know the US has that if you serve one term in the military then you become a citizen.
I think you have to have English citizenship to be part of the RAF. But I could be wrong.
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 22:19
But lets say after one gets citizenship. I have been looking into this for a while now. Heck they treat me like Im so unwanted since Im half-japanese. To much hate in America for my tastes (by some anyway not all).
Kellarly
14-05-2005, 22:22
Ok, firstly you need a permit and a proof that you will be employed over here. We don't just accept anyone you know. ;)

As for citizenship, marry some one is the easiest way, not sure how long you have to live here otherwise.

As for the RAF, if you have served in the US military already then I am not sure they will accept you, but you can always email them and find out. Just google it to get an address.
Snetchistan
14-05-2005, 22:26
from the site:
Nationality
For most RAF jobs, you must have been a citizen of the UK, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland – or holder of dual British/other nationality – since birth.

Shame really - I honestly don't see why anyone would object to Americans and such serving in the RAF if theyre the best for the job. I mean look at their 'finest hour' - they had Poles and all sorts serving in the RAF.
San haiti
14-05-2005, 22:47
After seeing the news and becoming increasingly distressed about the American way. I was curious as to how easy it is to move to the UK?

And in the UK could I say join the RAF? Despite having bad experiences with the US military I would like to try at it again. And would it be hard to do so? I know the US has that if you serve one term in the military then you become a citizen.

Not wanting to ruin your scheme here but this might not be the best idea. English culture can be very different to american and we have plenty of hateful people too, especially in london. Maybe you should visit england first if you havent already.
Kellarly
14-05-2005, 22:54
from the site:
Nationality
For most RAF jobs, you must have been a citizen of the UK, the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland – or holder of dual British/other nationality – since birth.

Shame really - I honestly don't see why anyone would object to Americans and such serving in the RAF if theyre the best for the job. I mean look at their 'finest hour' - they had Poles and all sorts serving in the RAF.

Yup. Problems arrose when a few of them got shot down over the south of england during the battle of britain, they landed and tried to speak to the farmers and locals, but one they heard the accent they were taken to the police. I think one poor b*****d was even assaulted caus they thought he was german.
Children of Valkyrja
14-05-2005, 23:06
Not wanting to ruin your scheme here but this might not be the best idea. English culture can be very different to american and we have plenty of hateful people too, especially in london. Maybe you should visit england first if you havent already.

Most deffinately, come and visit us first before you decide to move.
Yes there are some very anti whatever people here, but there are some wonderful open and accepting ones here too.

My advice is, that if you are in a job whose skills are transferable, then go on a job hunt. Find something that will allow you to be here for, say at least six months then come over and get the feel of the place.
If you like it, then work hard at finding another job, or getting that contract extended.
If you don't then you can easily return to a place where at least there are family and friends.

I have friends in the services, one in the airforce.
The information posted on this board is a little confusing because I know and have known foreign imigrant who have and do serve.
If you would like me to ask I will gladly to so for you?
Nimzonia
14-05-2005, 23:15
The information posted on this board is a little confusing because I know and have known foreign imigrant who have and do serve.

But were they from Commonwealth countries?
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 23:18
Of course I would visit first. Hehe I might be wanting to move but Im not that desperate. And as for what I like to do. Im currently in college for Archeaology. But I might go for business management instead.

But I would like that if you could check for me. I just mentioned the RAF or something like that since I see military service as a good source of pride. But it would not be the only reason I would like to move.
North Island
14-05-2005, 23:19
Wouldnt it just be more easy to go to Japan and join their air force as you are half-japanese?
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 23:23
That would not go over very well. Since I am disliked in america because Im half-japanese. And Im disliked even more in Japan because Im half-american. And besides my family in Japan does not like me that much and it would be much harder for me to go there than to stay here.
Potaria
14-05-2005, 23:24
That would not go over very well. Since I am disliked in america because Im half-japanese. And Im disliked even more in Japan because Im half-american. And besides my family in Japan does not like me that much and it would be much harder for me to go there than to stay here.

Wow... What the hell is your family's problem?
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 23:26
Thats easy what their problem is. The fact that my mother married an american service member. That she had a child. That child is me.
Potaria
14-05-2005, 23:27
Thats easy what their problem is. The fact that my mother married an american service member. That she had a child. That child is me.

Again --- What the hell is their problem!? You should go and smack the hell out of them.
Children of Valkyrja
14-05-2005, 23:29
But were they from Commonwealth countries?

*Scratches head*
I don't know, don't ask me guv, they was where they should be and I was having a sneak look at a harrier and where I shouldn't be!
I do know that a couple were European, but what the other guy was I don't know.

Of course I would visit first. Hehe I might be wanting to move but Im not that desperate. And as for what I like to do. Im currently in college for Archeaology. But I might go for business management instead.
But I would like that if you could check for me. I just mentioned the RAF or something like that since I see military service as a good source of pride. But it would not be the only reason I would like to move.

Archeology eh?
Well there is always the option of doing what you call an internship at a University and continueing your studies over here.

And I will do, (check for you that is)
Of course there are civilian jobs within the militery structure that do not have to be filled by 'British' now that I know for certain!
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 23:29
I dont really know then. I just know they had a problem with my father. And they got angry with my mother. So yeah as little contact with Japan is best.
North Island
14-05-2005, 23:30
That would not go over very well. Since I am disliked in america because Im half-japanese. And Im disliked even more in Japan because Im half-american. And besides my family in Japan does not like me that much and it would be much harder for me to go there than to stay here.
If it's a racial thing then I think going to some asian nation would be the best thing for you, not China and N. Korea, as Europe is not much 'better' when it comes to racism. It's at a high now and growing.
Dont you think your family in Japan would like it if you joined their nations military and helped protect it? It cant be all that bad in America for you, you just have to tuffen-up a litle and not let things like that bother you.
Try AFROTC.
Bodies Without Organs
14-05-2005, 23:32
I think you have to have English citizenship to be part of the RAF. But I could be wrong.

'English citizenship'? There is no such thing.
Children of Valkyrja
14-05-2005, 23:33
Again --- What the hell is their problem!? You should go and smack the hell out of them.

And that would really help wouldn't it?

Unfortunately families are families and best left at that.

Though just because you 'family' did/do not aprove of what your parents did and by default what you are, it does not mean that you should never go to Japan or think about living there.
Japan is after all, a very big place.
North Island
14-05-2005, 23:34
'English citizenship'? There is no such thing.
Why are you starting some thing like this? Dont act dumb, you know what he means.
Potaria
14-05-2005, 23:35
And that would really help wouldn't it?

Unfortunately families are families and best left at that.

Though just because you 'family' did/do not aprove of what your parents did and by default what you are, it does not mean that you should never go to Japan or think about living there.
Japan is after all, a very big place.

It would be nice to "slap some sense into them". Well, for me, anyway!

And, yes, Japan's quite large, in a small sort of way :p.
Sanctum Imperialis
14-05-2005, 23:36
If you think racism is bad in America and Europe go to Japan. If you know Japanese listen to what they say when around Americans or those with mixed blood. It is worse than in any place I have ever been. But on another note I also asked because a friend of mine would like to go. He has been to Europe and was interested as well. So if you could look more so for him than me.
Silicia
14-05-2005, 23:42
Remember that continental Europe is very different from Britain. We have a bit of an "island complex" if you get my drift...
31
14-05-2005, 23:43
My wife is Japanese, I am USian. Her family are great. They do not insult me. My family loves her and they visited here and were warmly welcomed. I have many Japanese friends.
Yes, I know a few Japanese people say things which could be considered insensative. I have also run into the few rightwingers they have over her, their version of Nazis. They were laughable and pathetic, I certainly took no offense because it was much easy to chuckle at them and shake my head.
Stop being so worried about what other people say about you.
I can understand the family thing being a real downer but don't let the actions of a few people turn you against an entire group of people.
Let it roll off your back. Let words touch you not.
New Granada
14-05-2005, 23:44
Wow... What the hell is your family's problem?


The japanese are savage racists, were you not aware?
Children of Valkyrja
14-05-2005, 23:51
It would be nice to "slap some sense into them". Well, for me, anyway!
And, yes, Japan's quite large, in a small sort of way :p.

Oh I know, it's what I have always wanted to do with everyone who doesn't tolerate people for what they are.


If you think racism is bad in America and Europe go to Japan. If you know Japanese listen to what they say when around Americans or those with mixed blood. It is worse than in any place I have ever been. But on another note I also asked because a friend of mine would like to go. He has been to Europe and was interested as well. So if you could look more so for him than me.

Wherever there are a group pf people who are alike gathered together, there will be those who think that they are 'the chosen' and none should sully their blood.
Unfortunately we all have to live with it and fight it in our own ways.

Listen to 31, he's an example of the fact that it can work and all isn't as bad as it seems.
Children of Valkyrja
14-05-2005, 23:52
The japanese are savage racists, were you not aware?

Not all, otherwise our friend here wouldn't be having this conversation. Generalisation doesn't help anyone.
La Habana
14-05-2005, 23:58
I don't know if anyone is aware, but there is an RAF base in the middle of the south atlantic, it's on an island called ascension island, but the Americans also have a military and civilian presence there as well (I actually stayed at ascension for quite a while) and us british people seem to get on really well with our American friends on the island. I would suggest google searching 'ascension island' for more info!!! but it's really beautiful there, it's the british equivalent to the american island of midway. Hope this bit of info helps!
Children of Valkyrja
15-05-2005, 00:05
Ascension, yep.
Stopped off there on the way down to the Faulklands.
La Habana
15-05-2005, 00:07
I remember being there like it was yesterday, and i want 2 go back some day. Children of Valkirja, how long did you stay there?
Children of Valkyrja
15-05-2005, 00:13
Couple of nights on the way down and about 12 hours on the way back.
From what I saw of it, it was very very nice as an island.

Belize is interesting (looks at her coconut telegram)
Super-power
15-05-2005, 00:24
After seeing the news and becoming increasingly distressed about the American way.
Good for you then - the more libs who flee the US coz they don't like it here, the fewer to stand in the way of us libertarians
Bodies Without Organs
15-05-2005, 00:28
Why are you starting some thing like this? Dont act dumb, you know what he means.

Why am I pointing this out? Because there is a tendency amongst English people to keep making claims like this for some reason. I don't think I have ever encountered a Scot or a Welsh person or even an inhabitant of Northern Ireland making a similar remark. As to why the English are particularly prone to sometimes talking about such things as English citizenship or English passports, I don't know, but it continues to irk me.
Benden Wyrr
15-05-2005, 01:03
Good for you then - the more libs who flee the US coz they don't like it here, the fewer to stand in the way of us libertarians

*sigh*
The guy hasn't mentioned politics, so why try and turn this conversation that way?

Why am I pointing this out? Because there is a tendency amongst English people to keep making claims like this for some reason. I don't think I have ever encountered a Scot or a Welsh person or even an inhabitant of Northern Ireland making a similar remark. As to why the English are particularly prone to sometimes talking about such things as English citizenship or English passports, I don't know, but it continues to irk me.

Then why be a smart arse, why not just just point out that the term is British Citizenship and not English?

And yes I AM English, but IAM a British citizen.
QuentinTarantino
15-05-2005, 01:06
After seeing the news and becoming increasingly distressed about the American way. I was curious as to how easy it is to move to the UK?

And in the UK could I say join the RAF? Despite having bad experiences with the US military I would like to try at it again. And would it be hard to do so? I know the US has that if you serve one term in the military then you become a citizen.

i wouldn't move to the UK, its not a pleasant place. I think you'd be better off going somewhere else in Western Europe
Bodies Without Organs
15-05-2005, 01:08
Then why be a smart arse, why not just just point out that the term is British Citizenship and not English?


I did originally just point out that there was no such thing, believing that even those people who are prone to make refererence to 'English citizenship' know that they are actually talking about 'British citizenship'. Now that the matter is open I'm still wondering why the English in particular are prone to make such slips.
Benden Wyrr
15-05-2005, 01:10
England has it's problems like everywhere else.
It depends on quality of life and what you want out of it.
I have travelled extencively in both Britain, Europe and wider afield.
When it comes down to it, I always look at what I have here and decide I'm far better off than elsewhere.

I think it's the 'grass is always greener' syndrome, no-on is ever satisfied with what they've got, who they are or where they live.
QuentinTarantino
15-05-2005, 01:11
What country do you live in now?
Benden Wyrr
15-05-2005, 01:14
I did originally just point out that there was no such thing, believing that even those people who are prone to make refererence to 'English citizenship' know that they are actually talking about 'British citizenship'. Now that the matter is open I'm still wondering why the English in particular are prone to make such slips.

Are they?
Do they?

I don't and I can't recall anyone that I know doing so either.

If you are talking about the question type answer 'what nationality are you' I will always say that I am english, as would someone from Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland would say they are of that country.
But for everything else, I refer to myself as British.
Children of Valkyrja
15-05-2005, 01:20
NOTE:
Sorry folkes Benden Wyrr is me, Children of Valkyrja.
I hadn't noticed that the system had changed my nation, sorry for the confusion.


What country do you live in now?

If that is directed at me?
England.
Bodies Without Organs
15-05-2005, 01:23
Are they?
Do they?

I don't and I can't recall anyone that I know doing so either.

I have experienced English people claiming to either possess and English passport or English citizenship several times. I'm not claiming that it is endemic to them, by any means, buit I don't notice other UK residents making similar slips.

If you are talking about the question type answer 'what nationality are you' I will always say that I am english, as would someone from Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland would say they are of that country.
But for everything else, I refer to myself as British.

This I have no problem with.
Children of Valkyrja
15-05-2005, 02:15
Well I have experienced others doing the same.
"I'm bloody *insert nation* not British"
It's human nature, I am proud of being from the family that I am from, I am proud to be from the area I was born in, I am proud that I am English and I am proud of being British.
*shrugs* don't see the problem if there is a slight slip up from others along the way.
Nova Castlemilk
15-05-2005, 10:22
I think you have to have English citizenship to be part of the RAF. But I could be wrong.You are wrong, you need British citizenship, in fact. Do you think there are separate Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Air Forces?

Though maybe thats not a bad idea :D
Rownhams
15-05-2005, 11:46
I've always found it more the other way round. Im forever hearing Welsh, Scottish, Northen irelanders saying there from that country while people living in England consider themselves British. Im from Southern England and I consider myself British. As for these people critising britain, yes it has it's problems like evrywhere else but I enjoy living here and i think it's a wonderful place to live. from personal experience I've seen very little racism round my area but then again there are very few people from other races living round my area, most tend to be up North. As for the RAF this is there page on eligibility http://www.rafcareers.com/thebigpicture/eligibility.cfm seems to back up whats aready been sead though.
Cheese varieties
15-05-2005, 11:58
I don't know if anyone is aware, but there is an RAF base in the middle of the south atlantic, it's on an island called ascension island, but the Americans also have a military and civilian presence there as well (I actually stayed at ascension for quite a while)

Yep, I lived there for 2 years between 1996 and 1998. How about you? were you with the RAF the USAF or one of the civilian companies?
Sanctum Imperialis
16-05-2005, 01:41
I talked to my friend eariler today. And he said that he would become a citizen first (which means giving it up in the US). He also said something about his family only recently (In the past 150 years or so) moved to the US from Wales. And he has wanted to go there to check it out. But I told him of his chances but he would still like to try.
Nova Castlemilk
16-05-2005, 10:57
I've always found it more the other way round. Im forever hearing Welsh, Scottish, Northen irelanders saying there from that country while people living in England consider themselves British. Im from Southern England and I consider myself British. As for these people critising britain, yes it has it's problems like evrywhere else but I enjoy living here and i think it's a wonderful place to live. from personal experience I've seen very little racism round my area but then again there are very few people from other races living round my area, most tend to be up North. As for the RAF this is there page on eligibility http://www.rafcareers.com/thebigpicture/eligibility.cfm seems to back up whats aready been sead though.Funny that I've never heard Scotland or Wales replacing Britain when national identity is being discussed. Can you honestly say otherwise? Can you also deny that England/Britain are freqently interchangable, even by the English themselves?

I live in Tottenham, London and every day am aware of racism, between English, Turkish and Jewish racists.
Odins Forgiven
16-05-2005, 11:10
I live in Tottenham, London and every day am aware of racism, between English, Turkish and Jewish racists.

Ah yes dear old Tottenham. *sigh*

I lived in Woodgreen up until five years ago and worked for Haringey. Tottenham, like a lot of that type of area is a product of poor housing and economy and poor housing policy, brought on by the area being swamped in refugees (of all kinds) and the local authority unabel to keep up with their welfare and social needs.

I lived in the Bows park area, I loved the mix of nationalities and cultures. The only problems that refugees had were ones of ignorance of the way things worked in thsi country.
For example, my neighbours thought that chucking their rubish out the front door in carrier bags was acceptable. When I explained they were quite happy to use bin bags and put it out when it should be.
People, if someone speaks to them, are usually happy that someone is taking an interest and almost all are willing to conform with the new habits of the place they live.