I think within a couple it can be helpful to talk about what your intentions are for this time, so that you at least START on the same page.
Wow, you really articulated that so clearly, and for me it is so true. I loved it here - until I wanted to try and make a real life here, not just vacation mode. The difference is enormous!
thanks for the info. we lived in canada for will be 6 years this summer, 4 of those in permanent resident status, insignificant time abroad. so I think we should be fine. this year away wont' change things as you need 3 years within the last 5 years or so, which will be the case.
just need to kick my butt to get things started before we leave...
I think we have come a long way regarding couples different views. I told myself that this year will be the deciding factor, I see if the view and memories I have of switzerland are still valide, and If I can imagine to live there forever now.
after all, i also changed in the last 7 years, having started a family and being away that long. I give Switzerland a second or third chance and hope I am not getting disappointed (always baring in mind that no country is perfect, and trying to keep an open mind..)
Only two advantages of Switzerland I see are 1) economical circumstances (lower taxes, higher salaries for most jobs, etc.) and 2) proximity to other European countries. Ignoring those two I would rather stay in Canada as nearly everything else is equal or better there (nature, outdoors, skiing, sailing, friendly people, climate with a bit more sunshine).
Your issues will be a different from ours.
Many people who have lived away from their country find it difficult to go back. They find they have changed but everyone around them is the same. It's called reverse culture shock if you want to learn more about it.
I know I could never move back to where I grew up as I never felt like that was my place. But I could probably live for a long time in Switzerland. Though I know that probably wont' be the case. The DH is already plotting his next move! (grr!)
Anyway, I think MC's advice is great (as always). Take it as an adventure and not as a permanent decision. As someone who was always sad at being an ocean apart from my grandmother, it will be a great time for the kids to get to know their family.
PS, there is 100% maple syrup at the Migros and where they sell specialty foods. No need to panic!
6 month out of Canada and your permanent resident will expire
NOT TRUE (but I still think they should apply for citizenship before leaving).
" Keeping your permanent resident status
Your permanent resident status allows you to live in Canada, but there is also a time limit on how long you can live outside the country. To keep your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. "
Link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp
I am a lier Schluchz Schluchz OK things have changed then
Not at all. Just a bit "misinformed"
What part of the country are you living in?
I am in Ottawa for the last 47 years almost ,but I have been from cost to cost to cost .My youngest is in Victoria RCN,one in Toronto cop one in San Diego,girl here in ottawa
Hey cannut,
i heard if that before too, so it must have been like that some years ago. Now they changed it luckily.
Yes, that's exactly what I will try to do, I go there and try to see myself as a foreigner, I am a Canadian going to live in Switzerland, and then try to see how things are, instead of going with a preset mind of how things are, if you know what I mean.
We speak german and are from Basel originally, so, living in Lausannes in a different language will make it easier to act like that.
Hopefully.
It;s the same here, and you are very right, Once we started to think if we want to stay in Canada forever, things got a bit more complicated, and suddenly, one sees more edges and dumps than before.
You sure don`t want to miss this http://outfront.blogs.cnn.com/2012/0...xt-superpower/
Got a good laugh out of feed backs
Three things:
-I have two cousins in Winnipeg that take the bus to work and they're researchers at the university.. I guess they're fun. They only drive for grocery trips and socializing, never for work.
-It really doesn't get cold here. Even when the locals complain, it's only about -5 or something.
-My knowledge of french has proven very useful at the pharmacy, the grocery store and oddly enough, also the various migration offices I've been too...
That's only for "residency"
So I'm no longer a Canadian resident, but if I were still a permanent resident, I would not have lost my status.
Important distinction that is also exempt if kids are studying abroad. My cousin did this before getting her citizenship years ago as she returned to Iran for uni... because let's face it, you can't beat a free education at one of the best schools in the world, even if it is Iran (yes, some of their schools are very good)
...but you do realize, that the province of Manitoba is about 16 times larger than the whole of Switzerland with the population density of a little over 85 times smaller than the one of Switzerland?
Yes, I heard they have a very advanced atomic physics department....
Switzerland:
Canada:
These guys are not Canadians. Look at the flags on the hats...
American Tourists or draft dodgers At the border