A mum-of-two moved her family over 6,000 miles away from their home to start a new life here in the UK and hasn’t looked back, however along the way they have some big culture shocks
Travelling for a long period or moving abroad can be an exciting yet daunting choice. While it will be filled with adventure and new opportunities, you may also miss some of things you are used to back home – and it may take you some time to adjust to how a different culture works. One woman has moved her family over 6,000 miles away from home for a new life in the UK – and shared what it’s really like.
Back in January 2023, mum Lyssa Jen, from The Philippines, decided to try a UK pathway and take a QET – the leading English test for healthcare professionals. She passed the test and by November that year she managed to land a job role for an NHS trust. Soon after she got her visa approval, and held a going away part in December of that year.
She spent a year studying and working hard, and in March 2024 she took her OSCE exam at the University of Nottingham – a key test for the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
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The UK offers an array of opportunities for many foreign nationals, so it’s no wonder that 200,000 Filipinos have already chosen the UK to reside in, reports Immigration Advice Service.
Thankfully, in June that year, her partner and two children were able to join her and start a new life in the UK – and the family have not looked back.
Now the family has been in the UK over a year, they have learned plenty of things about how different life is – from the good, to housing rules, healthcare, food and more.
Here are Lyssa’s “truths about the UK” which she shared on her @lyssajenn TikTok account:
1. Buying things from charity shops to save money
2. Strict waste disposal rules
3. Cycling/walking to work
4. Children are encouraged to read more books
5. The UK has three more months of summer
“Typically from June to August so enjoy the sunny days while they last,” Lyssa said.
6. Work/life balance
“Full time NHS staff are expected to work 37.5hours per week,” noted Lyssa.
7. Food
“Loving their fish and chips,” the mum-of-two added.
8. Chocolates everywhere
9. Beautiful flowers I’d only seen on TV before
10. DIY haircuts because professional ones are expensive
11. Sometimes you can find a printer for £5 at a car boot
12. Free meals from early years to year 2 students
13. Free healthcare
14. Expensive Filipino food
15. Able to buy things I never thought I could afford
16. Walking kids to school
17. Free GP consultation
18. Owning and running a car in the UK can be quite expensive
19. People around here enjoy donating things they don’t need anymore
20. Enjoying fresh fruits
Commenting on the post, one individual said: “Glad you guys are enjoying the UK. Filipinos are some of the best people I’ve met.”
One other offered their support, and added: “Yes it’s great until you get benefits and have your own house. If not get ready to work hard pay so much taxes or get stabbed waking back home.
“Loved your side of the story but cannot be realistic when I know what we escaped from. Good luck girl, enjoy.”
Have you ever thought about moving to another country? Comment below.