I wanted to post something about how excited I am for our citizenship ceremony tomorrow, and I thought the voluntary survey I just completed for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship might be appropriate. Before any American readers take offense: Don't worry, I still love the US and retain my US citizenship! I kind of see it like having two parents; loving your mum doesn't mean you love your dad any less.
How long have you lived in Australia? Just over 4 years - we applied for citizenship the first day we were eligible!
Why did you choose to come to Australia? We wanted to spend some time living outside the US, and we only speak English and love the outdoors. As such, Australia seemed like a natural fit! After we began the process of applying for a skilled migrant visa, my company opened branches in both Sydney and London. We briefly flirted with the idea of moving to London given its access to the rest of Europe, but we decided that sunshine was a lifestyle requirement.
What made you decide to become an Australian citizen? Before we moved to Australia, we told everyone we were coming for "at least three years, maybe forever", but I think that "maybe forever" part was really just tacked on for shock value. However, we hadn't been here long before we both started hinting to each other that we'd really like to stay.
By the end of our first year, we were both thinking ahead to citizenship and a permanent life in Australia. Although we had permanent residence before we arrived, obtaining citizenship was important to us so that we could vote and take full part in Australian society.
However, there were also less tangible reasons for seeking citizenship. Not too many people get to choose the country that they will call home, and I feel really lucky to get to make that choice and to express that commitment by becoming a citizen.
What is the best thing about living in Australia? Or the best thing that has happened to you since you arrived here? The biggest reason we decided to stay was that we feel more at home in Australia in many ways. In Australia, there is a sense of community that is reflected in both daily life and our system of government. Walking or taking public transport to the local shops builds a greater sense of being connected than does driving to big chain stores. Paying a bit more in tax to ensure that everyone has access to health care and other services demonstrates that we all look after each other, regardless of our background. I love that the Australian national anthem explicitly acknowledges our multicultural heritage and encourages everyone to recognise the value contributed by others: "With courage let us all combine to Advance Australia Fair"
Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Following our citizenship ceremony, my husband and I will pack up our campervan and spent at least a year exploring Australia, mostly SA and WA. We can't think of any better way to get to know our "new" home!
Our Aussie friends are really supportive of our plan and have almost all travelled extensively in the past, while most of our friends back in the US can't imagine taking such a long career break. To be fair, not many US employers will allow taking more than a week or two of leave at a time. However, in Australia, there seems to be an understanding that experiences gained through travel are more valuable than another year in the office. We can't wait to experience life in all sorts of Australian commnities and get to know many varieties of our fellow Australians in the months to come!
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