I think we will always be seen as Americans, no matter where we are. For us it just comes down to not wanting to necessarily live in an expat community, if that makes sense.
We really want to integrate and become part of the irish community. A lot of expats that we have encountered and talked to (some being my own co-workers) continued to compare the differences between Ireland and America in their daily lives. We dont want to continue to live in the past of what we had in America but what we can make here in Ireland.
Sorry that sounded really lame, but its true haha!
As far as shaking the expat label in a smaller town, i guess we will find out! 😊
I think we will always be seen as Americans, no matter where we are. For us it just comes down to not wanting to necessarily live in an expat community, if that makes sense.
We really want to integrate and become part of the irish community. A lot of expats that we have encountered and talked to (some being my own co-workers) continued to compare the differences between Ireland and America in their daily lives. We dont want to continue to live in the past of what we had in America but what we can make here in Ireland.
Sorry that sounded really lame, but its true haha!
As far as shaking the expat label in a smaller town, i guess we will find out! 😊
Doesn't sound lame at all Kate. I completely get it and have experienced it first hand, both in the US and Ireland.
Hi, Without reading through everything above can I assure that there is no problem making friends in Rural Ireland, provided you move in with an open friendly attitude yourself. Within a couple of weeks of moving into our cottage we were invited to Communion/Confirmations, Birthday parties, Barbies and a Station. We attended a couple of functions at the school although our kids are grown and back in the UK anyway but the school is our closest neighbour so it made sense to go and offer support.. I know there are folk who have moved in and not been made as welcome but then they are hardly ever seen out and about other than passing cars on the lane.
@tony2phones - thank you for sharing your experience, it's very encouraging 🙂
@katemreagan - totally understand what you mean about not wanting to be seen as expats. I know that we will never be 'one of the locals' but we intend on living like locals instead of trying to recreate our Australian life. We have a beautiful life here but the whole purpose of moving is for a change 🙂
@moveclubadmin - Liam, good idea about checking with the school regarding parent involvement. When we are over there next year i will see if i can visit a few that are in the areas we would consider moving to.
All the schools here are different too. Ours is very heavily reliant on parent help whereas i have friends a few villages over that don't really have much to do at all with their kid's school.
I am interested in moving sometime soon with my daughter. Could you tell me why you did not choose a national school?