G'Day Yanks

As per the suggestion of some friends and at the risk of coming off as narcissistic, we've decided to start this blog outlining the adventures, travels, trials, and tribulations of two American ex-pats relocating to Australia.  Perhaps with two contributors, this blog will be updated more regularly and with more interesting substance than other blogging endeavors in the past. I note "two contributors," although I have neither the consent nor explicit agreement from my aforementioned co-blogger that she too will contribute, however I'm acting on good faith that she will... So without further adieu:

Hello! Friends, family, unknown stranger from the far reaches of the "series of tubes." Since studying abroad one summer in Queensland, Australia (and later Fiji) back in 2007, I resolved to one day return to the beautiful, exotic, and distant Australia for a more extensive period of time to further explore and experience Australia and its culture.  Since that study abroad summer, I committed myself to the goal of moving, and have conducted my efforts in pursuit of one day living and working in Oz.  I studied MIS and economics at the renowned University of Georgia, followed my passion for IT, and accepted a job at a large consulting firm before graduating.  I have maintained as few possessions as possible, and, thanks in a great deal to my parents, have avoided paying rent and saved a good bit over the past two years in preparation for the move.

Initially, things did not look good for obtaining a transfer, at least not in any reasonable time period.  A primary reason why I joined a large multinational firm was for the fact that it was multinational; however I discounted the full meaning of "large."  As it turns out, being an analyst at a large consulting firm is akin to being a guppy in the ocean; I have about the same amount of clout at my firm as does a pre-K student with the US Department of Education.  Despite this, due to a number of serendipitous happenings and helpful and supportive colleagues, I managed to swing a transfer and gain approval from the firm, after roughly six months of navigating the bureaucratic red tape.  I'd like to say it can be attributed to my cunning ability to navigate the system and to shine above other less-capable candidates, however that would be a farce; it truly is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right person.

After six months of emails, phone calls, and uncertainty, I finally obtained approval for the transfer.  When that approval email appeared in my inbox in March, I almost didn't believe it.  Shortly thereafter, I was issued a formal offer from the Australia practice which I accepted, and then applied for my subclass-457 visa.  The visa was approved by Australian immigration roughly two and a half weeks later- unfathomable by US federal government standards. The visa is valid for 4 years, so long as I maintain employment with a sponsor willing to sponsor me.  But probably the most exciting news of it all is that my amazing, beautiful, intelligent girlfriend and co-blogger is joining me on the adventure!  Lydia, having never been to Oz, is moving in pursuit of her goal of living and working abroad, although she is acting in good faith on my recommendation, as she has not yet had the opportunity to visit Australia; I just hope what I've recounted for her doesn't disappoint!  I'll let her describe in more detail her experience thus far, as I am not best suited to speak on her behalf.

At a cheap attempt to increase readership and for fear out of boring what few readers we may have, I'll end here (a real cliffhanger!). But before I do, a quick explanation as to the blog's title; "Seppo" is the Australian colloquial (Strine) term for American, as is Yanks.  Seppo is in fact derived from the word Yanks: Yanks => Tanks => Septic Tanks => Seppo.  Quiz time: why would Englishmen be called a "Pomme" in Strine?

*Picture courtesy of Picsbox.biz