Thinking of moving to Canada.

[MiRaja]

Definite grass is greener on the other side.  ^^

I think Thunderwing definitely really nails the mess is with immigration. 

The US has a lot of problems, very true, but Canada also has its problems, some very similar, and others very different.  I don't think one is better than the other when it really comes to just living there. 

With the Healthcare Reform that is now going on here in the US, for what Canadians pay out in taxes towards health care, Health Care may mete out to being cheaper while being more comprehensive.  A lot of people perceive the cost of our insurance going up, but it's because 'cheaper plans,' just aren't comprehensive enough in the least.  Once I get my arse back on track, I will be looking more into insurance plans. . .

Trust me, I am not in the least happy with the state of the US and there are a lot of times I want to shake my hands and say I'm done, but that's just not feasible.  Things are messed up, but it's really quite complicated in just upping and leaving.  It's a mess just getting in and out of a country even when you have a significant other that is a natural citizen.  Been through this when we were trying to get my ex ( when we were involved ) to the US, and yes, big mess, and I am understanding that immigrating to Canada is harder than immigrating to the US? 

Mess.  And yes, on the education.  Your degree is not going to just carry over.  Maybe close, but there is still going to be remedial courses of this or that.  It isn't to say that Canada views their education system better than ours ( I believe there are issues even with their's ) but rather a different nation with a different way of doing things, and they want workers to perform to their laws and rules if that makes sense. 

[kaoskat]

Looks like you've gotten alot of info! I wish you luck if you do decide to move!

[Emberfly]

And yes, on the education.  Your degree is not going to just carry over.  Maybe close, but there is still going to be remedial courses of this or that.  It isn't to say that Canada views their education system better than ours ( I believe there are issues even with their's ) but rather a different nation with a different way of doing things, and they want workers to perform to their laws and rules if that makes sense.

I just wanted to mention that with Education, degrees don't even transfer between provinces up here, or not many have a direct transfer agreement.  If I wanted to go teach in any other province I'd have to take some different courses but I would most likely be able to teach while I take them.

[melodys_angel]

Don't piggyback off of someone, and make sure you have jobs waiting for you--without stealing a job opportunity from someone that was born here (as someone mentioned above, you might need to go back to school to catch up with requirements.  Each province is different too. You may be qualified to teach..I don't know,  5th grade in your state but you might have to start completely from scratch over here since everything is different).  We are going through a bit of an economic low at the moment, and while we would normally be very accommodating, there are people out there that are finding it hard to get a job in the field that they've gone to school for.

You should also look into the recent changes to immigration.  My brother got abused by someone that married him just to immigrate here and at the time there was nothing about sending her right back.  There is now--but it sounds like you wont fall into that boat since you wont be piggybacking.

Also, im a bit..I don't know, off put about hearing the term 'free healthcare'.  Its not free! We pay for it through taxes and there are still things that need to be payed for.  All of those tests that are ordered if you need something your doctor has to pay for, which is why they try to tell us not to go to emergency/walk ins.

As far as politics go..do your research and just watch for a bit.  See what each party does and what they say. Then go from there. You will typically see 2 main parties bashing each other in, with a 3rd that is almost as strong as the top 2 (and atleast in Ontario, has quite a bit of a standing)  Honestly it boils down to we do need all 3 groups, but they excel at different things, and which group should be in power depends on what we need at the time.  Even though ill never forgive one party in particular for the BS that happened with teachers, schools, healthcare...and the free trade act---but I wont go into details since it was back in the late 1990s

[xeevee]

You should look into going with college if you can.  I have a few family members who got work visas in Canada because there were students.  I have no idea how that works, but they have lived and worked in Canada a few times now.  Or you can see if you can do an exchange, within your degree.  Most degrees have that available with corresponding Universities.  Then you can actually see if you like Canada or if it is a 'grass is greener' thing.  Also remember, the free Healthcare thing isn't just Canada, Australia, New Zealand, lots of Europe all have some kind of public health care.  I actually quite like the looks of Denmark. Haha. 

You will find it hard as a teacher to find work in Canada.  Like others have said the qualifications don't normal translate.  But if you can do a PhD in something, you will have much better luck.  So maybe that is something to consider.  I have lived in a few countries now because my husband has a PhD.  It's been a nice way to see the world.