TAKING FAMILIES TO THE U.S.A.
Please note the information supplied on this page is for the benefit of Fulbright Scholars travelling to the U.S.A. to assist with travel preparations and also to support Scholars in their transition to life there. The information has been extracted from recent Fulbright Scholar Final Reports and does not necessarily reflect the views or recommendations of the Fulbright Commission. The information is from Australian Scholars who have travelled within the last four years.
Washington: The Australians in Washington Association provides a newsletter and some activities, mostly suitable for families with young children, which seem to be the demographic most represented at the Embassy. There are now regular drinks on Thursday nights, which may be a good way of meeting the significant number of Australians in Washington who can otherwise be rather elusive. Male 2005-07
Obtaining a work permit for a partner is essentially impossible if you are not married. There is no concept of defacto relationship in the US in the sense it exists in Australia. Do not attempt to rely on E-3 visas, which potentially provide great access to Australians, but are in reality all but unknown still in the US and not understood by almost all employers. Male 2005-07
Travelling internationally with 2 young children was extremely trying – ample healthy snacks, books, new games and a sense of humour helped. We asked for help from flight attendants. We always carried some form of pain relief on hand for the kids. Male PGS 2007
We have children and the move was challenging. We had initial difficulties adjusting to a new place to call home, new cultures, lack of green spaces, noise levels and a clean neighbourhood. After 6 months we eventually settled into the swing of things, but I think the main difficulties were dealing with the new perception of ‘safety’ and adjusting to food differences and inability to source healthy family food without using a car. After plucking up the courage to drive with children in the car, we rented or borrowed cars to overcome these difficulties, but initially it was hard. Female Partner PGS, 2007
We found galleries, museums and libraries extremely handy. We had membership to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and went as guests with friends holding memberships to the Science Center, Zoo and Aquarium. The 2 local libraries had weekly readings and activities for children and was a good way to meet people in the area. We also joined Children of the World, a cooperative support group/play group associated with the local university and tapered towards helping international partners and their families settle into Baltimore. Female Partner PGS, 2007
If you have children, be prepared for a demanding time particularly with the absence of support network and familiarity. We found the medical system the most challenging in terms of finding the correct type of specialist (general practitioners are few and far between) and the expense. We are still pretty bemused with the health system as everyone we spoke to seemed to have a different opinion on what constitutes good service and insurance. Definitely get insurance with good medical before you go. We had international travelers insurance and whilst we paid up front for doctors, pediatricians and emergency visits, we have been reimbursed only emergency costs. A single visit to the emergency ward for a fever cost $US 1200. There is also a sliding fee scale for people who are not entitled to American health insurance. Very worthwhile – made a $400 pediatric visit turn into an $80 event. Male PGS, 2007