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Living overseas

Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.

Original poster

DH has just asked if I want to move to Montreal for a few months!

35 replies

CantSleepWontSleep · 10/08/2006 19:35

Neither of us have ever been, but one of his colleagues is over there at the moment and says it's nice. There's a strong possibility that a project he's involved in will need someone to go over until March (ish!), and it's likely to be him because our family situation makes us easier to move than his colleagues. We have one DD who is currently 6 months, and I'm not in any rush to go back to work (am self employed so can pick and choose if/when to).

I have absolutely no idea even how to go about making such a decision!

DH is a self-employed contractor, but the job would provide a flat.

Anyone know how the medical system works over there? Will we need fancy medical insurance or wads of cash to pay for it?

What else do I need to think about? What are the pros and cons?

So far I'm thinking that DH is usually abroad 4 days a week, so we would see more of him in the mornings/evenings, which would be nice for me and important for DD, so a definite pro.

I'm assuming that the flat would be close enough to the city to walk everywhere, which I think would be a pro, as we live in the countryside in the middle of nowhere at the moment, so everything is a car journey away. But would I miss the peace and quiet of the countryside if I lived in the city?

Can anyone tell me anything about Montreal - I know pretty much nothing about it.

Is it the sort of place where it's easy to make new friends? I've been working on building up a network of other mums since having DD, and I'd know absolutely no-one out there.

Sorry for long post - hundreds of thoughts and questions going round in my head at the moment!

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 10/08/2006 19:37

Montreal?

You wouldn't see me here for dust.

I'd go there in a second.

Original poster
CantSleepWontSleep · 10/08/2006 19:38

Why expat - what's the attraction - I really do know nothing about it!

OP posts:
Alibaldi · 10/08/2006 19:41

Parlez-vous francais (sorry can't find accent) By all accounts Montreal is a fantastic city. Based on river - read Kathy Reichs books. Go for it. I'm guessing it'll be like here in the US, where you will require medical insurance, you pay depending on what you want/require and then normally pay to visit md and dentist. Medicine is cheap here half the price per prescription so that's good. Plus you can buy plenty of stronger type medicines in the pharmacies. Enrol yourself in french classes over there, great way to meet people and there will be plenty of mum/baby groups.

Original poster
CantSleepWontSleep · 10/08/2006 19:43

Non (that's about the extent of my French!).
They do use English there as well though don't they? If it's all just french then that would def put me off! I have read Kathy Reichs - funnily enough that's the only thing I have to go on, although never read the books with the focus on the country.

OP posts:
Tinker · 10/08/2006 19:45

Wouldn't think twice about going if only for a few months!

foxinsocks · 10/08/2006 19:46

I've never been to Montreal (but would take expat's word on it!).

However, this is about the best possible timing (in terms of dd's age) so I would grab the opportunity while it is there. It is so so so much harder to do this sort of thing once your child starts getting older!

CheTeepee · 10/08/2006 19:47

Agree, if it's only for a few months I would go for it, no matter what my French was like! Do it while you can, when your dd is older it will be harder.

Caribbeanqueen · 10/08/2006 19:49

Go go go, sounds like a fantastic opportunity. Don't let something like the language put you off, it's only for a few months.

Original poster
CantSleepWontSleep · 10/08/2006 19:52

You're getting me all excited now ladies. It'll be a real letdown if the 'powers that be' don't agree to send someone and free him up from his other project responsibilities!

So no-one would have any concerns about the practicalities then?

OP posts:
Tinker · 10/08/2006 19:54

It's only a long holiday really. If it's great, great, if it's crap, you know you'll be home soon enough.

expatinscotland · 10/08/2006 19:55

It is gorgeous, CantSleep! Really, really beautiful. All the best of Quebec. Have been there a few times and always found hte people lovely, too.

ScummyMummy · 10/08/2006 19:57

Sounds great. And if it's not there's only a few months to endure it, as tinker says.

Sobernow · 10/08/2006 19:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BigSister · 11/08/2006 09:28

What´s keeping you? At your stage in life this is an opportunity not to be missed. You only regret things you don´t do! And you will see more of your DH!

Get a guidebook now and start packing!

NotQuiteCockney · 11/08/2006 09:33

I lived in Montreal for years, and loved it.

Caveats:

  • the winter is pretty bloody cold, particularly if you're used to England. You will need warm gear. Yes, you can walk everywhere, but you might not want to.

  • the language thing might be an issue, depending on what part of town your DH's work will be in. What I got DH to do, was always start in French if he was in a Francophone part of town. Even the worst attempt at French makes everyone a lot nicer, and they will bend over backwards to speak English to you, if you make the initial effort. If you do not, and you're in the wrong bit of town, people might be rude.

That being said, it's a great city, really nice lifestyle, cheap and lovely food, and an all-around great place to live.

CodGuevara · 11/08/2006 09:35

my sister had a omntreal comonwealth g ames swimsuit once

circa 1978

NotQuiteCockney · 11/08/2006 09:40

Oh, and I'm not sure how health insurance works, but nobody in Canada is without insurance - if you're a normal resident there (working, student, whatever) the gov't pays for your health insurance. I'd expect your DH's company would be paying a bit so you guys would have normal coverage.

NotQuiteCockney · 11/08/2006 09:41

And when you know where your DH will be working, and/or any options about flats, if you decide to go ahead, please ask. I'm not totally up to date on Montreal (left 10 years ago, I think?) but I do go back every year, and have friends back there - even a few with little kids.

Mo2 · 11/08/2006 09:45

GO! Don't even stop to think about it!

I worked in Canada for a couple of years (Toronto) and visited Montreal a few times - it is beautiful.

At that time they were pretty strict with the French-speaking thing, but if you have an English English (as opposed to a Candian/ English) accent they may be a bit more lenient

It IS cold in winter, but they're much better geared up to it than the UK. There are some fab 'Ice festival' type things in winter, and LOADS of skiing close by if you're into that.

IIRC there is a reciprocal agreement with the UK about health, so you may be OK for an 'extended visit'.

Oh, you lucky thing - hope it works out and you DO go!!

hana · 11/08/2006 09:46

haven't read your post yet, but Montreal is a fab fab city and you'd love it for a few months. GO GO GO!

CodGuevara · 11/08/2006 09:47

oi hana
there sa bedside tabel named after you in habitat

hana · 11/08/2006 19:34

we have needed bedside tables for years - maybe I'll have a look
but does anyone really use a bedside table or are they just nice to lookat? our bed is low and bedside lights are on the floor as are drinks books etc etc
must go look at habitat site.....!

oh this isn't the bedside table thread, oops!
but montreal is a lovely city

twinsetandpearls · 11/08/2006 19:35

Go Go Go! WE looked into emigrating to Canada and Montreal looked fabulous. I have friends in Canada and they always rave about it.

brimfull · 11/08/2006 19:47

Be prepared for a bloody cold winter...but a georgous city nonetheless.I grew up in Canada .Agree that if you make attempts at french you will be received in a much better manner ,they can be quite rude otherwise.
I would definately take the opportunity.

skerriesmum · 11/08/2006 19:54

Do it! Used to live there too over 10 years ago... even the "downtown" areas are close to great parks, and there's excellent public transport. Good areas to live in: the Plateau, NDG (Notre Dame de Grace), Westmount (the last one is pricey, traditionally where the "English" live.) You may need top-up medical insurance, depending on how long you're going to stay, but the company should look after that.
That said, from mid-November until March you'll have serious winter weather; snowstorms, -40 temps etc. No real thaw until April.
Bon voyage!