I have been working for over 7 years as a chemical engineer in a state-owned company that is quite a big corporation which is also one of the Fortune 500 companies.<o:p></o:p>

I have been tired for this kind of working life and it seems there is no chance of promotion to me. In addition, the world is so huge and I have never travelled to the any foreign countries, I want to experience what feeling would be that if I live there with the daily life. And also, the smog has becoming serious in recent years in China, which I think is extremely detrimental to the children’s health. <o:p></o:p>

Maybe the other aspects like schooling, broadening the horizon and being a bilingual person are also main reasons of why I have such an idea of immigration.<o:p></o:p>

To start a new life in a foreign country is similar with migrating to the other cities in China, I guess. So, that is what I think.<o:p></o:p>

<a name="OLE_LINK4"></a><a name="OLE_LINK3">Thanks </a><a name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a name="OLE_LINK1">very much everybody, I have learnt a lot from all of you.<o:p></o:p></a>

Immigration is a thing that will definitely influence people’s lifestyle, especially for those ordinary family like mine. <o:p></o:p>

Just keep learning and keep moving.<o:p></o:p>

In your home country you have various advantages which you don't even realize until you don't have them in a foreign place: the spoken language is usually your native language. Whether you're speaking to a government official to register your place of residence (which is obligatory in several countries I know) or calling up companies to get gas, water, internet in your apartment, you will understand them. As Ruthi already said, people speak a lot more quickly in real life than in class, and understanding people on the phone is, in my opinion, more difficult than understanding them in a face-to-face conversation.

In your own country, you know the rules. As mentioned above, in some countries you need to register where you live. If you're new, and if your landlord or lady doesn't tell you, how do you know that you need to do that (and where)? In your own country you either know what rental prices are acceptable or you know where to find out and where to denounce a person who charges excessively high rent. As a foreigner, you won't necessarily know that and can be taken advantage of more easily.

I don't think that any test is a perfect reflection of your language skills. When I studied in the US, I met foreign students who passed all the entrance exams and tests, but then found out that they didn't understand their professor and couldn't follow the lessons. Finally, language isn't everything. If your skills/degrees are not recognized in that country, or not in great demand, you won't find a job easily. So yes, you definitely have to be prudent and consider carefully before moving abroad. I've lived and worked abroad and didn't regret it, but it wasn't always easy.

There are many things you need to consider before you IMMIGRATE to another country. It is not the same as going on holiday. There are many difficulties in everyday life, such as adapting to another culture, coping with the language, when people speak quickly and not like in English class, being away from friends and family, and of course getting a job. In some countries it is hard even for native speakers to get a job, so for a foreigner who is not fluent in the language, getting a job can be extremely challenging.

Getting a high grade in the IELTS exam is also very difficult.

Good luck with what you decide to do.