Expert: Frank Denison - 2/18/2011

Question
Hi Frank. My husband are I are both UK dentists planning to make the most of the new age limit for skilled visas by submitting a visa application in July. We are working with an agent and so far have completed the skills assessment but now need to nominate and apply to a state for regional sponsorship.Although now living in the middle of England, we used to enjoy the boating lifestyle of the Channel Islands and are keen to move to somewhere we can replicate this type of life but with the benefit of better weather!
We are bringing our 18 year old daughter with us and she will need to start at a regional university. Her interests are criminology,psychology or justice studies.
Our dilemma is where to aim for! We love the look of the Sunshine Coast but read mixed reports on the weather and the mozzies! Uni of SC looks small and friendly although we worry that a degree from there may not compete against one from higher ranked unis when our daughter hits the job market. Our other thought was Adelaide - it looks lovely and has a good uni but we are concerned that the weather will not be as good.We currently live in a rural area and are not really keen to live in a big metropolitan area but we do need to work in an area that will generate a good income from dentistry.
I would be really grateful for any advice you can offer as my head is spinning! If you know of anywhere regional that you can recommend I would be delighted to hear of it. Thank you Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,
       You have a big lifestyle change looming.

I am not sure where you got the information about the Sunshine Coast weather, because I consider it very good. You will get mozzies in most coastal towns, but repelent and screens can help you there.

I have heard good reports about the Uni of SC. Your comment " although we worry that a degree from there may not compete against one from higher ranked unis". It may hold some weight, but I can't answer that right now. I have a friend in education, and I will ask them in the next few days and post a new reply.

Adelaide - I have been to Adelaide a few times, and always enjoy it. The weather would be slightly worse than Sunshine Coast. As for universities, I have no helpful information.

Both Adelaide and Sunshine Coast are both metropolitan areas, but if you want the boating and uni for your daughter, you will have to be close to a big metropolitan area.

If I had to choose, I would select Sunshine Coast, but I will contactt you again with info on SC uni.

Regards,
Frank