| Working for a cohesive Northern Ireland society, that's one of the things Mr. Ulster, an American expat, is most passionate about. As a long-term resident there -- more than a decade already -- he's well-placed to share information and advice that people considering moving to Northern Ireland would find most helpful. Read on to learn about Mr. Ulster's observations about local employment prospects, housing costs, and the political climate. |
 Mr Ulster |
-Where were you born?
USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
-Are you living alone or with your family?
-How long have you been living in Northern Ireland?
15 years-What is your age?
41
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Northern Ireland?
-Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
-How do you make your living in Northern Ireland? Do you have any type of income generated?
Full-time employed as Director of a non-profit organisation.
Gaining full-time employment is very difficult for non-EU nationals. It is as difficult for non-EU nationals to be employed in the UK as it is for EU nationals to be employed in the USA. There's no "right" for non-EU nationals for any job in the EU.
I gained my employment through replying to newspaper advertisements. However, the job application in Northern Ireland is the most bureaucratic I have ever known, worse than in Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Yes, I speak English, the local language. The idioms are different, of course. I believe it is useful to learn them and use them appropriately. But this takes time, for me, about two years to figure out.-Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.
No, I don't really miss home. But I do miss seeing my relatives. I get back to America about once or twice a year.
My favourite recreational activities are running and photography, which I can pretty much do anywhere in the world.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
No drastic plans for the future. Just working to make Northern Ireland a cohesive society.-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We have a mortgage for our home. Housing is relatively expensive here, partly due to higher population densities, but I blame the complete lack of planning, which causes excessive speculation during booms. Northern Ireland had one for about 13 years. Even in the current downturn, housing is too expensive; two working incomes are required for a modest house. The price for an average sized, two-bedroom house would be about £160,000 (or $220,000).-What is the cost of living in Northern Ireland?
As I like to say, in America everything costs less, but you pay for everything (like health insurance and university fees). Higher taxes here cover more essential costs, but luxuries here cost more (cars, appliances). Less conspicuous consumption, yet people enjoy going on holidays abroad more often here (including me).-What do you think about the locals?
Locals are very friendly, with a dark sense of humour. You need to adapt to their sense of sarcasm.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Northern Ireland?
Positively, Northern Ireland is a beautiful place with friendly people. Cost of living higher than America, but less than surrounding areas of Ireland and Great Britain.
Negatively, the lack of political leadership can be infuriating. Decisions can take 5-10 years to make. Media is pretty pathetic too, with the local news usually just reporting the police incident sheet (burglaries, car accidents) and rarely being investigative or challenging the status quo.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Northern Ireland?
For Northern Ireland, do not present yourself as if you fully understand the political situation, even if you know it well enough. People are content with their identities, and no one would appreciate being queried about who they are.
More practically, don't walk around wearing blue jeans and white trainers (tennis shoes): you'll immediately stick out as a tourist!
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Northern Ireland?
Mr Ulster takes a positive outlook on Northern Ireland politics and its future:
http://mrulster.org
Northern Ireland Foundation is working for a shared and better future:
http://nifoundation.org
Slugger O'Toole is a popular site of the whole spectrum of political opinion:
http://www.sluggerotoole.com
