It seems like more and more of my family and friends are migrating down under every year. I have three cousins permanently based there, two of my best friends and another two joining them in the coming year. What is the allure of Australia and New Zealand? It has long had a reputation for a great quality of life, spacious living, good weather and high salaries for even quite menial labour, but currently it seems to be more and more of a done thing.
Is it simply a fashion trend or is it a direct result of the poor opportunities in the UK/Europe currently? I am inclined to believe it is the latter; today the Guardian reported that Youth unemployment has soared by a shocking 50% since the start of the recession in 2008. Australia was once seen as a great place to spend a year before starting Uni or getting your first real job, but it seems more and more young people are considering Australia as a place where they can actually find work in their chosen field.