Angelo Iudice - my 25 years in London
Angelo has lived in the UK for 25 years. He loves his roots, his native hometown, Conversano, and his many friends scattered around the world. A graduate of Psychology from the University of London, Angelo works as Researcher for a government body.
What motivated you to form this Association?
With cultural diversity being central in my life, I wanted to unite and help promoting aspiring professionals and emerging artists of all nationalities and backgrounds. This website reflects my 25-year experience in London and contains information on how to make the most of it in the United Kingdom.
If you are moving to London, please read on ...
Is it difficult to find work in the UK?
A good grasp of the English language is a must if you are looking for work in the United Kingdom. On average it takes 7 months before anyone can speak the language fairly well. During this initial time, be prepared to perform unskilled work - everyone does. In fact, these days even foreigners who speak good English perform unskilled jobs. This is because there are hundreds of immigrants arriving to the UK every day, and if it’s the capital you’re heading for, I suggest you plan your career/study programme(s) well – the competition in London is fierce. Maybe at first you may want to consider temp work, that way you may meet colleagues/friends who can help you find a better job. Making a start is essential.
Make a budget of expenditure and stick to it – you will need at least £20 a day to just eat and travel around in London.
‘Beggars can’t be choosers!’
If you aren’t open-minded or you are not flexible enough, developing a career over here won’t be easy - your first job might not be your dream job but it may represents an important first step on the ladder that can lead to bigger and better things.
Before you even contact a prospect employer you should read about that firm, this will give you confidence: your interview will flow much better.
Curriculum Vitae – a work of art
Before leaving for the UK, I suggest you identify the area in which you intend to further your career. This way your CV could be tailor-made with details congruent with that field. Bear in mind that a good CV needs to be clear and to the point without neglecting the descriptions of your work experience, type of business and your reason(s) for leaving. Job titles and qualifications must be translated into English. For example, if you are Italian, the Italian ‘maturita’ corresponds to A’ Levels (‘A’ level in Literature, Maths, English, etc,). A good guide on how to compile your own CV is on MonsterUK.
Before you send out both your CV and covering letter, have a native speaker make sure that it is all correct.
‘Less is more’
Do not list material for the sake of including ‘everything’. You should only include what is most relevant to the application. A good CV should fit on 3 pages - mine is now on 2 ever since a past employer told me "I bin anything that exceeds 2 pages ... I get bored easily!"
Practice your English
Being able to speak and write good English is non-negotiable. At least 4 months before departure, I suggest you watch English programmes. There is an interesting range available on BBC i-Player. There are also daily news to keep you abreast on what’s going on in the UK.
There is always someone at hand
Do bear in mind that often the best jobs are obtained through word of mouth, socialising in pubs and bars. Do ask people what they do for a living, as there is always a possibility they may know someone able to help.
Getting to know people when you’ve just arrived in the UK can be difficult. For this reason I strongly suggest that you come London for a weekend or a holiday; this way you could familiarise yourself a little with the country, the work market and prospect areas in which you may want to live when you relocate. Try to make as many friends as possible - remembr - there is always someone who knows somebody that can help!
Ryanair offer low-cost tickets from Bari and Brindisi to London’s Stanstead (90 KM from London).
Is accommodation difficult to find?
Don’t expect much. The least expensive room in shared accommodation will cost between £100 – 150.
As soon as you know the date of your departure (at least 3 months prior), I suggest you let people know that you’ll be seeking accommodation. However, you could always check yourself into a hostel for the first few days until you find the ideal place.
You will find some useful links on the ‘Accommodation’ page.
What do I need to open a bank account?
Given that employers pay their staff via bank account, it can be difficult to actually open one as some banks need proof of residence (utility bills) beside a valid passport. The former request can be difficult to meet if you’ve just arrived in the UK. Here are three ways to get around this problem:
1. A friend with a healthy bank account may want to introduce you to their own bank.
2. Let your bank in your own country know you have moved to the UK so that they may post your statements there, that way you’ll be able to provide your English bank with evidence that you live at the given address in the UK.
3. Some banks will accept just a letter from your employers confirming your terms of employment.
Health in GB
I strongly suggest you register with a GP as soon as possible. You could identify a doctor in your area by visiting http://www.nhs.co.uk/. If meanwhile you needed medical help, you could visit any hospital A & E - For any kind of emergency dial 999 from any UK phone.
Is it true that London is expensive?
London is very expensive. Get yourself an Oyster card (travel card) as soon as you get into town. A single journey without an Oyster card costs £3, a return £6 which is 9 euros! Visit ‘Oyster Card’ for more details.
Conclusion
Before departure:
1.Establish the sector/university/school in which you wish to further your career/study. Look through the members’ section of this website - members' interviews are there to inspire you. What is the most important aspect of their job? Is that what you are looking for?
2.Set a departure date and book your airline ticket at least three months in advance. This will give you ample time to organise yourself.
3.Four months before departure begin to watch English programmes.
4.Have your CV and covering letter ready before moving to the UK.
5.Come to the UK for a familiarisation weekend or a holiday before and keep in contact with any friends you may have made.
6.Prepare a budget. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Watch the pound!
Be happy and enthusiastic about life - grab any opportunity that comes your way. Remember that in the long run it’s small details that can make a big difference. Don’t be too critical of the place where you live, be grateful and celebrate life to the fullest because every day spent isn’t coming back.
Do contact us should you have any questions – we will be happy to assist.
I wish you good luck in the United Kingdom or wherever you've chosen to make your home.
Angelo Iudice
Founder of Accademia Apulia UK
