The Big OEA definition and a few thoughtsOE stands for Overseas Experience. It is used to describe the phenomenon of a young Kiwi (usually twenty something) leaving home to backpack around the big wide world. Living and working in London is a very common feature in the Big OE (this has recently become to be known as the "Brain Drain"). This seems to be a uniquely New Zealand term - perhaps used in Australia to a lesser extent. It might seem a somewhat unusual kind of term to North Americans or Europeans, however if you consider the price of flying from New Zealand to the other side of the world, and that young New Zealanders often have to spend their life savings just getting there (never mind getting back), you will understand that if an overseas trip is embarked on, it has to be done thoroughly. Spending one's "Spring Break" popping over to Paris is somewhat out of the question for those of us living in longitudinally challanged countries. A whole culture has been built up around the 'Big OE'. This centres on London where Kiwis and Aussies congregate to cram in tiny flats. They all drink in the same pubs and on Sunday is the infamous "Church" where Kiwis, Aussies and South Africans gather together to - well basically to be loud and drunk (I've never actually been, so I could be wrong). The appeal of working in London is that:
The whole working overseas thing is such a big deal here, that I feel you are almost looked down upon if you choose not to spend a year or two of your life living and working in London. In my opinion many people only go over to work in London because it is the 'thing to do'. If you choose not to do this, you are almost made to feel like you're a failure in some way, or missing out on one of life's important experiences. Too many people I know have tried and disliked working in London for me to see it as a requirement for my self development. I enjoy things like nice weather, friendly people, cheap shopping, fresh air, outdoor pursuits, lovely summer beaches and proximity to friends and family too much to waste my life away living in London just for the sake of (a) big money or (b) some big mysterious social experience that I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy. On the other hand I can see the attraction for young sociable Kiwis who like the pub scene and who are keen to make an independent life for themselves over the other side of the world where all the action is. Still, I think it would be nice if I didn't get the feeling that people are looking down on me when I say I have no desire to go and work in London. |