jwnysg Wife PR journey

[JWNYsg]

Thanks for sharing the entire story, it was a really good read… and congrats on getting your lives settled here. Glad things went at least mostly smooth.

You mentioned that your wife didn’t speak English, I’m curious how she adapted to life here and has she has been able to pick up English since moving here?

A bit tough sometimes but overall she doesn’t interact much. She can take the train by habit remembering stations. Buses not encouraged. Not much interaction when buying food or groceries. I try to be around her a lot after my work hours. But overall she manages

Maybe her English has improved but not that much. Very basic like exchange pleasantries. Don’t ask her which MP she favors!

[MOCHS]

I remember the Marriage Support Programme for foreigner spouses has a buddy system thing the spouse can sign up for.

She will be paired with another foreign spouse of the same nationality who has been living in SG for a while and can show her the ropes of SG life like purchasing items, buying food, transport, etc.

It’s better that you send her to such a course to kill time instead of solely relying on you.

[JWNYsg]

I remember the Marriage Support Programme for foreigner spouses has a buddy system thing the spouse can sign up for.

She will be paired with another foreign spouse of the same nationality who has been living in SG for a while and can show her the ropes of SG life like purchasing items, buying food, transport, etc.

It’s better that you send her to such a course to kill time instead of solely relying on you.

I afraid she become too Singaporean. I saw some of my friend wives like that!

[malcontent]

I remember the Marriage Support Programme for foreigner spouses has a buddy system thing the spouse can sign up for.

She will be paired with another foreign spouse of the same nationality who has been living in SG for a while and can show her the ropes of SG life like purchasing items, buying food, transport, etc.

It’s better that you send her to such a course to kill time instead of solely relying on you.

I afraid she become too Singaporean. I saw some of my friend wives like that!

It depends how young she is, what kinds of friends she makes and how easily influenced she is. My brother brought his wife to the US from the Philippines… there are also horror stories of Filipinas who become Americanized after moving to the US. Fortunately this has not happened 5 years on, she stayed conservative and stuck to her values.

Sounds like you might need a plan B — early retirement in Thailand, which isn’t a bad thing.

[JWNYsg]

I remember the Marriage Support Programme for foreigner spouses has a buddy system thing the spouse can sign up for.

She will be paired with another foreign spouse of the same nationality who has been living in SG for a while and can show her the ropes of SG life like purchasing items, buying food, transport, etc.

It’s better that you send her to such a course to kill time instead of solely relying on you.

I afraid she become too Singaporean. I saw some of my friend wives like that!

It depends how young she is, what kinds of friends she makes and how easily influenced she is. My brother brought his wife to the US from the Philippines… there are also horror stories of Filipinas who become Americanized after moving to the US. Fortunately this has not happened 5 years on, she stayed conservative and stuck to her values.

Sounds like you might need a plan B — early retirement in Thailand, which isn’t a bad thing.

Thanks Mal. We haven’t thought about it. Take it slow but you’re right if money is an issue won’t rule out Thailand in future. Too uncertain actually. I can’t see that far ahead yet whether Singapore or Thailand would be liveable with different issues

[MOCHS]

I afraid she become too Singaporean. I saw some of my friend wives like that!

PR is a step towards citizenship in the first place…

Sorry lah but if give up SPR to retire in Thailand, I rather the PR spot be given to someone else who will take up citizenship.

All I’m saying is count your lucky stars your wife was given PR despite being past the child bearing age and both of you have no kids.

[JWNYsg]

I afraid she become too Singaporean. I saw some of my friend wives like that!

PR is a step towards citizenship in the first place…

Sorry lah but if give up SPR to retire in Thailand, I rather the PR spot be given to someone else who will take up citizenship.

All I’m saying is count your lucky stars your wife was given PR despite being past the child bearing age and both of you have no kids.

Very thankful for what we have. We hope the long term will favor our stay here