Brits abroad: North America

The BBC asked Brits abroad to tell us why they decided to swap the UK for another country and what has kept them from returning. Expats in North America tell us their stories.

AMY STILL, SALTILLO, MEXICO

NAME: Amy Still AGE: 34 WORKS: Housewife LIVES: Saltillo, Mexico

My husband and I have lived in Mexico for five and a half years. We are currently in the process of applying for Mexican citizenship.

We came here because of my husband's work. He works as an automotive engineer. It's not a booming industry in the UK so he started to look for a job abroad.

We do like it over here. It's very different in many ways. People are friendly, relaxed and they are very focused on the family.

It's great for us as we have three young children. Two of them were born here, they have dual citizenship and speak Spanish better than English.

I can't foresee us going back to the UK in the near future. When the kids grow up, maybe we will go back, as the standards of university education in Britain are much higher.

I miss lots of things about Britain. My family, of course, but also pubs and the food. I miss Indian food especially and all the variety we have back home.

MATT GRAHAM, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA

NAME: Matt Graham AGE: 27 WORKS: Writer LIVES: Los Angeles, USA

I live in Santa Monica, a beach community in Los Angeles. I've lived here since 2002.

I am originally from London. I left the UK because I felt claustrophobic there.

After finishing university, everyone else seemed to be getting on with their lives except me. I didn't know why.

I had a strong urge to see the world and I was suddenly, and unexpectedly, accepted to do a graduate screen-writing course at the University of Southern California. I couldn't wait to leave.

My new home means a lot to me. I love the US, but I miss the great British sense of humour - our finest quality as a nation.

ROB BAYLISS, CANADA

NAME: Rob Bayliss AGE: 45 WORKS: Business manager LIVES:Ontario, Canada

I've been in Canada with my family for just over three years now. We live in Oakville, in the province of Ontario.

I originally went to Calgary, Alberta, where I lived for four months, before moving to Ontario to get work.

We had spent several holidays in Canada, prior to coming here permanently, and were struck by the beauty of the country and the genuine friendliness of the people.

Life is more relaxed here, there's lots of space and it's incredibly clean. I feel much safer than in the UK.

We thought that this would be an excellent environment for ourselves and our children to grow up in. I really miss my family and friends, and the English sense of humour.