mag007
A few stray thoughts:
Have you ever been to Britain? Or Europe? Why do you want to come?
I'm asking because people often have preconceived idea of what a new country will be like, and it's usually dead wrong!
I've travelled a lot, but never lived abroad - something I really regret - but a move abroad, even to Britain, will come as quite a culture shock.
As said above, the cost of living will probably horrify you, housing is very expensive, but if you're willing to rent in a shared house outside the centre of London, it's not too bad (so long as you can face anything up to an hour's commute on public transport).
Paid vacation is pretty good, the latest legislation requires that you get a minimum of 20 days paid leave plus 8 public holidays. I think that work hours are generally shorter than the US.
I'd agree that the National Health Service is generallly good, often excellent.
The language differences should not be underestimated, it's much easier to put your foot in it when you appear to speak the language - you don't get the latitude given to a non-English speaker.
Food may be an issue, there are loads of things you'd expect to find in a supermarket that you can't get here, and plenty of things you get here that you are unlikely to see in the US - Marmite and real cheese for a start!
A Visa/Work Permit will not be quick or easy, unless you work for a company with a UK office and can arrange something through them, otherwise I suggest you look at the
"Highly Skilled Migrant Programme"
In general the UK isn't looking to import workers, though there are special arrangements for Commonwealth citizens with a grand-parent born in the UK or Ireland, and there is currently quite an influx of workers from the recent Eastern European additions to the EEC. So the visa may be quite a hurdle.
UK companies now cannot legally employ you unless you already have a work permit, so there's a bit of a Catch 22.
All in all, if you do decide to come, it's likely to be quite an undertaking. However, if you do decide to pursue it you'll probably have a great experience.
Good luck!
Rosie
"Don't try to improve one thing by 100%, try to improve 100 things by 1%