If forced to emigrate, can we see comparative analysis of destinations?

[Lerkfish]

for example, before my son comes of draft age, if we have the money, we would sooner emigrate elsewhere than sacrifice our son to this sort of hegemonic idiocy.

So, I'm asking for some input:

I'm looking for a country that:

1. hopefully speaks english
2. is off the beaten path, geographically
3. does NOT have anything resembling a draft or requirements to join a military.
4. Is open to emigration

Now, obviously, this means at least Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Possibly UK, but that may be the same as the US.

what I am wondering is some way to find out/compare those countries in terms of my four questions, AND how nice/not nice it is to live there, hopefully by someone living there now or who has iformation. thanks.

[Internut]

1. Belize fits all your requirements

and fishing is great.

[Lerkfish]

2. cool, thanks.

I hadn't even thought of Belize. I'll start looking at that.

[Sgt. Baker]

3. Others

Germany, Sweden, Japan?

[H2O Man]

9. Before reading the answers

I sent a e-mail saying Belize! There is a growing American community in Belize. We can do some fishing and talk shop there.

[LaurenG]

4. I believe Australia has a cutoff age of 40 or 45 years old

So you have to be young enough to support yourself or immigration will be denied.

[Lerkfish]

8. what if you were independently wealthy?

not that I am, but I'm curious. If you were not taking any jobs, but contributing to the economy, but over 45, would you still be denied?

[LaurenG]

10. I don't know

I was watching a show about different countries policies regarding immigrants. This was a few years ago. I think they just say no to older people. Not positive though.

[Lerkfish]

18. further research on my part confirms the age restriction.

its 45. I'm already 46, so this is a no go for australia.

:(

[Red_Viking]

5. English is spoken almost everywhere

Especially in western Europe. You can just about always find someone who can speak English. I've traveled a little, and the only place I absolutely couldn't find an English speaker was in Morocco. They all speak French and Arabic! I resorted to drawing pictures at one point. The nicer hotels will usually have someone who speaks English. In Morocco, I ended up having a hotel employee who spoke 6 or 7 languages translate for me when I tried to buy packing tape. He was a lifesaver!

And, if you decide to emigrate, you will quickly pick up whatever language is native to your new home country. You'll quickly learn how to do the basics.

There are many travel-oriented websites that may not specifically address moving to a country permanently, but you can still gain some insight into language, cultures, standards of living, etc. I prefer Rick Steves. He's awesome.

My family is also discussing the same possibility. We're considering western Europe first, most likely Germany or France.

Good luck!

Peace,

RV

[LaurenG]

11. France, I would look into France n/t

[theboss]

15. Too many French people

Ireland or New Zealand...as long as you don't need any excitement in your life.

[LaurenG]

16. lol really? n/t

[acmejack]

6. The Seychelles

http://www.sey.net/isl_mahe.htm

[enigmatic]

7. I came to Canada in 2001

I'm living in Alberta, which is the most conservative Province in Canada, but would probably be center/right in the US. I live in Edmonton, witch is great, and a Liberal/NDP stronghold; Calgary is Texas North.

If I could, I would reccomend Winnipeg; great city, lots of NDP MP's, and fairly cheap. But you really can't go wrong living anywhere in Canada; I absolutely have fallen in love with this country.

Good luck.

[dsc]

12. Sounds lovely but I don't know how many moves I have left in me

I hate moving. How is the market for teachers there?

[enigmatic]

14. Honestly, I don't know

I'm pretty sure there are teachers in Canada that post here; let's see if they see this thread...

[lawladyprof]

13. I am thinking about retiring to Scotland

I have dual nationality (US/UK) so they have to let me in (LOL), that is, I have a right of abode. When looking into Canada, I discovered that a person can get family sponsorship and, if I understood the information correctly, it didn't have to a close family member IF they had not previously sponsored another family. And if they sponsored you (a third cousin or whatever) they used up their ability to sponsor anyone else. I stand ready to be corrected on this because I didn't pay that much mind already thinking about returning to the UK. You might want to get really interested in genealogy <grin>.

BYW, my adult children can also become UK citizens (citizenship by descent it's called).

I know about Blair but it is large segment of the US population who are conservative Christian/fundamentalist, etc. that the UK does not have in similar numbers.

[Lerkfish]

20. but my concern about the UK is

at least at present, they are in cahoots with Bush on military ventures.

what are the military requirements for UK citizens? can one elect to not serve?

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

17. On the face of it, #3 precludes Brazil, BUT:

- Brazil hasn't been in any wars for over 150 years;
- Our Armed Forces are exceedingly tiny in comparison to the USA's and most people who DO want to serve get turned down;
- It's only ONE year of service.

[Lerkfish]

19. that's good to know...

but how about english? my understanding was Portugese was the official language of Brazil.

I ask not for myself: I have no problem learning a new language. But for my wife, she put her foot down on the english part.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

21. Most educated people know passable English.

And some uneducated ones too. You'll have no trouble adapting.