I think my life lies on a different path in another country (need advice)

[Blue_Tires]

I’ve always had a wanderlust my whole life, so I’m looking to live in another country as an expat by the end of the year. I guess my probs are trying to decide where I want to go, how I’ll get there (no $$$), and what I’ll do for a living once I get there.

For starters, I need to finalize where I want to go. My criteria is that it be warm (beaches preferable) have a stable gov’t/economy/healthcare/etc., a cost of living that isn’t through the roof, a place where I can earn decent $$$ without turning to a life of crime, and some hot women (I’m a young single guy, after all). My first choice is Brazil, second Australia, and my third is somewhere in Asia. Fourth choice would be somewhere in Europe.

Brazil is by far my favorite for a number of reasons. I’ve done a lot of research on the country, they have a sizeable black population (I’m black, and I’m a little worried about sticking out too much in a place like Asia), the weather and women speak for themselves, and I already have a head start on learning the language.
I know there are several DUers who have either lived in Brazil or are from there, so I’d love to hear their input, along with those from other countries that might have their own suggestions. There’s only so much you can learn about a place from books and travel guides, so I’m looking to hear some firsthand experiences on which country might work best for me. I’ve bent the ears of a lot of my friends, and I’ve called different embassies for info in DC, with varying success (I live in MD).

Now more about me…I’m 27, with no real commitments that would keep me in the U.S. I’m currently employed as a reporter at a small newspaper, barely making a living wage. I have college degrees in english and journalism. I’ve only been to two other countries in my life, England and Canada…Just ask if you want to know more…TIA for everyone’s help!

[radwriter0555]

1. Go.

You can always come back.

But if you haven't gone, you'll never know.

[Wwagsthedog]

2. If living overseas is what you want to do, go right ahead.

I lived out of the USA for a total of 19 years and I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Yes, I'd do it again but that part of my life is behind me. Don't live your life with regrets. Good luck!

[loftycity]

3. I have been getting ready to leave

It is either going to be Canada or England.
I'm representing Companies based in Canada right now and trying to sell the US market. Hopefully, I can live in Canada and sell the US.
That is what I working toward.
I wish our economy was kicking here--but no it is not--so my sales are pretty crappy.
The Canadians have a good insight to what is going on here.
I have lived in the UK and liked it. I wish I never came back here.

[Nay]

4. Go to Brazil! We went for two lovely weeks last October and

had a terrific time. My brother has property there and soon will retire to live there. He loves Brazil and Brazilians, and can hardly wait until he is settled.

We visited Camboriu, Florianopolis, Rio and a bunch of little beachside towns in between. It was wonderful.

You can stay in Brazil for six months at a time on a travel visa. Some of the larger towns like Camboriu have schools that need native English speakers (pay about 10 Reais per hour, I think) to teach in their classes. You would be a natural.

Don't bother trying to learn Portuguese with Portugal Portuguese tapes or books -- the accent and lots of the words are different. I found out the hard way! Get a book/tape that says BRAZILIAN Portuguese.

Have fun!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

14. If you are any good at teaching...

...you will probably be able to make well more than R$ 10 an hour. I can do some research for you about vacancies for English teachers in Rio. You may want to PM me about that -- I may forget. :dunce:

[Nikia]

5. We've considered Belize

Perhaps, you should look into that too. They speak English. Seems like a nice place. Brazil is probably more less third world in the major cities though.

[alwynsw]

8. As noted previously

My wife and I are planning to retire in Belize. Stable currency, official language is English and more.

www.embassyofbelize.org

[Astarho]

6. I've met a few expats

Mineral dealers mainly (Brazil has all kinds of pretty rocks). They make a good living down there and only come up here for about two months out of the year (do the big shows like Tucson etc.)

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. You're young: do it

Even if you decide to come back here eventually, this will be one of the pivotal experiences in your life. It will be wonderful and horrible and everything in-between. It will change you.

Do some reading on "culture shock" before you go. There's a series of books called Culture Shock: (Name of Country), and there may be one for Brazil.

[Karenina]

9. Dude! Just do it!

Get those tires onto the road, put the pedal to the metal and OFF YOU GO!!! You won't regret it. And WELCOME to DU!!! :toast:

[trof]

10. Check out Costa Rica

[Misinformed01]

11. Bartend

Easy money, fun as hell job...easy to pick up cash only, under the table jobs.

Go rent "Cocktail."

I used to have a girl friend in Atlanta that did this in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

[The Sushi Bandit]

12. New Zealand

[Blue_Tires]

13. thank you so much for your input

I hope to travel the world someday, if finances ever permit...For now, I've decided on Brazil.

I do have some Brazilian portuguese CD-Roms and tapes which I've been using, along with some travel guides. I guess my major issue now is finding a way to get down there (which I'm currently devising)It doesn't seem that hard to earn some $$$ there, so hopefully that will take care of itself.

Any other suggestions or insight is greatly appreciated...And not just about Brazil, but other countries as well.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

15. Check your Inbox. Uhhhh... Ok, NOW the message is there. D'oh. (nt)

[Blue_Tires]

16. thanks...

Doesn't take long for a topic in the lounge to disappear, does it?? Let's bump this one time

And bandit, what is it you like about New Zealand?