Where can a working class/working poor American emigrate to?

[KillCapitalism]

Serious question here. It's getting worse and worse here & I want some options for getting the hell outta here. It seems places like France & Canada want immigrants to have huge amounts of liquid assets, and advanced degrees to even consider someone for a visa.

I have a lowly bachelor's degree and $250 in my bank account right now, so a lot of countries are out of the question for me. I'd like to head somewhere with a decent climate like Australia or Brazil, but I hear it's not easy to get into those countries too.

What is with most countries only wanting to take the wealthy and elites as immigrants? We used to take in just about anyone from anywhere in the world, even if they couldn't read or the only possessions they had were the clothes on their backs. You'd think other countries would possibly return the favor.

[slackmaster]

1. I've heard that Haiti needs skilled, educated people

It's on the dryer end of the island of Hispaniola.

:hide:

[pitohui]

42. haiti needs and is accepting doctors

they don't need more helpless folk...if the OP was a medical person and wanted to get out of this country, he or she would have their pick of places badly need in doctors to go to, right this minute, africa, central america, haiti you name it -- but they wouldn't have to post on the internet to find that out

i don't like the idea of unskilled people "volunteering" to go and take work from people who are already poor

do something useless (like preaching), don't build a wall or a well that could have been done by a local and by you doing it you take an opportunity out of a truly poor person's pocket

[stray cat]

2. North Korea -they would love it as a publicity stunt and would probably treat you like a star

[conspirator]

33. Colombia is a fascist regime but it's stable.

It's easy to get a business visa even if you don't have the whole $20000 required as capital.
You can basically open a ghost company. Of course that you need to speak spanish so you can find a job.
Alternatively consider marriage as a way of getting into any country.

[flamingdem]

78. Yes to Colombia, Cartagena is less dangerous nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Well open immigration don't happen in the US either

hasn't for oh over 100 years.

You could go across borders easily back then, don't matter what country.

Just a reality check, though if you have a college degree check Costa Rica, if you are young enough...

[socialist_n_TN]

17. "....if you are young enough."...........

Yeah that's the problem for some of us. Maybe somebody will take political refugees no matter what the age?

[nadinbrzezinski]

19. Are you fearing for your life?

I have talked to real refugees who were tortured. Actually helped to place these people both in the US and Europe in what it seems another lifetime... trust me there ARE Americans who have fit that definition in the past, but right now you would fit the definition of an ECONOMIC refugee. Unless of course you have reason to fear for your life... or and no sarcasm here, have I missed the death squads?

We have things that are crazy, but we haven't gotten to that point YET... at least in a major open way.

It is kind of a sore point with me, since I did debrief way too many war refugees, who did fit the political Refugee monicker, from the Central American mess... and the stories of torture, just at the top of the list, still give me nightmares.

[socialist_n_TN]

23. Not yet, but..............

it seems to get closer every day.

[nadinbrzezinski]

24. But we don't

and even though I expect a hot civil war, I know how horrific it will be, for real. Mostly I got to listen to enough horrific stories from an actual hot civil war. And some people FROM MEXICO, are now coming here on Refugee status... for a good reason, and no, not economic refugee status, political.

So as shitty as things are... and they are.. I prefer to say, we don't. And I hope it stays this way.

[NeoConsSuck]

61. Then tell me

how so many retirees are moving out of the country? They just had an article on Yahoo finance how many retirees are moving to Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama to live out their lives. In fact, I was just talking to a person last week who was retiring to Panama.

Seems to me that if you have a steady SS check coming in, you have quite a few options.

[socialist_n_TN]

81. I've actually thought about that. Then I wonder..............

what happens if they decide to take away the SS (what's left of it anyway) from anybody outside of the country?

I don't really know about being retired and moving out of the country. Honestly, I have not done any research on it yet. I was just going on some of the rules I've seen on here for emigrating to Canada. Mostly, it's old people need not apply.

[Billy Burnett]

35. Unless said immigrant is from Cuba. Any and all Cubans can come.

Even if they failed a legal US immigration visa due to violent felony history, IF said Cuban finds ANY way to get to the US ... pass GO and collect a full spectrum of US perks (entitlements) not offered to any other immigrant group.

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. Maybe South or Central America - if anywhere, a developing country

But honestly, you have the right attitude... emigration is NOT easy. I always roll my eyes whenever I see one of those "that's it!!! I'm moving to Canada!!!!" threads, as if all you need to do to emigrate to another country is buy a one way plane ticket and have enough money for a security deposit.

[elocs]

5. The truth is: who would want us? Nations of the world have enough problems

taking care of their own people.

Now if you had the cash it would be a different story.

Back in 1975 when I graduated college I did think about emigrating to Australia because I think at that time they would still pay for your passage if you lived there for so many years. I've thought about that from time to time and wonder what it would have been like had I done that.

[tularetom]

6. Ireland is the place if you want to invest in real estate

Not so much if you need a job.

They're a few years ahead of us on the deflation curve. Their credit is non existent and they're in debt up to their eyeballs.

But it's a lovely place with a fairly moderate climate considering its latitude.

[RZM]

7. You'd be wrong, unfortunately

Many places that you'd actually want to live already have their hands full with immigration debates/problems. Not to mention high unemployment as well. You could probably get some sort of guest worker gig somewhere, but you'd be competing with people from less developed countries who are willing to do it for less and to come without their families. My advice would be to keep looking, but not get your hopes up and have a backup plan for sticking around here.

[davidinalameda]

8. try Cuba?

[KillCapitalism]

12. That wouldn't be too bad...

they have a very nice climate & all, but Raul Castro came out & said that the state will have to layoff up to 500,000 workers. It would be nice if the embargo were lifted and Cuba's leaders decided to embrace democratic socialism instead of authoritarian communism, then I'd certainly consider it.

[Selatius]

37. On the other hand, you wouldn't be bankrupted by medical emergencies/health insurance premiums.

Because Cuba has socialized health care. "Medical bankruptcy" is an alien term in such a country.

[flamingdem]

79. Forget it you have to leave every two months and it's not cheap nt

[DeSwiss]

9. K&R

http://www.expatriates.com/

[Occam Bandage]

10. Emigration is not easy.

No nation wants the wretched refuse of another nation's teeming shore. Unless you've got a skill, nobody wants you.

[KillCapitalism]

14. It shouldn't be that difficult.

No one should need multiple doctorate degrees, or $25,000,000 in liquid assets to emigrate.

I only have a modest education, but I'm able-bodied & have always worked. I'm not a criminal, fugitive, or terrorist. I'm willing to learn the native language and do all I can to contribute to society in a new country. Shouldn't that be enough?

[Occam Bandage]

22. There are literally hundreds of millions of people who meet that description.

If any industrialized nation allowed completely unrestricted immigration, they would be swamped.

[wickerwoman]

26. You don't need multiple doctoral degrees,

but you do need to be flexible and accept that you need to meet *their* requirements, that the process will likely take years, will be incredibly stressful and that it will cost a significant amount of money. If you have pets, you will probably not be able to take them. If you have aging parents, it is unlikely you will be able to see them or help them as much as you would like.

But if it's really what you want to do, go for it.

Start by looking at skill shortage lists for countries you are interested in. Many countries use a point system and you can get points for having degrees, qualifications or job experience in areas where they need people. These don't require "multiple doctoral degrees"- many countries need skilled tradespeople, nurses, and other specialists and you can often qualify with a one year trade diploma and a few years of work experience.

Like I said, immigration to a foreign country is realistically about a five year goal unless you're lucky enough to already be in a high demand field. But it's doable if you do your research first, keep yourself in good health and are genuinely committed to it.

[pampango]

38. Maybe the EU will let us join. We could live and work anywhere in Europe we wanted.

:) (Of course, we would have to put up with Europeans wanting to do the same in the US., if there are any.)

Or if we could trick Canada into forming one of the right-wing's favorite boogie men, a North American Union, we could move to Canada if we wanted to. The downside, again, would be that we would have to put up with the "others" who might want to live and work in the US for some reason.

[proteus_lives]

49. That is the description of over a billion people.

No, it's not enough.

[Codeine]

73. Why on Earth would that be enough?

Every nation you can think of is filled with able-bodied hard workers who aren't criminals. You bring nothing to the table that is not already there. You would also soon be a drain on a social safety net that you didn't spend a lifetime paying into, unlike the locals.

[Canuckistanian]

11. I hear Costa Rica is cheap

And no particular political worries. They don't even have a standing army.

[pitohui]

43. costa rica is not cheap

however they have a great health care system and a wonderful quality of life -- the life expectancy of a costa rican is quite a bit longer than an american, and it MAY be that by moving to costa rica you do increase your life span, ornithologist alexander skutch who i believe moved there in the 1940s (before their revolution and modern democracy) lived to be 100 and was still able to work and publish up until a few months before his death

they don't need a standing army, the usa will defend them if anyone ever gets a hair up their ass to bother costa rica (which they will not)

as far as prices go, housing is more expensive than louisiana, and the roads are for shit, i wouldn't say they are any cheaper overall than the cheaper usa states like louisiana, arkansas, etc.

there are a great many usa, mexican, and canadian citizens retired there but the usa citizens who think it's cheap are from very expensive states like california, they could have lived as cheaply in louisiana or mississippi but it simply didn't cross their mind because a californian will never move to mississippi...

[Canuckistanian]

58. I think once you factor in health care

Costa Rica IS cheaper. And if you can accept a bit less than the current standard of American housing, you're probably WAY ahead of the the game, financially.

[pitohui]

65. well the health care i think you're prob. right but i'm assuming OP is a young person

you're not going to end up w. "a bit less" than the current standard of american housing, you're going to end up in a way better house, it's only "a bit less" if you're a californian or a canadian (admittedly a great many of the ex pats fall in those two categories, the mexican ex pats are the out of sight, super rich, as far as i can tell)

for a person my age, yah, the health care thing is huge

i haven't been around but this poster is new to me and assuming they're youngish (doesn't a user name like killcapitalism suggest youth?) then the difference in the cost of care might not matter to them

believe you me if my hubby passed away and i could no longer afford to live in the usa costa rica and panama are definitely on the short list -- but i know i can do panama w. $100K i'm skeptical i can do the same w. costa rica

[caty]

13. Since every country

that you would really enjoying living in is having their own problems, the most we can do now is adjust to what our government is going to stick us with.

And keep voting in every election until they get it right. Our revolution is perseverance. Keep voting and keep spreading the word.

[Dappleganger]

15. Costa Rica.

Been there, have friends there now and it's a great way of life and very easy to make a living if you're an english-speaker.

[KillCapitalism]

18. I'll look into Costa Rica

It sounds promising. I would plan on being fluent in Spanish upon arrival, I feel more comfortable being able to interact with anyone when I'm abroad.

[Dappleganger]

20. It's beautiful there...

beautiful people, slow way of life--you'll have to ditch your clock, lol (that's pretty much true for most of that hemisphere, however).

If you don't know the language there are many english-speakers around and it's fairly easy to find a tutor or class to learn. Lots of poverty in some areas, so be prepared. That is our "when the shit hits the fan" choice of places to flee, btw.

[jancantor]

39. Love Costa Rica

but they are in our hemisphere btw

[Toucano]

28. Easy to make a living?

You'll have to have your own business, I'm afraid. And whatever that may be, you'll need money for permits and fees.

Immigration is tightening and they are cracking down on foreigners who work here illegally because there aren't enough jobs for the people as it is. English or French are requirements to get a high school diploma, and with a much younger population than North America, you'll find there's a lot of competition.

Those English-speaking jobs are in tourism (which has been hit hard by the global recession) or outsourced "call centers" (doing outbound cold calls to North America, so EVERYBODY loves you!).

If you want to run the risk and work under the table, be prepared to make $4 to $6 an hour, have no social security or medical coverage included, and compete for work with the other illegal immigrants from Nicaragua and Colombia - even China.

Our electricity rates have gone up 60% in the last 2 years, gasoline is about $4.80 per US gallon, and goods like household supplies, hardware and electronics are at least double what you pay in the United States. Thanks to "free trade", our food products have more value on the world market than local people can pay, so we get the lower quality at higher prices. All of the big three: bananas, pineapples, coffee have risen much faster than inflation.

Successful integration in Tico society requires an ability to make adaptations that few North Americans can muster. Those without means become isolated complainers who eventually retreat to the north with less than they had.

My recommendation - if you really want to live here - as a retiree, an illegal immigrant, or a business person - you need to spend September, October, and November here first. If you can make it through those months, and you have some kind of reliable income, you *might* be able to immigrate successfully.

Too many come on holiday in February or March when the money is flowing in the economy (the peak tourism season) and assume that's how life is.

[pitohui]

47. toucano has it right

they are really getting tight on the work requirements, if you don't have a work visa, you CAN'T work, you will have to hire a costa rican to do the work (and i can't blame them for protecting their own)

for instance, i know a lady from california who is not yet considered a permanent resident of costa rica even though she owns a business (B&B)-- this means every six months she must leave the country for 72 hrs (not really a problem, she can fly home or when money is tight she can drive to nicaragua for a vist), HOWEVER, her b&b is also her home and she cannot cook in her own kitchen since it's part of the business, a costa rican has to do all the cooking


for her, that's fine, she's kind of a princess anyway but honestly it would drive me bugfuck not to be able to cook or tend bar IN MY OWN FREAKIN' HOUSE!

again, costa rica is doing the right thing, she has a costa rican staff member on the grounds 24/7 and that's a job/income for somebody...but if you've only got $250 in your pocket do you want those worries? i think not...

costa rica (panama) too are great choices if you have something to give, such as a business, where you can hire and pay people, they are not great choices if you're really on the thin edge of survival

also as pointed out by toucano inflation has really hit costa rica and panama hard (prob. other parts of central america too but i can't speak to that for sure) -- nothing is "cheap," not any more

[RadicalTexan]

16. I want to know, too

I lived in the UK from 2001-2005, and only returned after my ex tricked me into returning to the States to visit my family who I hadn't seen in two years due to visa issues, and then promptly broke up with me and sent all my belongings back - a mere six months before I would've qualified for the equivalent of a Green Card. I am still pissed. Had it been up to me, I would've stayed there forever.

Of course, Europe has its own problems, many of them similar to our or cause by us, but it's still better than the US for the average thinking, working person, in my humble opinion. We'll see how long their pensions and universal health care last.

I left in 2000 after the selection of W (I am a native Texan and was actually a tour guide at the Texas Governor's Mansion during the 2000 election). I am the only person I know who threatened to leave and did. I went there on a student visa to do an MA, something I had been strongly considering, anyway - the election pushed me over the edge. I stayed there for a further three years on a domestic partnership visa and worked and paid taxes and loved it there, shitty relationship notwithstanding. I've tried to figure out how to go back (legally), and it's virtually impossible for the average working class American. Which pisses me off, considering there are radical Muslim extremist immigrants there who have paraded through the streets of London with pro-9/11 and "Death to America" signs. They get to stay, but I didn't. :(

I have considered Canada (too cold, too expensive to get into); Cuba (too scary, don't speak Spanish); Mexico (ditto, plus even scarier now with the drug war); Argentina (too expensive); Australia or New Zealand (immigration barriers seem to high for me to qualify, even though I have a master's degree); and even teaching English in Asia (my partner doesn't want to move to Asia! also, too much culture shock for me).

For me, it all comes down to this: I lived in a foreign country, but one of the ones that is the most similar culturally to the United States. It was HEAVEN not being surrounded by idiotic rightwing clinically insane people. I know most of the other countries have problems similar to ours or worse, and that the countries with a higher quality of life won't let us in because they don't need or want us; but having to go through what's coming (post peak oil, climate change, overpopulation, resource wars) just seems like it would be a lot more bearable if you were surrounded by sane people.

The general consensus position in Britain was refreshingly reasonable compared to what passes for moderate or normal in the US. I used to watch Fox News on cable and laugh my ass off; it's so transparently ridiculous. But now that I have been back in the belly of the beast for five years, it's not so funny anymore. I miss that different point of view on the world. And, no, I can't afford to move to San Francisco any easier than I can move to Canada or England. If I could, I would do it.

[pitohui]

50. a couple of thoughts

mexico is a big place, you don't have to live in one of the nothern states where the war is going on -- i'm blanking on it, but there's a lake where a lot of ex-pats live and i just talked to a guy who lives kinda near there but in a village w. only (he says "only five") other english speakers, so you can go as native as you wish (he actually has a mexican girlfriend and it works for him) but there are other ex pats there who only hang w. ex pats and don't need any spanish at all, their lawyers handle that, ha ha

one of my friends taught english in china for a couple of years and just got back, i am going to try to see what he will tell me, but this guy has never worked a traditional job, i don't know how he got the gig other than he speaks english and appears intelligent and plausible -- he obv. returned with cash since now he plans to buy a condo in las vegas...

[bluedigger]

21. Have you considered Oklahoma? n/t

[caty]

25. I heard last year

that the people in Denmark were the happiest people in the world. Must be a reason why. Oh yea, socialism.

[Roma]

27. Serious question here, What is "it" you're trying to escape?

You mentioned weather, that it? Jobs, economy and housing? Traffic? Lack of suitable relationships. Are you being discriminated against or bullied?

The statement "it's getting worse here" makes me wonder if anyplace in the world will live up to your expectations. I would be wary of making such a serious decision without examining your own motives.

[Toucano]

29. That's good advice.

The grass is always greener over the septic tank.

[Juche]

51. I can't speak for him. But to me the rightward shift of our society sucks

We are facing serious problems. Income inequality, pollution, flawed health care, energy policy, unemployment. And the sad part is about 40% of the public want nothing more than to make all of those problems worse, that or pretend they don't even exist. So the idea of going to a civilization which is run by people who value community, working together and competence would be nicer.

Ten years ago people in the US would say 'why should we fight global warming when China isn't doing anything'. Now China is taking the lead, they are investing more of their economy in renewable energy than we are. It is pathetic, we are slipping fast as a nation. And there are tens of millions who want it to happen.

[bluestate10]

64. That too will pass.

Spasms of the dying are frequently most violent before death. There is no rightward shift. Democrats, starting with President Obama did an exceptionally poor job of selling their successes and sat around and let hate filled people define them. There are some democrats that must be invited out of the party, those are democrats that have allowed power to corrupt them. As democrats, we can not protect such people, get them out of the party asap. We are the party that has historically did the most to make the country grow and prosper. When we are at our best, we can't be touched. We must rise from the defeat of last week and aggressively push forward to the future that our country deserves. We may lose some that we had high hopes for along the way, I am one democrat who is considering abandoning President Obama if I see him cave in to republicans much more on key policy issues. Better to batten down the hatches and prepare to take out a republican President in 2016 than to suffer four years of a democratic President who seems to come to knife fights late and half hearted.

[JoDog]

30. My plan "B"

is Israel. Sure, it is locked in nearly perpetual war, treats the Palestinians like trash, and most of the country is desert. But it is committed to a social safety net, its economy is doing fairly OK, and if you are Jewish (even a convert like me) they have to take you.

[MineralMan]

31. You could try Somalia or Liberia or another West African nation.

I don't think they're really picky about immigrants. Most countries, however, aren't eager for immigrants without resources. All too often, those immigrants end up on the dole, and economies aren't good in many places.

However, third world countries often welcome educated immigrants like yourself. You'd stand out in those countries, and could be in demand, since education standards are as poor as those countries are.

I hear the weather in Africa is warm, and there are many countries there with plenty of beachfront property.

Think about it.

[pitohui]

59. i thought somalia was east africa

my geography is pretty sad tho, i have trouble picking places out on a map where i've been and somalia ain't one of those

i don't think it's true to say third world countries welcome "educated" immigrants, depends on what their education is, this poster has a bachelor's degree...in what? if it's a medical field, yes, if it's the history of the american civil war, not so much, i haven't seen a post yet that lets me in on what this person's skills are

i have a personal bone to pick with "volunteers" who are unskilled labor and go to africa and dig ditches and just take a job from a local who could do it better but who would need to be paid...if you are going to africa take a skill that is needed there, be it medical, be it teaching a language, i don't care, but don't do a physical labor job that could have been done by a local who would take home a paycheck, that just gets my goat (sorry for the hobbyhorse)


i heard the weather in africa is warm too but what the fuck! they have mountains with snow on them! so i strongly suggest you bring your jacket just in case...i haven't spent much time on the beach, and to be honest, if i was relocating to africa, i would pick a highland location (much lower risk of malaria and other mosquito borne disease) but i have now got a tiny hint of the beautiful beaches there...must go back...

oh boy, this thread is dangerous and i don't/won't ever move from my home unless a way bigger storm than katrina insists, but i will be a nice person and check out all these locations and beaches for all DUers, i consider it a public service!

[gibby2433]

32. Well, you're one-up on me

I don't even have that Bachelor's Degree. I'm screwed.

[treestar]

34. Duh

That's what we do here, too.

Anywhere you could get in would hardly be more progressive, and you could probably only be there by dint of the fact they have no rules at all. Not being part of the culture there, you'd have a rough time.

OTT whining, there are people who would do anything to get into the US.

[KillCapitalism]

36. I don't know why anyone would want to come here anymore.

We're quickly sliding into third world status. Give it enough time & the US will end up as poor as Niger or Sierra Leone.

[jancantor]

40. I do and we are nowhere NEAR

third world status. Have you been to a 3rd world country? I have. Night and day.

[bluestate10]

67. I have been to a 1.5 world country.

The difference between that 1.5 country and the USA is night and day. Things that I took for granted in the USA were impossible to come by in that very modern, but not near USA standards country.

[jancantor]

68. I LITERALLY kissed the ground

the first time I returned from a third world country. I think anybody who compares the US to such a country clearly has never spent time in one. The indignities we complain about (scanners for an airplane) really pale in comparison to military death squads, cholera, no human rights whatsoever, etc.

[A HERETIC I AM]

76. There is something to be said for being able to get a clean glass of water...

for free or almost free virtually anywhere.

And taking a dump inside, in a bathroom with plumbing beats the living hell out of some of the alternatives.

jancantor, you're right. I've been overseas numerous times and you hit the nail on the head.

The OP should very carefully count his blessings.

[jancantor]

80. Yes. Water should not have a texture

or be translucent :)

I think the exaggerations get to the boy who cried wolf level when people make the third world comparisons. Those of us who have "been there" just roll our eyes. Thanks for the response

[A HERETIC I AM]

85. Drinking Water should also not.....

require an immediate response from the bowel region upon consumption.


:toast:

[bluestate10]

66. I see people every day that come here.

A USA work visa is worth gold in most countries. The exceptions are Scandinavian countries and Germany. Anywhere else, offer up your US citizenship for your price and you will likely get many takers.

[Violet_Crumble]

74. There's far more exceptions than Scandinavian countries and Germany...

What about Australia? I don't know anyone here who'd want to live in the US, let alone have to pay for the pleasure of doing so. Me, if I ever wanted to live anywhere else (which I don't), I'm lucky that Australians don't need to apply to go live in New Zealand, so I'd just head there...

[Starbucks Anarchist]

77. I can see you've never been to a third-world country.

If you had, you'd be begging to come back here.

[pitohui]

41. poor americans aren't welcome anywhere

we are liked for our money, if we ain't got none, forget it

however...i have known several people in my life, with no money, who got trips of a year, 2 years or more, to foreign countries, by joining the peace corps (not sure if this is still possible) or by becoming missionaries (this is still possible but i don't know if it's as easy as it used to be)

one of my older female relatives got to live in china, for many years, in the 20s and 30s, by being a missionary, at a time when women really had NO opportunity, but i know several people in new orleans still get trips to honduras, guatemala etc. by joining church missions

it may seem cynical but it used to be a time honored way for young women w. no money to avoid having to marry some dude for money and having their chance to see the world...

i have family members who have emigrated and are living in asia today however they are VERY highly qualified with multiple specialized qualifications and languages -- asia has billions, they don't need yet another person with a lowly bachelor's degree...

france & canada = too dam expensive anyways...central america has a decent climate, why not play the game and go there? if i was single and didn't have my hubby to rely on and had to do SOMETHING, i'd definitely be playing the god card and getting myself some trips to guatemala etc. call me evil, call me a cynic, but why not? that seems the easiest way to go w. no money

even with SOME money central america is still the best bet -- relatively cheap to legally emigrate and be allowed to have a business there...

brazil is difficult, you have to get a special visa, hell, i even had to get a fancy visa to go to bolivia (to prove i had money in the bank), i don't know if they'll even grant you a tourist visa if you only have $250

australia is nice but you don't wanna go there w. only $250...it's an island...how do you ever get off if you can't get legal work? young people are picking grapes there, you'll never make any bank that way

in rich european countries i have met mormons and crusade for christers who have been given year-long trips to amsterdam, dubai, and all over europe, really great opportunities, but i have to think that these young men were born to the really rich church elders or sucked the you-know-whats of the really rich church elders because otherwise why wouldn't every young man in utah insist on being assigned to amsterdam during his missionary years, tee hee???

[Bryn]

44. Ecuador?

My friend is leaving USA for Ecuador when he retires (located in South America) this February. Does anyone here know if it's a good place to live? Not a good place for anyone looking for a job, but from what I understand it's a great place to live for much less, can live like royalty for less.

[tammywammy]

45. I have a friend that was stationed in Ecuador

The cost of living is good.

[pitohui]

56. i've heard the same-GREAT place to retire on the cheap

jobs, no, you are expected to provide jobs for somebody else, hire a maid or something...but if you have a social security check i've heard you can do OK, live in the higher areas so you don't have to worry abt malaria

i'm going to try to check it out myself, i don't wish to leave louisiana, BUT i will travel anywhere on any slim excuse...and i've heard many good things about ecuador for the birdwatcher and also for the retiree

my to do list is getting kinda long, hmmm, let's check out ecuador for DU, YES, i will accept that job and this tape will self destruct in 5 seconds...

[Bryn]

83. Yay!

I'd love to know more about it. I already am getting SSDI and pension. But one problem: I am taking care of my 81 yr old mom with dementia. Not sure if it's a good idea for me to move her there so guess I am stuck. Til then ...

[Brickbat]

46. Your OP doesn't make it clear if you can or want to work or not.

Can you? Do you?

[pitohui]

53. there are VERY few countries where americans are allowed to work

therefore it matters not what the OP "wants" to do, he or she had better look at what's possible to do

if you have $250 to your name and want to go to some country where you can't work legally, you had better be pretty or charming or able to join a missionary/volunteer group -- you have to have SOME way that somebody else is going to pay your way

[Brickbat]

70. I was going to make the point that there are several jobs still here that pay well,

it just takes a hell of a lot of work, relocating, and making some sacrifices in your personal life.

Having worked abroad, I know what you're saying.

[proteus_lives]

48. Hahahahha.

:rofl:

This is a serious question?

:rofl:

[Rochester]

52. Am I the only one who thinks a "decent climate" does not mean "hot"?...

...I cannot stand heat and Central America would be one of the last places I'd want to go. I'd prefer Canada or Northern Europe.
Then again, if the Republicans took over again and I went to Canada, I'd feel like a German Jew circa 1938 fleeing to "safety" in Poland or Holland...

[pitohui]

54. you are the only one costa rica is freaking overrun w. canadians

no offense to my canadian friends but we all know there are large areas of that otherwise fine and enlightened country that are simply unsuitable for human habitation!

[Scurrilous]

55. Make sure you let them know about the 'kill capitalism' thing.

That should open some doors. :o

[Name removed]

57. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pitohui]

62. what in 1934?

no there weren't many weeks in an american under 50s life where they lived a week on $20, you are showing your age

it simply isn't possible now, i live in the cheapest or second cheapest state in the union and those days are gone w. katrina, it can't be done

cheap skating is my hobby, and even to live in a tent, would cost most of the $20 a week IN A DAY and a week has 7 days

if we are dishonest then young people can't and shouldn't take us seriously

the world has changed, prices have changed, and what we did with a smile and a blowjob in 1976 takes $3K today and that's just the world

[bluestate10]

69. You make some good points.

I have eaten and transported myself on $20 per week several times within the last decade. But my housing was taken care of by funds that I had sunk. So your challenge is accepted, I likely could not have done ALL living on $20 per week. I am not old. I have no concept of 1934 other than from history books.

When I see a person that looks to be saying "give me something", I become offended. The internet is a beautiful tool, it has leveled the playing field and reduced the price of entry to lots of opportunities. An industrious person can launch major businesses via the internet. Such launches have happened during the last five years and ARE happening at this very moment.

[erodriguez]

63. good advice, I think

[EmeraldCityGrl]

71. I was looking at Margarita Island, Venezuela and though this was realy funny.

Giving some brief advice on touring the country was this advice...

"If asked direct questions about politics, stick with safe answers like "I don't like Bush" and "I think the US should get out of Iraq." If you like Bush and his policies and think the US belongs in Iraq, keep your political opinions to yourself while in Venezuela."

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Venezuela-3093/dos-donts.htm

[NeoConsSuck]

60. $250 is not even going to cover

the transporation costs to get to another country, much less room & board once you got there. Believe me, I would love to get out of this POS country too, but right now, it's not going to happen.

[rucky]

72. Get a TESOL certification online and teach English

It may be temporary at first, but it's a way in.

:shrug:

[Ignis]

75. ^^^ Good advice.

I've had several friends who launched their careers in other countries this way.

[riderinthestorm]

84. I have a friend who did this in Spain.

When I was looking at alternatives, I found that Canada places a high premium on farmers, and if you are interested in going there to be a farmer, you are bumped to the top of the immigration list. You'd have to have had experience farming, and a plan to do so in Canada but if you are really determined, it could be it's own a long range goal and something to consider. There are any number of organic farms across the US that are begging for help, and in return they would teach you the skills to farm. You would typically be hired on as an intern, which would at least pay your room and board, while you learned.

[Countdown_3_2_1]

82. I'm staying to fight the good fight. BUT. There might be a way...

Pick a country you and several thousand friend like...really like.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE

Then everyone just moves in, gets jobs, starts paying taxes. When the first group is in, they can help the second wave. and so one.
--when you are discovered (and you will be), you can point to thousands of other just like you who love this country and want to stay....and you would love to vote.
Not a single EU country will throw you out--especially if you've been there for years paying your share of taxes.

The host country will not be able to point to any law breaking or misconduct on your part. You will have been model citizens. Give an many interviews as you can: Always say how you love this new country. In a week, you will win over the hearts of your fellow countrymen.

Its better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.

As for me,
I intend to stay here and fight for whats right no matter what happens.
Don Quixote: To Dream the Impossible Dream. Fight to the end.

If it comes to flee or die, then refugee status will work in Canada. And i won't be alone, thousands will come with me. I doubt it will come to dire straights like that.