Living abroad

[CommanderOtto]

I disagree completely that it would take 5 years minimum to feel at home. Depends on the person. Like I said, I felt 'at home' the moment I stepped off the plane in Rome even though I didn't know Italian. I coulda learned it inside 6 months if I had to, but in other countries, it would be tougher. A place in Europe might take me a few months to feel comfortably at home, But I am 50 years old, been to so many places, spread 'my wings' becoming a Pilot for the Navy fresh out of college seeing the world that way. In Australia, you are a welcomed American (a 'Yank'). You could acclimate quickly as a co worker of mine did and married an Aussie wife.

Bottom line, it depends on the individual. You picked a great location, especially since Australia and New Zealand are sought after for Citizenship as Otto alluded to. He knows student stuff better than I. But as a 50 year old, if the World [poo] were to hit the fan, Australia and New Zealand would be my first 2 choices to live. Nobody wants to blow those countries up!

well, yes, it depends. It's that for me it is very important, not only to feel at home, but that the locals accept you as one of them. That's why I put a longer time.... But yeah, it could be much less than 5 years. It really depends on the place and the attitude you have towards it.

[[NH]Shadow]

if the World [poo] were to hit the fan, Australia and New Zealand would be my first 2 choices to live. Nobody wants to blow those countries up!

especially new zealand, cuz LOTR was filmed there :) its a beautiful country.

[Sir Bang]

Places I've been over the past 10 years alone are: Mexico, Guantanamo (Cuba), Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, San Juan, St. Thomas, Turks and Caicos, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Columbia, Trinidad, Guyana (Great Rum made there called 'El Dorado'), Bermuda, Ireland, Scotland, Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, Iceland, Portugal (Azores), Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Crete, Cyprus, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Hungary, Georgia (old Soviet Republic), Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Sweden, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Somalia (a total [poo] hole), Djibouti, Libya, U.A.E., Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, Hawaii....

Basically, most of Europe is pretty good (Northern Latitudes have a lot of cloudy/wet weather), and all the [poo] -stans in the Middle East are total crap holes swimming in Muslims. Only go to the Middle East to live if you have a death wish and/or want to get into a fight. But like I said, Rome, Italy is two thumbs up. Not cheap, but very beautiful. Good luck!

Holy sheet! You should write a book (once you have enough time off from travelling, that is).

And I’m actually visiting Rome/Vatican City for a few days in October for the first time, can’t wait. Glad you recommend it. The temperature should be quite nice there in October (though it’ll probably be raining knowing my luck).

As far as learning a language is concerned, I’ve tried French, German and Spanish, but didn’t really put much effort in at the time so failed miserably. Asian languages would probably be more useful in AUS though.

Thanks for your 2 cents, guys. Food for thought.

[Yanoda]

Sir Bang, if you're going to stay in Australia (or any country) these are the points I would focus on:

- Get to know the location, go check out maps and look up points of interest in the area you will be staying at before coming. Buildings such as Hospitals and Police Stations are recommended to know the location in case something happens. Once you're here, walk or tour the area (maybe have a tour guide for the day) to get to know the town/city better. Also check the locations for transit stations if you won't be having a car.

- Learn about the basic information of the country/continent. Since you will likely go to Australia, make sure to read about the dangers of the critters there (Australia is known to have several of the most poisonous animals in the world). Ask your relatives for info and guidance on that aspect. Make sure to be prepared for the climate, if you come from a cold climate and go to a hot one, the heat can be problematic until you get used to it.

- Learn some of the traditions (either based on Country or Religion) and partake in the events/celebrations.

If you're going to a different Country than Australia.
- Language should also be learned, or at least so much that you can get by with simple conversations. Children at young ages can more easily learn a new language then adults (personal experience). Take extra language classes if necessary. Learning Japanese or Chinese would be the best option to learn an Asian Language.

If you'll be going to Europe and plan on visiting several countries, a Multi-Country train ticket would be very cost effective for traveling (which go as low as 30 Euros). If you plan on doing it, I recommend researching on it.

This isn't much since most points were already discussed.

Basically, most of Europe is pretty good (Northern Latitudes have a lot of cloudy/wet weather), and all the [poo] -stans in the Middle East are total crap holes swimming in Muslims. Only go to the Middle East to live if you have a death wish and/or want to get into a fight.

Even if I disagree what goes on in the Middle East or the Religion - the way you made the comment was not necessary.
Yes, it can be dangerous, but you have know your way and have some connections. Generally avoid political or economical unstable countries until things cool down there.

[MATTHEW'S_DAD]

Join the Army and they will handle all of your travel arrangements. That's what I did.

[(=DK=)Samonuh]

I'm going to be living in Abu Dhabi in a few months and it's going to be amazing. [m'kay] all of you xenophobes.

[WD-40]

Basically, most of Europe is pretty good (Northern Latitudes have a lot of cloudy/wet weather), and all the [poo] -stans in the Middle East are total crap holes swimming in Muslims. Only go to the Middle East to live if you have a death wish and/or want to get into a fight.

Even if I disagree what goes on in the Middle East or the Religion - the way you made the comment was not necessary.
Yes, it can be dangerous, but you have know your way and have some connections. Generally avoid political or economical unstable countries until things cool down there.

I have no regrets. I've seen what I've seen. Politically, socially, economically and religiously unstable [poo] holes. Sam, the U.A.E. was okay though (I will concede that one). Very touristy and safe. I think you'll have a good time since they love western money and have tailored there country for safe travel of visitors. A rare exception in that part of the world.

[(SWGO)SirPepsi]

I have no regrets. I've seen what I've seen. Politically, socially, economically and religiously unstable [poo] holes. Sam, the U.A.E. was okay though (I will concede that one). Very touristy and safe. I think you'll have a good time since they love western money and have tailored there country for safe travel of visitors. A rare exception in that part of the world.

Living in the Middle East, in any area of the world where oppressive regimes monopolize political power and use their power to dictate regulations for one's personal lives, is unappealing. That said, this is more indicative of the period all countries go through before transitioning into a liberal democracy than it is of the dominant religion. Note that Islam has been manipulated by those in power and used to subjugate the masses. The Saudi Royal Family doesn't adhere to half of the restrictions they enforce on the general populace. Blame the rulers (or the Western nations that support them) - not the culture, not the religion religion, nor the people.

Also realize that not 50-60 years ago, anyone suspected of being a communist in THIS country was fired or defamed. Open gays, prior to Stonewall (late 1960s), were publicly humiliated and degraded, if not outright killed; thousands of them were fired from the federal government. 50 years ago, blacks were mauled in the streets by police dogs, a white man could kill a black man with no repercussions. 85 years ago, women in this country could not vote - they are still paid unfairly and often the subject of employment discrimination.

Don't blacklist the region, because our country was really quite similar.

[CommanderOtto]

that was a bad example. Not even during the worse of times of U.S history can you compare it to Iraq, Afghanistan or Somalia.

and I mean no respect to any religion or culture, but a big number of people in the middle east believe in those things. It is not a product of modern times and modern regimes. Read Newsweek's article on the Mad Mullah of 1913. That's all i'll say about it.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/09/30/it-s-a-mad-mad-mad-mad-world.html

of course, there are awesome things about middle eastern culture. But what WD said has some truth to it... it is unstable and dangerous in most of that region.

[mrjamwin]

I'm going to be living in Abu Dhabi in a few months and it's going to be amazing. [m'kay] all of you xenophobes.

Damn I didn't catch this earlier. I am so [m'kay] happy to hear you're leaving the U.S. I hope you get caught up in some Arab Spring and they behead your ass.