Which country should I move to?

[heavenlyboy34]

Who?

And I don't see how it can done, at least done well.

It is done daily by lots of people all over teh world. I'm not a teacher, but I know one (mentioned previously).

[PaulConventionWV]

Ok, some of my honest thoughts...

You aren't qualified to teach English if you don't fluently speak the local language. Teaching is about communicating, and English is communication. What I am getting at is that communication is essential. To understand your students issues, you have to know what they are thinking and why they are thinking it.

If you can't communicate, good luck with the girls in a foreign country.

Finally, depending on the country, they are probably more statist than us.

Foreign educators don't care if you speak their language. As I've stated, English speakers are in too high demand to require everyone to be bilingual in their language. China alone hires about 100,000 English speakers every year, some without certification and some even without degrees (although they've been tightening up on that).

Teaching English is not hard when you already know it, and many places aren't looking for perfection.

Also, I am not worried about statism. The police state here is far worse than in any other country I can think of, and I am afraid if I stay here I may end up in jail or dead at the hands of a cop for some silly reason. You are understandably confused about the sheer volume of English speakers needed in other countries. It is great enough that most places aren't worried about being bilingual as long as you can speak fluent English and teach others to do so. Once I have my certification, I will be one of the most highly qualified English teachers on the market. Perhaps not according to you, but China, Russia, Germany, etc. don't care what you think.

[PaulConventionWV]

btw, @OP-before you go somewhere, I suggest doing some research on the culture's norms, faux pas, etc. It'll make your life easier.

Absolutely. This is on my to-do list before going.

[PaulConventionWV]

You could go to China. The Americans I know who have been over there to work all say they were treated quite well out there.

China is one of the best-paying, and they are high on my list, but I'm looking for people to convince me why their favorite country is the best.

[TaftFan]

Foreign educators don't care if you speak their language. As I've stated, English speakers are in too high demand to require everyone to be bilingual in their language. China alone hires about 100,000 English speakers every year, some without certification and some even without degrees (although they've been tightening up on that).

Teaching English is not hard when you already know it, and many places aren't looking for perfection.

Also, I am not worried about statism. The police state here is far worse than in any other country I can think of, and I am afraid if I stay here I may end up in jail or dead at the hands of a cop for some silly reason. You are understandably confused about the sheer volume of English speakers needed in other countries. It is great enough that most places aren't worried about being bilingual as long as you can speak fluent English and teach others to do so. Once I have my certification, I will be one of the most highly qualified English teachers on the market. Perhaps not according to you, but China, Russia, Germany, etc. don't care what you think.

Alright. I just know that I wouldn't have learned the little I did in high school if my Spanish teacher couldn't speak English.

[phill4paul]

I'll have to visit. I've met some native Japanese folks (I had to speak to them through an interpreter), and I had the same experience.

They are lovely. If one were to teach there it would not take one a long time to learn their language. They treat someone from outside their culture that has taken the time to learn their language with utmost respect. Over the top really. When I was immersed in it I got along fairly well. They were extremely impressed and went out of their way to help me cultivate more. It was really insane. Taking me out to expensive dinners. Inviting me to their homes for meals and teaching me the tradition. I think I was more impressed with their desire to show me more than they were with my desire to learn. But it would have been a close bet.

[PaulConventionWV]

Alright. I just know that I wouldn't have learned the little I did in high school if my Spanish teacher couldn't speak English.

I can see why that would be a problem in a United States high school

[PaulConventionWV]

They are lovely. If one were to teach there it would not take one a long time to learn their language. They treat someone from outside their culture that has taken the time to learn their language with utmost respect. Over the top really. When I was immersed in it I got along fairly well. They were extremely impressed and went out of their way to help me cultivate more. It was really insane. Taking me out to expensive dinners. Inviting me to their homes for meals and teaching me the tradition. I think I was more impressed with their desire to show me more than they were with my desire to learn. But it would have been a close bet.

I'm really liking the sound of Japan right now, but I'm not sure what to make of all the nuclear disasters they've been through.

[mtr1979]

I was actually thinking about this same topic last night and I fell asleep listening to this video:



If I had the resources I would go to Chile.

[phill4paul]

I'm really liking the sound of Japan right now, but I'm not sure what to make of all the nuclear disasters they've been through.

Lol. Yeah, I didn't live there during Fukushima. But, Japan isn't so small as one would think. You could even go up around Sapporo which is a separate Island (Hokkaido).
No B.S., because I know we have had disagreements, in all honesty if I were going to teach English I would go to Japan. Good people, good food, deep tradition. As much to learn as to teach. At least put some feelers out and see what kind of responses you get back.

[VIDEODROME]

How about Iceland?

[francisco]

I've made a life-changing decision. In about 3 months, I will be highly qualified to teach English in a foreign country, so it's just a matter of where I should go.

I'm fed up with America and I feel like I don't fit in here, so I've decided to find a higher purpose rather than struggle to find a job in this country and toil away for years doing something I don't like. I feel I would actually enjoy this, and I am wondering where people have been and which countries they can recommend based on the tourist attractions, the landscape, scenery, living conditions in urban areas and, last but not least, women; not just their looks, but also their demeanor and personality. I'm sick of American girls, American lifestyle, and of course, American politics.

It will have to be a non-English speaking country. Thanks in advance for the input.

Scientific studies have shown that Korean men are the least well-endowed on the planet. (no lie)

So, go to South Korea: where as a red-blooded American male (even if you have some of "the Irish curse") you'll have an edge over the local competition.

[William Tell]

Cost of living is too high in Japan, I have heard. I know some people living over there now. I would never want to move to any state or nation which attempts to restrict my right to own weapons without paper work, let alone forbid it. There is a market for slingshots in Korea btw, yeah.

[pcosmar]

Transylvania.

That way when the politics sucks,, it is the least of your worries.

[PaulConventionWV]

How about Iceland?

Interesting. What about it?

[William Tell]

Interesting. What about it?

You have enough snowballs should Hannity visit.

[Bryan]

Based on your criteria, and posting history, I'd say you'd do very well in Paris (so that would be France, of course )

the tourist attractions: arguable the top in the world. You could spend a month in the Louvre alone.
the landscape, scenery: it's urban, but you can get into the country which is nice.
living conditions in urban areas: first world, no issues.
women: Paris is the fashion capital of the world, take a stroll down Champs-Élysées.

Some other points-
There are some clear benefits going to a country with a Latin based language. Some place like Japan would be a much harder transition.
Based on some studies, about 2/3 speak some English, which helps you get around.
Paris is very big, the options are near endless.
With American socialism, you get basically nothing for your tax money, in Europe you actually get benefits. (Not arguing in favor of socialism of course, just that it's not the same raw deal we're getting here). Of course it's not perfect, nothing in this world is.
The French get a bad wrap for being weak or whatnot, it's not really justified.

[Bryan]

I'm really liking the sound of Japan right now, but I'm not sure what to make of all the nuclear disasters they've been through.

IMO, be careful what you eat (particularly fish) and you'd certainly be fine in Tokyo or any place South of it.

[PaulConventionWV]

Based on your criteria, and posting history, I'd say you'd do very well in Paris (so that would be France, of course )

the tourist attractions: arguable the top in the world. You could spend a month in the Louvre alone.
the landscape, scenery: it's urban, but you can get into the country which is nice.
living conditions in urban areas: first world, no issues.
women: Paris is the fashion capital of the world, take a stroll down Champs-Élysées.

Some other points-
There are some clear benefits going to a country with a Latin based language. Some place like Japan would be a much harder transition.
Based on some studies, about 2/3 speak some English, which helps you get around.
Paris is very big, the options are near endless.
With American socialism, you get basically nothing for your tax money, in Europe you actually get benefits. (Not arguing in favor of socialism of course, just that it's not the same raw deal we're getting here). Of course it's not perfect, nothing in this world is.
The French get a bad wrap for being weak or whatnot, it's not really justified.

Thanks for the input. I'm not necessarily looking to be comfortable in the new country; I'm not afraid of testing my boundaries. From what I've seen on the internet, Paris seems like a liberal hell-hole, and I'm not sure if I would like the people much. They just seem a bit too... American, for my liking. It may, indeed, be better, but I think there are better places, and I'm not sure about the cost of living there.

[PaulConventionWV]

IMO, be careful what you eat (particularly fish) and you'd certainly be fine in Tokyo or any place South of it.

After reading about the cost of living in Tokyo, I'm not too excited about Japan anymore, and also I generally hate most seafood.

[PaulConventionWV]

If I were to teach English I would do it in Japan. I loved the time I spent there in the military. Very respectful individuals almost everywhere I went.

Thanks. Regardless of our past disagreements, I really do appreciate your input. Japan seems like one of the best so far, even though it has its drawbacks for me. I'll look into it, though.

[politics]

I do not know how well a teacher lives there, but Brasil seems great.
I would suggest to do some research about Sao Paulo, Rio or Curitiba

[klamath]

What you might also take into consideration is whether the culture promotes collectivist judgement. As an American you very well be hated by the local population just because you were born in America. That may make life less than pleasant.

[Rothbardian Girl]

One of my friends just arrived in South Korea and is teaching English there - I now know about two or three people who are doing that, so it must be a decent option. You've mentioned Germany, but unless you land a job for a bigger company like Siemens and/or have a degree and many years teaching English, you'll have to freelance and scramble for money. The cost of living in Germany isn't as high as in Switzerland, but it's still no cakewalk to live there - even Berlin is becoming more expensive as of late. I don't know how proficient you are in German, but you should look into taking Goethe Institute exams if you're seriously considering employment in Germany (they give you certifications that can be helpful).

I guess I don't understand the school of thought that says you can be totally happy with fellow expats while knowing none of the country's language. You can disappear just as easily in the US, do it for cheaper, and not have as much culture shock to contend with. Maybe it's just personal preference, but visiting and living abroad seems much more enjoyable when you know the language. (hint - building personal relationships and all that...)

Whatever you do, do your research first so we don't end up with any more idiotic articles written by disgruntled expats complaining about people in foreign countries not speaking English.

[Zippyjuan]

Easy. Draw a picture of a boy and say "boy." There are tons of ways to do it. My German teacher in college did not allow any English in the classroom and we all learned quite well. You don't have to speak the native tongue, and English speakers are in such high demand that they can't afford to require everyone to be bilingual in their language.

I'm not a big fan of Switzerland, and I've been there. The part I went to spoke mostly French, and their German is a weird mix between German and Spanish.

Reminds me of the English class scene in the movie "Stripes".

[oyarde]

I've made a life-changing decision. In about 3 months, I will be highly qualified to teach English in a foreign country, so it's just a matter of where I should go.

I'm fed up with America and I feel like I don't fit in here, so I've decided to find a higher purpose rather than struggle to find a job in this country and toil away for years doing something I don't like. I feel I would actually enjoy this, and I am wondering where people have been and which countries they can recommend based on the tourist attractions, the landscape, scenery, living conditions in urban areas and, last but not least, women; not just their looks, but also their demeanor and personality. I'm sick of American girls, American lifestyle, and of course, American politics.

It will have to be a non-English speaking country. Thanks in advance for the input.

There is nice scenery most places that get annual rainfall that amounts to much. If I were you , I would concentrate on finding something outside of a huge city, a place where you could also find additional income. Concentrate on things like freedom , living conditions , low cost of living , safety. Other things will take care of themselves.

[juleswin]

I was going to say Japan but some people above have already said it. But if you are not thinking about girls and just want to make money, then you should consider Saudi Arabia. My parents work in the University system over there and the pay is quite good plus they pay no taxes and borrowing from the banks is interest free. You just have to pay some one yearly service fees.

I missed the part where u talked about girls. So going to add a bit to my first post. With all the tax free salary and allowance, you could fly to Dubai during your summer breaks and party with all the posh westerners that go there for vacation. I am guessing, you don't plan on making a permanent move. Find a girl from more that 2 dozen countries, make a connection and after your stay, you can come back to the states and live the rest of your lives.

Crap, the only main upside to Saudi Arabia is the financial gain, don't get me wrong, it is as developed as any western country and it has its share of tourist attraction but the religious laws, religious police and general culture would drive a man like you crazy. Stay away if care for anything other than the money.

[specsaregood]

Fair warning-Russian is one of the most difficult languages you can learn as an adult (class III). You can learn it with practice, though. English is a pretty common second language, but don't expect people to know enough to be very conversational.

Funny, I've studied a number of languages and I recall Russian being one of the easier ones, French being one of the worst --albeit has been a couple decades since I studied either. Sure, learning to read and write Russian could be difficult but not speaking it.

[PaulConventionWV]

There is nice scenery most places that get annual rainfall that amounts to much. If I were you , I would concentrate on finding something outside of a huge city, a place where you could also find additional income. Concentrate on things like freedom , living conditions , low cost of living , safety. Other things will take care of themselves.

In that regard, China is seeming like a very good option right now. I don't mind the culture shock. I had a friend once who did that in China. He didn't know a lot of Chinese, but he went there for a year and learned as he went. He came back with a fairly good knowledge of Chinese and the way he described it, had the time of his life. They take very good care of you there from what I've heard, and the pay is among the best in the world. To be honest, it is the most attractive option to me right now, considering how liberal and expensive most of Europe has become. It would be very easy to find employment in China, so maybe I'll consider Europe once I've gained experience somewhere else.

[PaulConventionWV]

I missed the part where u talked about girls. So going to add a bit to my first post. With all the tax free salary and allowance, you could fly to Dubai during your summer breaks and party with all the posh westerners that go there for vacation. I am guessing, you don't plan on making a permanent move. Find a girl from more that 2 dozen countries, make a connection and after your stay, you can come back to the states and live the rest of your lives.

Crap, the only main upside to Saudi Arabia is the financial gain, don't get me wrong, it is as developed as any western country and it has its share of tourist attraction but the religious laws, religious police and general culture would drive a man like you crazy. Stay away if care for anything other than the money.

Yes, I figured you had missed that part judging by your initial post. Saudi Arabia does seem a bit scary. I've met some men from Saudi Arabia who went to school here in the US and they seemed nice, but it may be a completely different world once I'm on their home turf instead of them on mine. The money is attractive, but China is also good in that regard, so it's still my top pick.