Left the U.S. for a foreign country?

13

Replies

  • dinovino_59
    dinovino_59 Posts: 1,700
    I'm still waiting for Alec Baldwin to leave...wasn't that supposed to happen long ago?

    bravo my friend, bravo. There are quite a few others who claimed they would leave, yet didnt. Can we ask the Dixie CHicks to finally move to?
    Roger that!
  • toadiejones
    toadiejones Posts: 605 Member
    I'm also the reverse...left Canada (does that count as foreign?) for the US. And, yes, my husband had a job already lined up. I'm a dependent on his work visa so I can't work...I mean, other then raising our 4 kids. We like it here but would return back home (Vancouver) in a heartbeat if we could afford it.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    Where'd you go?
    Canada
    Why?
    My husband and I got tired of being married and forced to live apart because of the U.S. government.
    How'd you find work?
    I haven't. I'm attempting to get a book published with self-publishing.
    What went down?
    Hubby tried to get his U.S. residency, but they claimed our home address was somewhere to which they couldn't send mail. When he essentially got deported, we waited 2 years, then I moved up to Canada and after 5 years, I got my residency.
  • OceansForever
    OceansForever Posts: 221 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    nope :laugh:
  • HelloDan
    HelloDan Posts: 712 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    Ahhh, now I see where I'm going wrong!

    Does anyone want my Bugatti Veyron?
    More people buy Toyota Corollas, so they are clearly better!
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member

    All said at the end of the ledger, nothing beats America.

    We are the only country with true freedom (and even thats being chipped away at now, but still...)

    Which is why I haven't left yet... however, I'm a firm believer of back up plans... :tongue:
  • loseweightjames
    loseweightjames Posts: 360 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?
  • momma2Lulu
    momma2Lulu Posts: 74
    yes my husband is U.S military and we were stationed in Japan for over 3 years, he stayed a full 4. I brought Lulu back to WA after the earthquake to be safe, she was only 6 months old. we signed up for 3 years and at the 2 year mark i told him i wasn't ready to say goodbye and that i wanted to say so we extended for a year. i didn't find a job right away, i didn't look for one either. after a year of just soaking up the culture i decided it was time to have a little more structure in my life. I was offered a teaching job through a friend and began teaching twice a month, it was a group of Japanese senior citizens who wanted to learn English. i loved my job and the new friends i made. I've missed them ever since returning to the states. it didn't offer much structure so i ended up volunteering on base. I never had the nerve to pursue modeling but that was supposed to be an easy gig for an American to get. there was so much to love about being there, ultimately i missed my family and my home. There were many times when i would just want to go home because i was so tired of not belonging, English was not the first language and i didn't meet a lot of people who grew up the way i did not even the other wives in the area. i wanted the familiar many times but i'm grateful for the time spent there. i grew as a person more then i expected to and it will always occupy a small place in my heart.

    also if it hadn't been for the earthquake and all of the reports of radiation and so much being unknown about that, or being released to the public about that then i would have loved to stay or return at some point. there is talk that when my little girl is 18 years old we might return to climb Mt Fuji as its on the list of things i wanted to do but never did....
  • Kityngirl
    Kityngirl Posts: 14,304 Member
    Moving to UK next year to be with my husband (U.S. Military). No job lined up as of yet, but I will be looking starting next winter.
  • dilleight
    dilleight Posts: 50
    This thread is confused, the US IS a foreign country.
  • OceansForever
    OceansForever Posts: 221 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?

    funny thing is ... they may be right? How about that?

    But seriously, you've got to look at what they are talking about. I am sure there are plenty of countries who have the US beat in specific areas, just as the US has plenty of other countries but in other areas.

    People seem to forget that logic and pride are different things. Open mindedness is also not a bad thing.

    Not until you have actually lived (not vacationed) in another country can you truly make comparisons or judge.

    Just because some things are better somewhere else, shouldn't make people feel defensive instead it should be a challenge to either make what we have here better or not let it get to were it may be in other countries (and that is something we will most likely not agree on, I understand that).
  • sisierra
    sisierra Posts: 659 Member
    i studied abroad in China, and while I'd never move there it did make me realize i love leaving the U.S.
  • loseweightjames
    loseweightjames Posts: 360 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?

    funny thing is ... they may be right? How about that?

    But seriously, you've got to look at what they are talking about. I am sure there are plenty of countries who have the US beat in specific areas, just as the US has plenty of other countries but in other areas.

    People seem to forget that logic and pride are different things. Open mindedness is also not a bad thing.

    Not until you have actually lived (not vacationed) in another country can you truly make comparisons or judge.

    Just because some things are better somewhere else, shouldn't make people feel defensive instead it should be a challenge to either make what we have here better or not let it get to were it may be in other countries (and that is something we will most likely not agree on, I understand that).

    well, not according to the majority of the replies on here. I mean, I know it's not the most scientific survey, but a lot of people replying have been saying they left their country to come to the US and they're happier in the US
  • mrswright71
    mrswright71 Posts: 37
    Well, you never stated that you're asking about people who moved *permanently*, so I will tell you that I moved to China for a year. I was hired to teach English. I absolutely loved it - I would not want to live there for the rest of my life, but it was before I met my husband and I keep telling him I want to take him to visit someday. :)
  • yeahfatty
    yeahfatty Posts: 228 Member
    I would move to denmark and work in the red light district. I would then after years of trials and tribulations write a book about being a call girl, make millions, then reside in the turks and caicos

    aww don't move to denmark for that reason, you'd be disappointed 'cause we don't have a red light district .. you mean amsterdam in the netherlands. (:


    oh & to answer the guy who asked .. you can get a working holiday visa to a lot of countries these days.. some programs even set you up with a job before you leave so you're all set .. you can also travel to loads of countries to teach english & you get hooked up with a job there as well.
    personally i've worked in egypt & greece as a travel rep so if you're interested in that .. it's a pretty decent way to experience countries in a non-touristic way although the pay is like .. well nothing ahah. (: so you definitely need to be in it for the experience or you'll not enjoy it.
    these jobs are for funcies though, not really sure if you just wanna do a bit of traveling or settle down in a country permanently in which case my suggestions probably aren't that clever, sorry!
  • KaleidoscopeEyes1056
    KaleidoscopeEyes1056 Posts: 2,996 Member
    If I could, I would move to Germany or Sweden.

    They both have universal healthcare, which is awesome because right now I have none. You pay nothing for education and Swedish Fish. Need I say more?

    Yes? Ok. Oktoberfest. Swedish Metal bands. Wacken Open Air. Unemployment benefits. Paternity leave. ABBA. Sausage. Legalized prostitution. Generally more accepting of gay marriage. Get paid twice as much to be a teacher. Get money for having kids regardless of income. Awesome languages. Beautiful scenery. Ikea. Swedish Fish (again).
  • Anaconda62
    Anaconda62 Posts: 181
    I left the USA and moved to Mississippi... Does that count? Seriously though, after my parents pass it is very likely I will move overseas. I would spend a year traveling Eastern Europe and find a place I really like with things nearby that I like to do. I would not rule out Central America either.

    just spent 10 days in the most modern city in Central America....let me rule it out for you lol.

    Really? You vacationed for 10 days and you are an expert? There are open-minded folks who can live anywhere. It sounds like the OP is one of them. If you can't help him with his particular question, perhaps you should consider not contributing to the post.
  • KaleidoscopeEyes1056
    KaleidoscopeEyes1056 Posts: 2,996 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?

    Learning about political systems in other countries made me think that they were better to live in.
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    I lived in:

    Australia: dad was in navy
    Bahrain: dad was in navy
    Qatar: I was a contractor with ITT systems division on the Army base. I had my son there and it's probably one of my favorite places. It's where I feel most at home.
  • DeanneLea
    DeanneLea Posts: 261
    I left the USA and moved to Mississippi... Does that count? Seriously though, after my parents pass it is very likely I will move overseas. I would spend a year traveling Eastern Europe and find a place I really like with things nearby that I like to do. I would not rule out Central America either.

    Haha I've lived in Mississppi off and on since I was 9 and my parents are both fom there. Totally get this.
  • sarah_7626
    sarah_7626 Posts: 31 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?


    funny thing is ... they may be right? How about that?

    But seriously, you've got to look at what they are talking about. I am sure there are plenty of countries who have the US beat in specific areas, just as the US has plenty of other countries but in other areas.

    People seem to forget that logic and pride are different things. Open mindedness is also not a bad thing.

    Not until you have actually lived (not vacationed) in another country can you truly make comparisons or judge.

    Just because some things are better somewhere else, shouldn't make people feel defensive instead it should be a challenge to either make what we have here better or not let it get to were it may be in other countries (and that is something we will most likely not agree on, I understand that).

    well, not according to the majority of the replies on here. I mean, I know it's not the most scientific survey, but a lot of people replying have been saying they left their country to come to the US and they're happier in the US

    our country obviously has flaws, no nation doesn't. It is very possible to be open minded and still proud to be an American. I have experienced many different countries and cultures (yes, lived, not vacationed) and as much as I loved it, I wouldn't trade being an American for anything. The media does often paint us in a bad light and there are many people (cough, oceansforever) who stereotype. I completely understand that MANY things are better in other countries, but that doesn't mean I don't think the U.S. is a great nation that doesn't also have good things about it. and like i said, i completely agree with loseweightjames, the media is very negative about the united states, especially certain networks. some of it is true, some of it is exaggerated. either way, there are plenty of people who come to the U.S. and love it, so if you would rather be elsewhere, please, go there.

    edit to add: p.s. i can't believe i'm getting into a discussion about this on mfp...
  • RichardChubb
    RichardChubb Posts: 5 Member
    Not quite answering the question as the only time I left the US for another country was to return the UK after a week working in Houston. However, having left the UK a while back and spent years living in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia I've a few points that might make a difference to your quality of life should you choose to move:

    1. Avoid the type of expat (found everywhere) who just complains about the country they are in and goes on about how things are so much better back home. They just get you down and frankly if they really feel that way should pack up and leave. The world isn’t in a beauty contest to decide whose country is the best. It is perfectly possible to like another country without being unpatriotic to your own. Belittling other places just gets you down and annoys your hosts!

    2. Invest in really good telecoms to ensure you can keep in touch with family and friends back home- we can Skype really easily here in Indonesia but had to try much harder to communicate in Tanzania- it makes a huge difference.

    3. Learn the local language. I only learned a bit of Swahili and a few sentences of Bahasa Indonesia but a little bit goes a very long way in getting people to open up to you.

    4. Try not to make "going home" the main annual holiday always. We kept going back to the UK while we were in Tanzania and I'll always regret not visiting some of the amazing neighbouring countries.

    5. Keep a really open mind and be prepared to have some of your beliefs and social/ political views challenged. I found some of my views changed unexpectedly as I discovered more about the world, and others were reaffirmed, but are now based on stronger foundations. Either way it's win win.

    6. Personally I found it far easier to make a move overseas through a company I had joined in the UK rather than make my first overseas move via a new employer. Making your first ever overseas move is probably going to be quite traumatic for all involved- coping with the additional stress of adapting to a new corporate culture as well as a new country is a lot to ask. Better to have just one of those issues to deal with at a time.

    Most importantly, don’t lose track of what is most important. If you have family with you, they will also be struggling to adapt and will be doing so without the often helpful distraction of an office environment. Our first move (to Cairo) had me in my new office on day one dealing with fairly familiar work issues while my poor old wife was faced with sorting herself out in a completely alien city. In Tanzania I took our first week as holiday, helped with the settling in process and it made a world of difference. Don’t forget those back home either. You’ve not abandoned your country- just headed out to explore the wider world a bit. You’ll have people back home who might want to remain part of your life.

    Honestly, for me, my wife and kids, moving abroad was the best thing we’ve done. Not because the UK is bad (I still love my country) but because the world is a very interesting place. To anyone asking my view on the subject I’d just say think hard before making a move, be ready for some serious challenges if you do but be prepared for what can be a life changing experience.
  • RaeLB
    RaeLB Posts: 1,216 Member
    i left Canada for the Southern Mississippi & Louisiana for a summer to work for an organization doing hurricane katrina rebuilding for just under 4 months

    doesn't seem like a huge change but it's a whole different world lol
  • threasarenee
    threasarenee Posts: 78 Member
    Haha... be careful though with the thoughts of 'temporarily' going somewhere.

    I left Germany to go live in Ireland for 6 months to improve my English. That's 12 years, a husband, a house and 4 kids later... and I'm still in Ireland :laugh:

    I would so LOVE to live in Ireland!!! But alas I will probably never even visit it. I will be stuck in the states for life :)
  • Sunscreenandsweat
    Sunscreenandsweat Posts: 190 Member
    I will move to Ireland someday.
  • angng
    angng Posts: 137 Member
    I will fight for everything this country has to offer and have never considered abandoning it for another counrty.

    After working here for a bit longer I plan to apply to work at the US Army hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. I'm not sure if that makes me a traitor or a great patriot.
  • angng
    angng Posts: 137 Member
    notice how most of the posters came to the US? Thats because we are the best.

    and see... that's kinda the funny thing, because the media seems to say we're not the best, that a lot of the other countries are better, especially European and Canada. Or maybe that's just me? Does anyone else get the sense that the US media is trying to convince us that other countries are better to live in?


    funny thing is ... they may be right? How about that?

    But seriously, you've got to look at what they are talking about. I am sure there are plenty of countries who have the US beat in specific areas, just as the US has plenty of other countries but in other areas.

    People seem to forget that logic and pride are different things. Open mindedness is also not a bad thing.

    Not until you have actually lived (not vacationed) in another country can you truly make comparisons or judge.

    Just because some things are better somewhere else, shouldn't make people feel defensive instead it should be a challenge to either make what we have here better or not let it get to were it may be in other countries (and that is something we will most likely not agree on, I understand that).

    well, not according to the majority of the replies on here. I mean, I know it's not the most scientific survey, but a lot of people replying have been saying they left their country to come to the US and they're happier in the US

    our country obviously has flaws, no nation doesn't. It is very possible to be open minded and still proud to be an American. I have experienced many different countries and cultures (yes, lived, not vacationed) and as much as I loved it, I wouldn't trade being an American for anything. The media does often paint us in a bad light and there are many people (cough, oceansforever) who stereotype. I completely understand that MANY things are better in other countries, but that doesn't mean I don't think the U.S. is a great nation that doesn't also have good things about it. and like i said, i completely agree with loseweightjames, the media is very negative about the united states, especially certain networks. some of it is true, some of it is exaggerated. either way, there are plenty of people who come to the U.S. and love it, so if you would rather be elsewhere, please, go there.

    edit to add: p.s. i can't believe i'm getting into a discussion about this on mfp...

    It's impossible to make generalizations about the culture of a country the size of the US. There are plenty of places in this country I'd love to live/visit; there are others you couldn't pay me enough to go to.
  • angng
    angng Posts: 137 Member
    RichardChubb: Where did you live in the Middle East?
  • Tamstar1985
    Tamstar1985 Posts: 334 Member
    Where'd you go? Why? How'd you find work? What went down?

    i went to a "small" city of 8 million outside of shanghai, china. i initially went to spend a summer with my dad, who was running a factory there at the time. randomly, i started getting asked while being out and about if i was interested in a job as an ESL teacher. i snapped up the opportunity, and fast-forward to six years later, i have now married a chinese man, with no plans to return back to canada :D
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    I will fight for everything this country has to offer and have never considered abandoning it for another counrty.

    After working here for a bit longer I plan to apply to work at the US Army hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. I'm not sure if that makes me a traitor or a great patriot.
    GREAT place! We lived just outside Ramstein. It was amazing. I only wish we could have stayed 5 years instead of just 1 1/2.

    It also makes you a great patriot. Landstuhl hospital is the primary first real hospital our seriously injured troops go to. By working there you will be part of the process to help save them and to comfort thm and their families. Thank you and good luck getting the job. :smile: