advice on moving to a new country

ok...i've been kicking this idea around for quite sometime and get nowhere. it seems as though most people think im insane for wanting to leave the United States. i love my country but for the past 8 years or so i've romanced the idea of leaving this place and enjoying life elsewhere.

now- any advice or scenarios people wanna share? process, legal blah blah, transition blah

i've thought about Canada but i've never even been and it seems foolish to move to a place you've never even been. thought about Europe but everyone says its not an easy thing to do.

so, dear abby,
please help

Try moving to California.

you're not the first to say that. i guess the logical explanation would be California is that much different from the majority of our country. is that what you were getting at?

Aye. It's a different culture over there. And the taxes are far lower than in Ireland or the UK.

upon moving in, beat up the first person you see and show everybody that you're alpha.

Why is it silly to move somewhere you've never been?

I say save up your money, do your research, and chalk up the balls to move.

hahaha right on man... but what happens if i lose?

ah.......point taken...
what kind of chalk do you recommend for the ole' balls?

Actually visiting the places you might want to move to is the best piece of research you can do, IMO.

Right... our taxes are so awesome! Come here and get your tax return in the form of an IOU! Prepare for sales taxes to reach over 10%. And you best not lose your job because they've lowered unemployment benefits. Of course property taxes are low. You do have a cool million to buy a home, right?

You move back home with your tail between your legs.

and you plot yr revenge.

Or move up North. New York City would be a culture shock compared to Charlotte.

Oh yes, especially with paying over a thousand bucks for a walk in closet.

I mean, apartment.

If you're serious, you should go for it. You're going to have to do some legwork though. Start researching Visa requirements to find out what to do to legally to move into a country you're interested in. If one of your parents or grandparents is from a foreign country, check out whether that entitles you to file for dual citizenship without any added tax or military implications or requiring you to renounce your American citizenship. You can find out this sort of information from that country's consulate. Travel light and always...ALWAYS have enough cash on hand to get you out of a jam and back home if you need to. Also, be respectful and stay out of trouble when you're abroad. Your constitutional rights end at our border.

If you're in university, why not check out a study abroad program to get a little exposure to living away. Some people do great away from home, and some do not fare as well as they might hope. These programs are a good safe way for you find out. Short term student visas are a lot less hassle than obtaining work permits. Most countries don't want to let you in to work and live unless you have some skill they need and that often means a degree or advanced degree and some experience or recognizable artistic merit. Good luck!

I highly reccomend Canada

... and velvet_petal is a smart lady, she has good advice.

I moved from a suburb in Ohio just outside of Cleveland to a suburb in Georgia just outside of Atlanta.

I really can't argue your statement, there is a huge difference in cultures.

move to california.

If you find that many issues with California, you're SURE to love "Africa".

Also, you come across as aloof and uneducated - you may want to back up your post with actual facts or related information before spreading such vitriol. Thanks.

Here's the best advice yet:

I can't second this enough. Money and a willingness to endure occasional discomfort are the lightest, best luggage you can have.

The most important question hasn't been asked yet. What is it about life abroad that's romantic to you? What experience are you chasing? That determines a great deal of where you should go. And where you go has much to do with what you should do.

If you're thinking of anyplace third world, look over http://www.comebackalive.com/. Robert Young Pelton has a writing style that's loaded with know-It-all bullshit, maybe because he does know more than anyone else who's talking.

i hope you'll enjoy the irony of this statement after living abroad for 10 months.

Wow. You don't sound disgusting at all.