Best countries to live in

I lived in spain for 15 years . It was a great place to bring up my children and loved every minute . Although I wouldn't mind giving Canada to .

Japan! Haven’t lived there but their culture is peaceful. The country is clean. People polite etc.

It depends where I go. They will come but DD will hopefully get a job there too and then they will live independently. BUT I wouldn't go abroad and live my DGS behind. He's the best part of my life and I'd miss him too much.

Are your DD and DGS going to be living with you?

I've lived in New Mexico, Maryland and Washington DC. I actually have a green card but I don't anticipate using it again. Particularly now Trump's in power. My family are multi ethnic and we left last time because I didn't want my daughter (dual nationality, UK & US) growing up in a racist area. Now I wouldn't want that for my grandson.

I'm not sure why you don't fancy Australia, but there are dozens of schools there which participate in the IB, state and private.

I have lived in a number of countries and all have pros and cons.

I loved Germany and the Netherlands. Kenya was interesting but i'm not sure I would want to live there permanently.

Its a shame you have ruled out the US . I love it and have travelled there for business often. Minnesota is a place I like, very clean , lots of space and outdoor activities ( downside is they do have mozzies the size of small ponies lol)

I wouldn't rule out the US until you had experienced a number of states.

No need for sarcasm, Tigertooth. I have an MA, am International Baccalaureate trained as a teacher, thesis supervisor and examiner, have management training (NOT that I'm interested in management - I want to be in the classroom with students) and am an examiner for two Cambridge qualifications. So while I have no illusions about being a super teacher, am able to expect a salary that reflects all of that. AND at my age, I have limited earning power ahead so need to box clever.

Paperbackwriter, I couldn't agree more, re: free movement. I am of the mind that it should be available to anyone that needs it. When I lived in Spain I knew of expats there who had voted FOR Brexit. Bl**dy idiots.

Do you thin McDo workers have spent 6 years training and a whole lifetime of getting relevant experience?

But I agree, that there is a lot lot more to the satisfaction of teaching which are not related to wage. I started late, and quickly climbed the steps. But in the end, I chose to go back to main scale- because it was the only way to make the move I wanted to make (be 6th Form specialist) and I did not want to teach in private schools. I was lucky that I could afford to do that, for sure.

GagaJo I responded as I did because you did sound rather mercenary in your OP stating the main criteria has to be that they will pay me a high wage

I thought there to be many more criteria for moving to another country for a job rather than primarily pay, but now that you have elucidated I think it more understandable, and wish you well in finding your ideal situation.

Sadly teaching jobs in this country, even if available, do not seem very appealing because of the pressure and long hours, and teachers are leaving in droves. Unfortunately similar to other public service jobs in the present climate.

I do think however that many McD workers would be quite pleased to be on the same pay scale as new teachers!

I have lived in the USA for over 30 years. We always thought we would retire back in the UK, but life’s too good here to leave.

You say 'USA - never again'. Did you live in every state or are you basing the 'never again' just on the area you lived and visited?

The Netherlands. Without a doubt.

In defense of the US....it depends greatly as to the location. We’re native to the Pacific Northwest but have traveled the country extensively (except the East Coast) and there is nowhere but here for us! We lived in Alabama for 3 months once....never again! Each state is so different! It can almost be like individual countries.

How about Germany or France? Or even South Africa? Sounds like fun...being able to explore the world like that! Have fun, wherever you land!

Wherever you choose, all good luck to you and I hope it works out brilliantly.
But how ironic and so sad that the UK voted to restrict freedom of movement severely for nationals from other countries yet here is everyone on her, blithely speculating on where they'd choose to live and how their friends/family are doing so well living abroad. Privileged, wouldn't you say? (At the moment anyway..)

I'm sorry you feel that way about the USA. I've worked and spent holidays there and have loved every minute. I was there during 9/11, the people were so kind and I only have the greatest admiration for them.

My son teaches in Abu Dubai and pay is high, taught in Thailand loved it less high wages butter lifestyle

Wales was to be my second suggestion, after AUSTRALIA of course, where the only other language you need is "Strine", which is easier to learn than Welsh!

Rufus I don't know about Strine being easier to learn than Welsh, I sometimes have trouble interpreting it.

As for suggesting Australia, I think that Gagajo said that she's not sure she fancies Australia.
Then again, she hasn't met you


Gagajo You'd find very few snakes or crocs but the spiders may find you.

I lived in New Jersey for a couple of years. Right in the border with New York. Loved it

Also lived in the Canaries for 7 years.

Back in the UK now and I'm happy

GagaJo

Greeneyedgirl, currently, I CAN'T get a permanent job in the UK for a range of reasons. My experience and level of qualification makes me too expensive

Prey tell - what are these wonderful qualifications you have which make you so expensive? Genuinely interested, are you after a headship?

lemongrove

Instead of going to China or Korea etc try and get a job in a private school here in the UK.Better paid than state school if you need the money for your retirement and more discipline in the schools, which aids a teacher’s life

I agree...
Plus smaller classes, lots of free time whilst they go off to specialist teachers and long long holidays, ooh - and great lunches and usually free parking even in London

Vancouver IS the finest place to raise a family and live your best life...

I would be happy settling in Italy ( lovely people, history, culture countryside and food but not so great politically) or Germany or indeed any of the lovely Scandinavian countries (fab social care and politically near my own stance)

New Zealand and Israel are both wonderful in different ways, but I think on the whole, so long as you don’t mind snow, there is nowhere to compare with Switzerland

Gagajo..... England...it’s my home. If it’s yours , you’ll know why you have to live here!