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Travel

Best countries to live in

(113 Posts)
GagaJo Wed 13-Nov-19 17:46:36

I'm applying for international teaching jobs worldwide and wondered where you think the best country in the world to live in, is.

I've lived in:
USA (will NEVER go there again - dreadful place)
UK
Spain
China

I'm applying in China, Indonesia, Switzerland, China, South Korea but am open to other places too. The main criteria has to be that they will pay me a high wage. After that, I'm open to ideas.

WHERE would / have you lived? And why do you recommend it?

polnan Fri 15-Nov-19 11:03:59

I am a little Englander, never want to be anywhere else

but admire anyone who travels etc.

I guess even the USA has good spots/places

Lancslass1 Fri 15-Nov-19 11:05:39

Switzerland may be lovely but is very expensive.

Grannycool52 Fri 15-Nov-19 11:35:04

GagaJo, I do hope that you find the job that you want and need.
Every Gransnet post seems to attract a couple of nasty posters who think it's clever to make cruel sarcastic remarks, but most of us wish you well.
All the best x.

WendyBT Fri 15-Nov-19 11:45:40

New Zealand. No question.

jura2 Fri 15-Nov-19 11:52:34

Lancslass - about Switzerland being expensive. As in the UK, just depends where you live. Some parts of Switzerland, like Geneva and Zurich, are hugely expensive- BUT with salaries to match. However, there are parts of Switzerland which are much much cheaper (as where I live) - and the good news is, that the salary for a teacher would be the same whether in expensive, or cheaper area. Can't compare living in London or most of the Midlands, and for sure the NE- re prices for rents, etc.

Rufus2 Fri 15-Nov-19 11:53:40

Wales (Atlantic College)
You may have to learn a foreign language
Callistemon; Great minds think alike, again! grin
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! hmm, and you don't have to pitch your tent in flood zones, fire zones or hob-knob with snakes or crocs.! Sweet Dreams!

sarahellenwhitney Fri 15-Nov-19 12:09:48

GagaJo
Best to who? as in 'Being in the eye of the Beholder'.?
I have travelled far with work in my younger days and what a colleague saw as wow I did not.

schnackie Fri 15-Nov-19 12:17:18

I lived in Zurich for 3 years in the late 90's and absolutely loved it! It is expensive but salaries are also high.

Suerussell Fri 15-Nov-19 12:18:37

My sister is teaching in Brunei at the moment. She is 57 and has had issues with getting teaching jobs abroad due to her age. Many countries stipulate 55 as maximum age for applicants.

Therefore I would choose wisely for your next job and hope it will be a long contract.

Annaram1 Fri 15-Nov-19 12:36:46

I don't know about the pay but I have visited South America and Ecuador seems a lovely place and the food and medical care seems great. Medical care is very reasonably priced. Housing is cheap. either to buy or rent.
Also loved Brazil, especially Rio, but there is quite a lot of crime there.
Disadvantage - both those countries are not good at speaking English, so you would have to learn either Spanish or Portuguese. Good luck.

Conni7 Fri 15-Nov-19 12:46:33

Loved Switzerland when I worked there years ago.

lemongrove Fri 15-Nov-19 12:47:05

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.

Saggi Fri 15-Nov-19 12:54:14

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

Neilspurgeon0 Fri 15-Nov-19 13:24:39

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

jenpax Fri 15-Nov-19 13:44:04

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)

Tigertooth Fri 15-Nov-19 13:54:13

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

Tigertooth Fri 15-Nov-19 13:56:39

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

Tigertooth Fri 15-Nov-19 14:00:07

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?

Oopsminty Fri 15-Nov-19 14:02:49

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

Callistemon Fri 15-Nov-19 14:29:15

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
grin

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

Jillsewing Fri 15-Nov-19 15:03:25

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

lilydily9 Fri 15-Nov-19 15:39:26

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.

Paperbackwriter Fri 15-Nov-19 15:41:36

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..)

sweetonion Fri 15-Nov-19 15:50:21

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!

optimist Fri 15-Nov-19 16:06:41

The Netherlands. Without a doubt.