Is there a Travel / Ex-Pat / Relocation type of DU Group?

[Cinletharwi]

I have to move somewhere, feeling a burning nomadic need, a need that feels of life-and-death importance. I suspect others like me know this feeling quite intimately..

I want to travel extensively even though I am mostly poor. I want to learn a dozen languages (well, OK - 11). I am inexperienced in travel and with other cultures (I live in deep South), and would love to discuss experience with others - those who've 'been there, done that' as well as others who are also aspiring to a well-traveled life and how they are going about it.

Sure there are thousands of books on travel and even more websites but I don't have the money (especially) or time to browse them all; I just prefer to talk with those who have been or are traveling.

Are there any others here of like interest? Would this make for a good DU Group?

[FloridaPat]

1. I've done a lot of traveling. I am thinking of moving out of this

country. The next Patriot Act will probably put us all in jail.

A group would be neat. You might think of looking into what it would take to get a teaching degree. There is a big demand for teachers world wide, even if they don't speak the language - English language teachers.

I have met 99% nice people when I travel. Some of the worst are Americans. They don't understand why they can't get McDonalds everywhere in Europe. Know a language is a great help. I speak enough German to get myself out of trouble and enough Russian to get myself into trouble.

[Cinletharwi]

6. I've heard that TEFL/CELTA certifications

are sufficient in most places of the world, except for places like Japan I think, which requires at least a BA/BS to teach English.

This has occurred to me, it may be the only way I would ever afford to spend enough time in one country to learn it's language(s) and culture(s). I've done some research on different certifications/programs but find a lot of scams as well as bad "drive-through" schools. I get so frustrated I have to give up for a while before going at it again.

[HeeBGBz]

2. Goin mobile

I've been thinking that for the last week or so. Taking inventory of what I would need if I just took off in my vehicle for an extended period of time.

The group idea sounds good to me.

[pagerbear]

3. I doubt the mods would go for anything that encourages leaving.

I've seen similar questions in ATA. However, a general travel forum or a forum for current expats might be better received.

[Cinletharwi]

5. Not a forum for encouraging expatriation, no - I agree

Just a general, all-purpose travel forum for those who want/need to do it.

[pagerbear]

4. There's a booming market for English teachers

....in some parts of the world. I once thought of that for my next career, but decided it's a trade for a younger man than I am.

[Cinletharwi]

9. T.E.F.L. has been a mealticket for quite some time

I'm considering it myself (27, no family, no obligations, no social life here).

[Flammable Materials]

7. I am moving. I don't know how ...

... but I am moving. I am leaving, and I am not looking back.

I had plans to move after the Iraq war started, but I shelved them while I did my part to help get Bush out of office.

Now I know I'm leaving. Again, I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I'm going to do it. Once I'm gone, I have no plans to return. Not even for a visit.

The website dedicated to my exodus is being revamped. I'll be keeping a record of my progress here:

http://www.savingcitizendaryl.com

I agree that a board for expats and future expats would be great.

[Cinletharwi]

8. FURTHER THOUGHTS

I'm sure a lot of people would be seeking discussion of expatriation.

But I think for this sort of group to be right now, the Admins would require it be based (mission statement) on general travel and experiences with extensive travel or relocation (for whatever reasons) - rather than "I have to get the hell out of here!!!".

In other words, reasons (political, or whatever) for travel would NOT be the purpose or focus of such a group. Rather, it would be about personal experiences, lessons, hardships, locations, cultures, languages, how-tos, and desires of world travel and sharing them with others.