I'm thinking of moving to a different country when I get older.

[MiniMandaRuth]

I like the U.S.A, I love the cities... but I don't really want to live here when I get older. I was thinking of moving to Canada when I'm about 20 or so, but I want some other suggestions. I'm fine with learning a new language and all... I like lots of culture and fashion and music, as well as geeky things like computers.

For the climate, I'm fine with pretty much anything. I love the ocean, and I actually prefer warm climates... But, if a cold country is a cool country, then count me in.

[SoCalDem]

1. See if you can do "semester abroad" or student exchange

That way you get to "try-out" new places and get college credit too.. Once you get a feel for a place, you'll know if you would like living there.. and there's always the peace Corps (if Bush has not crippled it hopelessly)..

Once you are out of school, try to get a job that requires travel abroad.. My son's friend taught scuba lessons at a resort in Corfu..
A friend of ours was a tour guide in Greece (worked for Virgin Airlines and was based in London.

Save money.,get education..get job abroad..and then move permanently :)

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. My cousin is a lawyer (international law) in Belgium.

He loves it there and it is quick hops to everywhere. London, Paris, Italy...you name it. He went to school for a semester at Cambridge after law school. He recommends it to anyone. :hi:

[UncleSepp]

3. Perhaps check out Schiller International University

They teach their classes in English, and the campuses are in Florida, England, France, Germany, and Spain. I think they have a hotel and restaurant management campus in Switzerland, but I'm not sure. When you go there, you can go to any of the campuses without needing any kind of re-application - you just go. Students there come from all around the world (about 80 countries at a campus with 200 students when I was there), so you would get a chance to make friends from just about everywhere and learn about what different countries are like from the people who live there. Their academic offerings aren't as broad as a larger school, but the first two years of college are pretty much the same wherever - you could do prerequisite and core courses there, and get to know the world a little more.

BTW their website is student designed and maintained, and goes through times of stinking when a new student gets in there and changes things around. Don't let that throw you off ;-)

[Jean Louise Finch]

4. I think it's a GREAT idea

I think living abroad is incredibly important. I really think it gives you a different, more global perspective, and a much stronger sense of just how small the world is. I think it's something that everyone who can manage it should try to do. The US is great, but the world is much bigger than it wants you to think!

I'm on country number two since leaving the US after I graduated from University, and I've got plans to press onwards after a few more years. I've been in Thailand for two years (!) after spending three in Switzerland. It definitely depends on what kind of experience you are after: Canada and Australia are pretty similar to the US, in terms of lifestyle, I reckon (my partner is Australian so I get to say that). Switzerland was definitely a change of pace -- way more than I was expecting. The pace of life is really different, and priorities are, I think, much more in order in most of Europe than the US - family, friends, holiday, outdoors, conversation - these are tops on the list of the national agenda. Bangkok is crazy -- chaotic, huge, bustling, but incredibly relaxed at the same time. Everything - the language, the religion, the outlook on life - makes me feel richer for having experienced it.

I really can't recommmend living abroad enough. And not just for a few months -- I think to really adjust you need to be there at least three years -- one to adjust, one to really enjoy it, and a third to make it feel like home.

[Heidi]

5. Traveling the world and even living in another country

is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your fellow human beans, in my experience. Having traveled and lived abroad has made me see my own cultural shortcomings and increased my appreciation for the diversity of life. I highly recommend it, gf! :hug:

[Dem2theMax]

6. Me too. Only I really AM 'older.'

LOL. You had me laughing when I reached the '20' part. I thought you meant when you got OLD. 20 isn't 'older.' 20 is young. Enjoy it! And yes, do travel, live in another country if you can. What a great experience it would be for you. I wish I had done that when I was younger. But now that I truly am older, I'm hoping to move to Italy and spend my remaining years feasting on history. :)

[tjwmason]

7. England.

If you're after cool then it would probably have to be London or Manchester - London is damn expensive in just about every way. Also means that the whole of Europe is within a couple of hours of flying time (with bugest airlines giving very good fares).

Climate is very temperate - neither hot nor cold.

We almost speak the same language as Americans too. ;)