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Hey guys, if you don't mind i'll pose a broad question here, as it is broad concepts i'm most interested in. I've found this board to be a valuable resource of information, and I appreciate any thoughts.
In your opinion (it's opinions i'm interested in) which of the following countries would be most advantageous for an american man in his 30s in terms of work opportunity, acceptance by the natives, adjustment difficulty etc:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh_1974
I speak english (obviously) some basic german and know a few words of norwegian and swedish.
Unless you're willing the learn the local language, a few words of whatever language is NOT going to make any easier for you anywhere you go to *live and work*
So next, you asked for opinions, I'd say anywhere you go with the right attitude, and perseverance, I know you can do it anywhere.
I came to this wonderful country a long time ago with only 60 dollars in my pocket and two suitcases of all my belongings.
I did NOT insist that people addressed me in MY language.
I did not say that *at home, everything was better or bigger*.
I learned how to speak proper English and worked at whatever work I could find.
Then I yanked my whole family to several other places in this funny world we live in, and worked and lived where ever I was needed. I am a polyglot and have a Masters degree. So finding work was rather easy.
My wife and kids are now also polyglots, and the kids have darn good jobs to boot, due to the fact that they learned many other languages and experienced many other cultures.
There is only one problem, and that is that in the summer we can not go anywhere, since all those friends we made in other countries are always at our house now to learn about the USA.
Have you looked at the immigration requirements for each of those countries ? You may find that your qualifications will allow you to work in some but not others in which case you can cross some off your list right now. The best country to go to depends on you - it's a different answer for everyone.
You would be accepted by the people in Norway as long as you speak norwegian.
I don't know anything about job opportunities etc.. You wouldn't experience any severe "culture-shock", either.. But i guess you wouldn't anywhere in the EU, really.
The advantage about living in Norway, though, is that the salaries over here are sky high
From your list, I think all English speaking countries will be more accepting than the others mainly because of communication difficulties.
In Sweden, if there is such a thing as immigrant preference, I think Americans will rank quite high. Swedes watch American TV, buy American things and generally think that America is cool. However, it will be a hard adjustment if you live in Sweden and not able to speak Swedish. Probably the number 1 complain by immigrants in Sweden is the difficulty in securing a job. Most are competing with Swedes that speak english relatively well and the relatively small job market relies on contacts. However, some do manage to secure jobs without knowing Swedish, but most are in sought after fields or highly specialized ones.
From your list, I think all English speaking countries will be more accepting than the others mainly because of communication difficulties.
In Sweden, if there is such a thing as immigrant preference, I think Americans will rank quite high. Swedes watch American TV, buy American things and generally think that America is cool.
I've met Swedes from Stockholm who say they feel like they have more in common with people from NYC or from London than they do with other Swedes.
I have always heard New Zealand is rather hostile to Americans (sorry if it is un true) I think it would obviously be Canada due to it and the US being like twins and not having to learn another language (maybe French)
I have always heard New Zealand is rather hostile to Americans (sorry if it is un true) I think it would obviously be Canada due to it and the US being like twins and not having to learn another language (maybe French)
Well, I'm a New Zealander and I happen to be very fond of Americans
To the OP:
That's not to say you won't meet the occasional person who will want to argue with you about some piece of American law or foreign policy, but most of us have no trouble separating the politics from the people.
As long as you don't come in chanting "USA-USA-USA..." or "We're number one-We're number one..." you shouldn't have any trouble here .
Like one of the previous posters mentioned, if you travel with the right attitude, you shouldn't really have any trouble anywhere you go.
And, like another previous poster mentioned, I think you should check out the immigration rules for the countries you are considering first - that may shorten your list quite quickly. You may as well concentrate your efforts on learning about the countries you have the best chances of getting into.
I've met Swedes from Stockholm who say they feel like they have more in common with people from NYC or from London than they do with other Swedes.
that said, americans from NYC are said to be different from americans from most other places. at least that's what i've read
but yeah, people from europe (especially teens) tend to think the US is a cool place. sadly, most people tend to think this until they've visited the states - like my mom. she managed to prepare me by telling me it's not like in the movies before we went to CA, though, so i wasn't really dissapointed.
and new york was even better than in the movies, so yeah
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