tonrob

Move to Wales then. Job done.

Sally Redux

What do you think the economic situation in LA is like?

dreadsoc

I would advise anyone, unless you go there via job relocation. to go and spend a serious amount of time in any country before moving there lock stock and barrel.

Try before you buy as they say !!

Dread - x

Michael Massey

Now that starts to look interesting you mention that and being also being Christian helps. :-)

Michael Massey

Im trying to get out not make it worse.

(no offence to Mr Howard Marks by the way love the guy the 'phonics!)

Michael Massey

No idea. But by reply I’m guessing not very good at the minute.

Would require obvious ground research.

Michael Massey

Yes of course. Couldnt agree with you more.

However, it doesn’t harm researching the various options.

james.mc

I'm in agreement with Bakedbean on the area. I certainly would not write off Penang in Malaysia based on perceived religious issues.

In the 90's and early 00's I spent a lot of time in Malaysia (Penang - Mainly staying in the Tanjong Bungah area), Thailand (Ao Nang, Krabi) and Singapore, as well as a number of other Asian countries.

Penang is very multicultural with a strong Chinese Malay, lesser Indian Malay, and Boomie (Boomiputra) Malay population, plus a reasonably sized ex-pat community. Whilst the mainland may have more Muslim influence (not anywhere near as radical an element as some Muslim countries I might add), the island is a completely different deal. Christian, Buddhism, Hinduism and Muslim(ism) all co-exists in a very multicultural island society.

There is a lot of money in Penang, mostly held by the Chinese Malay. As we know money talks, so it's not hard to see whom might have the most influence on the Island. There is also an international Airport on the island with many daily connections to KL, Singapore and Bangkok and Phuket to name but a few well known hubs.

If I was looking to move to Asia Penang would be high on my list, even it of was just to eat once more at the hawker stalls in Gurney Drive

It would surely tick all the OP's boxes.

patex

I'd advise looking first at where you can legally reside and work. Then identify which of those countries have the climate you want. (bear in mind that 35*C every day and 100% humidity can get very old, very fast). At the same time, narrow these down by language. Whilst you might get away with just English initially in Hong Kong, Paris or Brussels, there's other places that you NEED the local language to survive.

Next, you could identify if you want coast or landlocked, if you need cities or rural. All the time keep in mind that if you need employment abroad, you need to identify where there is a suitable job market before wasting your time identifying your dream location.

Many people find the "Teaching English as a Foreign Language" (TEFL) route a good initial route abroad. Usually you can obtain legal work/residence in civilised areas, surrounded by like-minded expats, with stable employment and a certain degree of support. South East Asia is particularly popular with sun seekers.

bakedbean

That sounds like good, sensible advice Patex

ameliapond

You're correct, English is definitely a great asset, but I've often wondered if that's enough, surely you must back that up with other skills some time after you've taken advantage of this easy option (or as patex rightly put it "good initial route"), I doubt every single one of those who aim at teaching English abroad can make a living out of it, if they can, it's probably difficult to find a job because plenty of people apply.