I want to become an expat (no pun intended)

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Patrick
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I want to become an expat (no pun intended)

Post by Patrick »

Last night we had a few friends over for dinner, and just to hang out. We're a smart bunch and our discussions usually turn to politics or current events. After a couple hours of discussion a friend of mine, who's so conservative he makes Reagan look liberal (but he's still a good friend), sugested once again that I move to Europe.

This has become a running gag between this friend and I, but I think it’s starting to sound like a plausible idea. There are things about the U.S. that I alone or in a group will never change like gun ownership, the death penalty, our desire to spend more on the military than education, bridges, levees, national health care, space program etc. etc.

My professional goal is getting my doctorate in History from the University of California (probably Irvine), and teaching/writing until I'm a very old man and drop dead at the lectern. I guess I can do this in Europe as well as I could in the U.S. (the teaching that is).

Maybe this is just the first step in leaving. Maybe I'm tired of the last six years. Maybe I'm starting to think that the whole Revolution thing might not have been a good idea. Maybe...

So can Europe find in its heart to welcome a History professor in about 15 years. :driving:
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minks
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Post by minks »

Patrick;673375 wrote: Last night we had a few friends over for dinner, and just to hang out. We're a smart bunch and our discussions usually turns to politics or current events. After a couple hours of discussion a friend of mine, who's so conservative he makes Reagan look liberal (but he's still a good friend), sugested once again that I move to Europe.

This has become a running gag between this friend and I, but I think it’s starting to sound like a plausible idea. There are things about the U.S. that I alone or in a group will never change like gun ownership, the death penalty, our desire to spend more on the military than education, bridges, levees, national health care, space program etc. etc.

My professional goal is getting my doctorate in History from the University of California (probably Irvine), and teaching/writing until I'm a very old man and drop dead at the lectern. I guess I can do this in Europe as well as I could in the U.S. (the teaching that is).

Maybe this is just the first step in leaving. Maybe I'm tired of the last six years. Maybe I'm starting to think that the whole Revolution thing might not have been a good idea. Maybe...

So can Europe find in its heart to welcome a History professor in about 15 years. :driving:


exPat hehehe yeah that made me giggle, gosh mate a lot can change in 15 years, but hey nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Good luck on this.
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�

• Mae West
RedGlitter
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Post by RedGlitter »

Why not stay in America and work for the changes you wish to see?

Not that there's a thing wrong with Europe, I'm just asking in the context you put it in. :)
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sunny104
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Post by sunny104 »

have you visited any other countries? :)
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Imladris
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Post by Imladris »

If you are seriously thinking of moving to Europe why not try visiting a few countries. I know a holiday is not the same as living somewhere but at least it gives you a taste of the country.



Do you speak any foreign languages? You will find the French can be rather unhelpful if you don't at least try to converse with them in their own language. A lot of other countries speak a fair degree of English - enough to get around anyway!



What about any links to a European country you may already have?



Don't forget that we have our own problems over here too, life isn't all beer and cricket!
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She is one fit bitch innit, that Immy





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YZGI
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Post by YZGI »

Try Canada first, they are like a tweener between the two.:D
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Galbally
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Post by Galbally »

Yes Europe is nice, but its quite varied so you would wana think about which bit of it you would like most, then the career as a history teacher or professor, well if you are good at US history, being an American you would be able to teach that subject quite well I would imagine, though you would earn a lot more in the USA than in Europe in that profession. SO where to live? Well there is Britain or Ireland (nice but rainy), France, nice but you need to be a bit French, Germany (fast cars), Italy (great food), Spain, Poland, Holland (good drugs), Sweden (nice women) etc etc. Then like Yzgi said you could try Canada, or Australia mate, personally I would quite like to visit the states and maybe live there for a bit, I like Europe, its fine, but I would like a bit of a change.
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Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

RedGlitter;673378 wrote: Why not stay in America and work for the changes you wish to see?

Not that there's a thing wrong with Europe, I'm just asking in the context you put it in. :)


Getting rid of the 2nd Amendment isn’t going to happen, and I hear that they’re installing electric bleachers at Huntsville Prison in Texas (That's a joke folks). There are too many people who have a different vision of America than I do, and they're entitled to that America. I guess I don't have the will to change so many minds, though I do keep trying. Left wing students often become left wing professors.

sunny104;673379 wrote: have you visited any other countries? :)


I was an army brat growing up and spent most of my childhood in Germany and the U.K. I've been back three times as an adult (did I just call myself an adult? Christ I'm getting old :) ).

Imladris;673380 wrote: If you are seriously thinking of moving to Europe why not try visiting a few countries. I know a holiday is not the same as living somewhere but at least it gives you a taste of the country.



Do you speak any foreign languages? You will find the French can be rather unhelpful if you don't at least try to converse with them in their own language. A lot of other countries speak a fair degree of English - enough to get around anyway!



What about any links to a European country you may already have?



Don't forget that we have our own problems over here too, life isn't all beer and cricket!
As far languages go, my German through lack of use really, really stinks, but most of all I don't mind learning, when in Rome and all. The French (IMO) are right to expect people living in France to speak French.

Top three countries I’d pick to live in no particular order… The U.K., Belgium, or Germany

YZGI;673382 wrote: Try Canada first, they are like a tweener between the two.:D


Canada is not a bad idea.

I know that a lot can happen in fifteen years. Heck at 33, fifteen years is when a lot folks think about retiring. I know I'll still be working though. Teaching is something you can do till they zip they bag up on you.

We’ll see.
RedGlitter
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Post by RedGlitter »

Good luck wherever you may roam. :)
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YZGI
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Post by YZGI »

As far languages go, my German through lack of use really, really stinks, but most of all I don't mind learning, when in Rome and all. The French (IMO) are right to expect people living in France to speak French.



So, Do you also believe that in the U.S. we should all speak english?
Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

YZGI;673399 wrote: As far languages go, my German through lack of use really, really stinks, but most of all I don't mind learning, when in Rome and all. The French (IMO) are right to expect people living in France to speak French.



So, Do you also believe that in the U.S. we should all speak english?


Nope. Hypocritical? Maybe. I like to think of it like Quebec. The British conquered it but the people there still speak French. We conquered the American Southwest from Mexico, so Spanish comes along for the ride. Want a territory you've got to accept all that comes along with it.

Maybe Spain. My Spanish isn't half bad :D.
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YZGI
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Post by YZGI »

Patrick;673403 wrote: Nope. Hypocritical? Maybe. I like to think of it like Quebec. The British conquered it but the people there still speak French. We conquered the American Southwest from Mexico, so Spanish comes along for the ride. Want a territory you've got to accept all that comes along with it.



Maybe Spain. My Spanish isn't half bad :D.
So you think the French have been on their piece of land since the beggining of time and have always spoken French on that piece of land? No offense but yes imo it is hypcritical.
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sunny104
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Post by sunny104 »

Patrick;673396 wrote:



I was an army brat growing up and spent most of my childhood in Germany and the U.K. I've been back three times as an adult (did I just call myself an adult? Christ I'm getting old :) ).






what a cool experience! So you'd just be going back to where you lived as a child anyway. :)

I always tell people to go for it, to follow their heart/dreams.

Best wishes! :-6
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sunny104
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Post by sunny104 »

Galbally;673395 wrote: personally I would quite like to visit the states and maybe live there for a bit.


Best wishes to you, too Dr. G! :-6

just beware, my husband only planned a short visit here as well back in 1993, mwahahahaha!! :sneaky: :D :wah:
Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

YZGI;673407 wrote: So you think the French have been on their piece of land since the beggining of time and have always spoken French on that piece of land? No offense but yes imo it is hypcritical.


I'm just sighting historical precedent to back up my opinion. It's fairer, more pertinent, and more reasonable one too IMO. I could be wrong. I often am. ;)

On topic... Ireland is nice too. Dad allways said we were so Irish it hurt.
gmc
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Post by gmc »

Patrick;673375 wrote: Last night we had a few friends over for dinner, and just to hang out. We're a smart bunch and our discussions usually turn to politics or current events. After a couple hours of discussion a friend of mine, who's so conservative he makes Reagan look liberal (but he's still a good friend), sugested once again that I move to Europe.

This has become a running gag between this friend and I, but I think it’s starting to sound like a plausible idea. There are things about the U.S. that I alone or in a group will never change like gun ownership, the death penalty, our desire to spend more on the military than education, bridges, levees, national health care, space program etc. etc.

My professional goal is getting my doctorate in History from the University of California (probably Irvine), and teaching/writing until I'm a very old man and drop dead at the lectern. I guess I can do this in Europe as well as I could in the U.S. (the teaching that is).

Maybe this is just the first step in leaving. Maybe I'm tired of the last six years. Maybe I'm starting to think that the whole Revolution thing might not have been a good idea. Maybe...

So can Europe find in its heart to welcome a History professor in about 15 years. :driving:


That's all we need, another ageing American coming along to sponge off our NHS rather than stay at home and have to pay for it all. Teaching history might be a problem. You would have to teach it properly and stop perpetuating the myth that America won ww1 & 2 and invented everything. The 1812 war is a footnote in British history not a major event and the most famous naval engagement in it was when the Shannon defeated the Chesapeake. Oh yes and we set fire to the whitehouse which is allegedly why you had to whitewash it starting an ongoing tradition of cover ups. You will have to develop a sense of humour, not take it personally when someone takes the **** and work on understanding irony-unless you go to Germany or France since they don't have a sense of humour either.

History graduates are ten a penny and to have a chance of a teaching post you will need to be very well published to even get on the short lists.

Your IRS are a set of B0987** so you need to be very careful what you do tax wise of you intend to return to the states.
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sunny104
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Post by sunny104 »

gmc;673427 wrote: That's all we need, another ageing American coming along to sponge off our NHS rather than stay at home and have to pay for it all. Teaching history might be a problem. You would have to teach it properly and stop perpetuating the myth that America won ww1 & 2 and invented everything. The 1812 war is a footnote in British history not a major event and the most famous naval engagement in it was when the Shannon defeated the Chesapeake. Oh yes and we set fire to the whitehouse which is allegedly why you had to whitewash it starting an ongoing tradition of cover ups. You will have to develop a sense of humour, not take it personally when someone takes the **** and work on understanding irony-unless you go to Germany or France since they don't have a sense of humour either.

History graduates are ten a penny and to have a chance of a teaching post you will need to be very well published to even get on the short lists.

Your IRS are a set of B0987** so you need to be very careful what you do tax wise of you intend to return to the states.


you must keep your sense of humor well hidden over there since nobody ever smiles! :D
Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

gmc;673427 wrote: That's all we need, another ageing American coming along to sponge off our NHS rather than stay at home and have to pay for it all. Teaching history might be a problem. You would have to teach it properly and stop perpetuating the myth that America won ww1 & 2 and invented everything. The 1812 war is a footnote in British history not a major event and the most famous naval engagement in it was when the Shannon defeated the Chesapeake. Oh yes and we set fire to the whitehouse which is allegedly why you had to whitewash it starting an ongoing tradition of cover ups. You will have to develop a sense of humour, not take it personally when someone takes the **** and work on understanding irony-unless you go to Germany or France since they don't have a sense of humour either.

History graduates are ten a penny and to have a chance of a teaching post you will need to be very well published to even get on the short lists.

Your IRS are a set of B0987** so you need to be very careful what you do tax wise of you intend to return to the states.


~BIG SHEEPISH GRIN~ :D

I plan to specialize in the history of Cold War economics/politics and write my arse off. Possibly double Major later on in Economics (If the wife lets me). And like I said I'm not sure if the Revolution was an entirely good idea.

I think if I left I'd never go home, but who knows.
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sunny104
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Post by sunny104 »

Patrick;673414 wrote:

On topic... Ireland is nice too. Dad allways said we were so Irish it hurt.


that's where my husband is from. :-6
littlemissgiggle
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Post by littlemissgiggle »

I say go for it,

if you don't try then you may never now what might have been.

Good luck and may your dreams come true :-6
Carl44
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Post by Carl44 »

what i want to know is how are you going to tell this to spongebob:(







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minks
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Post by minks »

Patrick;673396 wrote: Getting rid of the 2nd Amendment isn’t going to happen, and I hear that they’re installing electric bleachers at Huntsville Prison in Texas (That's a joke folks). There are too many people who have a different vision of America than I do, and they're entitled to that America. I guess I don't have the will to change so many minds, though I do keep trying. Left wing students often become left wing professors.



I was an army brat growing up and spent most of my childhood in Germany and the U.K. I've been back three times as an adult (did I just call myself an adult? Christ I'm getting old :) ).



As far languages go, my German through lack of use really, really stinks, but most of all I don't mind learning, when in Rome and all. The French (IMO) are right to expect people living in France to speak French.

Top three countries I’d pick to live in no particular order¦ The U.K., Belgium, or Germany



Canada is not a bad idea.

I know that a lot can happen in fifteen years. Heck at 33, fifteen years is when a lot folks think about retiring. I know I'll still be working though. Teaching is something you can do till they zip they bag up on you.

We’ll see.


Spot's been to Canada he can tall ya loads about it ;) hehehehe
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�

• Mae West
Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

jimbo;673457 wrote: what i want to know is how are you going to tell this to spongebob:(










:yh_rotfl... Screw'em! He's been sponging off me for years.:D
littlemissgiggle
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Post by littlemissgiggle »

jimbo;673457 wrote: what i want to know is how are you going to tell this to spongebob:(










:wah:

poor sponge bob :p
Joe
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Post by Joe »

As a teacher/lecturer it's possible in some places to do year long swaps with other teachers. You live in their house & take over their job & they live in your house & take over yours. At the end of the year you swap back. I remember a music teacher when I was at school did this with a teacher from Canada. Not sure of all the ins & outs of organising this but if you want to try living in another country it could be worth looking into.
Indian Princess
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Post by Indian Princess »

-excuse me but I want to be the first to express support for the decision if you decide to go and another thing:





TAKE ME DAMN IT!!
Hugh Janus
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Post by Hugh Janus »

Just one small point....



If you are planning to teach 'merican history, what will you do in the afternoon? :sneaky:



:wah:
Patrick
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Post by Patrick »

Hugh Janus;673819 wrote: Just one small point....



If you are planning to teach 'merican history, what will you do in the afternoon? :sneaky:



:wah:


touché :yh_doh You wound me sir... :D
Carl44
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Post by Carl44 »

Hugh Janus;673819 wrote: Just one small point....



If you are planning to teach 'merican history, what will you do in the afternoon? :sneaky:



:wah:




your yanking their chains there buddy :wah:
gmc
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Post by gmc »

sunny104;673432 wrote: you must keep your sense of humor well hidden over there since nobody ever smiles! :D


You must be thinking of the wee frees-smile and you get the devils attention, laugh and he gets in. Mankind was born in sin and put on earth to suffer, getting to heaven is a reward for being miserable all your life. What is there to smile about?
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