Emigration advice?

[fugue]

Please. Spare me the reasons to stay. I've heard them. Please post only if you're willing to help me with advice on leaving the US.

I'm leaning toward Canada, not because it's so very close but because a former prime minister announced that they are a multicultural country and apparently that was OK with Canadians. I like that in a country. My only concern is that the neocons are playing from the Nazi playbook, and Canada surely just screams "Anschluss!" to them.

Other things I need in a new location:

1. Dog friendly. Iceland is off the list because they are dog hostile.



2. You can get by in English. I'm not against learning another language; I've just tried (no, I mean really tried--an immersion program and everything), and I am abysmal at it. My therapist and employment specialist think it's got something to do with my Asperger's syndrome.



3. Good internet service. My job is a telecommute, and I have to be able to connect.



4. You can get by without a car. My reaction time is not sufficient for me to drive a car safely, so I must be forever carless.



5. Not a large city. Asperger's once again. Large cities overload me; I have a terrible time coping with the pace and the amount of the sensory data. Might as well try to drive a car. I once spent five days in London. I did my best to try to limit my exposure so I could go about normally, but on the fifth day, I ran back to my room about half way through the day and refused to come out until the bus was loading to take us to York. I did OK in York (I was at the university and occasionally went into the city), if you're familiar with that place.
   
   
6. No one's going to freak out if I keep to myself. Asperger's again. We're not social. This would be very upsetting in some cultures. (I have had a fair bit of trouble in the US, in fact.)



7. I would strongly prefer somewhere that it is possible to eat vegan without too much difficulty.



8. Socially and economically just democracy--at least, that's considered the goal. Rather the reason I'm leaving the country I'm in.

I think that's it. I may think of other things. Any responses that actually address my concern appreciated.

[Frederic Bastiat]

1. Try Halifax, NS

If you can handle the weather.

[justinsb]

2. Toronto

I'm in Toronto - I bailed after the last election, although I still voted. Except for the not a large city part Toronto meets all of your requirements if I can be of any assistance feel free to email. I certainly respect those who stay and fight, but there is also a time to stop fighting and walk away - I guess (and being a ex-pat I have personal experience with this) it depends on how long you can beat your head against a wall and still keep it together. Ultimately, I didn't want my children raised with 'American values'.

[Frederic Bastiat]

5. Dude Toronto is HUGE!

That's why I suggested Halifax, Nova Scotia pop 320,000. Halifax also has a concentration of colleges and universities making it immigrant/visitor friendly as well as fairly diverse.

Toronto's pop is about 5,000,000 right?

[Atlant]

26. "Toronto" is more like a region

Yes, there are certainly parts of it that are unabashed "City", but
there are also parts of it (even within the city limits) that are
more like the 'burbs, and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) extends
way out into what most Americans would surely call 'burbs or even
rural.

Atlant

[justinsb]

39. Yep, very large

2.5 mill. for toronto proper, 4.5 in the GTA but I did say in my original posting that it was large - it has everything else he asked for, but it's very big.

[mikita]

17. off topic a bit...

Are you by any chance Justin B. who used to work for a moving company? This Justin helped me quite a bit providing websites about Canada. If you are, I'm SO happy you made it!!!! And if it is you, I may be asking you other questions about life in the free-zone.

:hi:

Mikita

[fujiyama]

35. How do you like Toronto?

I was there on vacation for a few days (during the July 4th weekend) and loved the city. I loved the diversity and cosmopolitism. I especially liked the restaurants there.

I'm really tempted to try to leave once I graduate from college. I live close to the border (I live in SE MI), so culturally the country isn't very different in any way.

[justinsb]

38. I love toronto

It's awesome, it was truly home from the day I moved in. The people are generally very friendly (except during rush hour) and there is always, always, always something new to do. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

[junker]

3. Canada is great. But the real deal is to stay and fight...Patton was right

nothing gets the real american blood going like a stand-up knuckle duster. Might even cure the asperbergers to get out there swinging at a few nazi jaws.

UNLIKE germany in the 30s, the demographics are on the liberal side here in the USofA. THe nazi's wont' be able to succeed as there the middle class (us, not the nascar smokeeaters) are not behind bushies.....

and unlike germany, our hitler is trying to rise to absolute power *just* as the hyperinflation hits, not as a response to the economic collapse....so when the USofA goes bankrupt next spring, who do ya think is gonna get the blame?

And at that point, the first ones to suffer will be the lower-nascar classes and then the rest of us, which will effectively isolate both the ultra-wealthy and the ultra-rightists. We will rape and pillage both classes (metaphorically of course, mr. DHS snooper) in revenge for the horrific problems they will have created.

[green grizzly]

50. Right on about the demographics ...

I think the Republican success with the hispanics in the last election was a fluke. Long term they will definately vote democratic.

[justinsb]

52. Stay or go...

There is certainly something to be said for staying and fighting, but for how long? Both Kerry and Clinton were too far right for me. The US has only had 2 short periods in the last hundred years (30's and early 60s) when it was truly progressive and I wanted my children to grow up in a truly progressive, multicultural, tolerant, peaceful society. That's what I hoped would happen in 88 (first time I voted), 92, 94, 96, 98, 00, and 02 then I left for Canada. Actually I really thought something positive would happen in 92 ... Clinton was president and the Dems controlled both houses of congress, but still, very little happened. In my mind, in order to 'save' the US it would take an upheaval unlike anything it's ever seen before (including 1776) and I just don't see that on the immediate horizon.

[cliss]

4. We're leaving too.

There are several countries that I could recommend. A few years ago I read a book on how to get foreign passports (a premonition of things to come?)

I noticed that Americans as far back as 15 years ago were becoming the 'persona non grata' of the world. So I wanted to check out if I could get a passport from another country. It was a really good book, but I can't remember the author.

The author recommended countries like Australia, New Zealand, Portugal and many other South American countries where you can actually buy a citizenship along with a foreign passport.

About 2 years ago the US changed the laws so it now recognizes dual citizenship.

In our case, we're leaving for Sweden. It's a beautiful little country, but it's cold. We're looking for a house in the Southern part. You can actually buy a decent house for about $30K. They have public transportation everywhere, and they're dog lovers. They have DSL Internet service. We're vegans and had a wonderful 3 weeks in Stockholm this August.

[kostya]

14. Buy a citizenship? Frankly, this is probably not for most of

us if I presume you mean something like getting a business-based permanent residence. Those are usually on the order of half a million bucks or more. Wish you could remember the name/author of that book! - K

[telamachus]

18. Some foreign investment residencies

are based on numbers as low as 10,000 us dollars. If I remember correctly many central American countries have low investment resident requirements.

I have never heard of buying a citizenship before.

[cliss]

34. I'll find it. It came from my local library,

and it's easy to look up stuff.

The book was written for American businessmen who do a lot of traveling. It's become a well-known fact that Americans who do a lot of traveling have become the targets of terrorism. For their own safety, they found that it was prudent to carry a passport from, say, Brazil.

The author wrote that you can actually purchase a citizenship along with a passport from Portugal for around $7,000. Now again, I'd have to check the published date. Things could have changed since then.

[smirkymonkey]

55. I am looking into Italian citizenship (could go anywhere in the EU)

I am only half Italian, but if you have had a parent or grandparent that came over from Italy and did not renounce their Italian citizenship before you were born (or before your Italian parent was born) you can qualify for citizenship.

My Grandfather came through Ellis Island and was not naturalized until about 10 years after my father was born, and my father never went through any formal process to renounce Italian citizenship, so that makes me eligible.

I probably wouldn't want to stay in Italy, but I am pretty sure I could work anywhere in the EU once I have citizenship. I think Ireland works the same way too. Check out consulate websites if you think you might be able to qualify.

[IkeWarnedUs]

70. Link to apply for Italian citizenship

http://www.italiamerica.org/cittadinanza/

[smirkymonkey]

71. Thanks! That's a great site - I was wondering how

to go about getting the Italian documents.

[joelogan]

57. how did you get into Sweden?

Did you have to get a job?

What are your chances of citizenship?

What are your chances of obtaining citizenship benefits? What is the healthcare situation for you?

[AP]

6. Hamilton, Ont.

[radwriter0555]

7. Mexico. GREAT weather, LOVELY people, techno-proficient, GREAT

food, easy immigration, you can drive there, buy land, rent apartments/houses very cheaply.

I suggest the Yucatan.

[kostya]

11. Emigrate to Mexico? Please, more info.

I was under the impression that it was 1) difficult to buy land directly there (you need a Mexican citizen as a go-between) and that actually becoming a citizen of Mexico is not a slam dunk. Great country (have travelled it extensively, though many years ago), but having kids my concern was the health care system. Cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Anyone know what emigration requirements are for Costa Rica?

- K

[seabeyond]

27. emigration requirements are for Costa Rica?....lol lol

i asked about that below. funny. i have kids too. healthy kids, so not high risk, healthy genetically. but alll good stuff. my friend assures me, get a pest guy out and i dont have to endure the bugs, like i do here in texas

[radwriter0555]

29. Why do you need to become a citizen anywhere but the US? You can get

a visa to work, stay, live, etc.

Please. The health care in mexico far exceeds that in the US. There are clinics everywhere, pharmacies everywhere... The doctors are state trained and work for the joy of it, NOT for the gouging profiteering.

Google it.

[seabeyond]

31. cool. what we hear and what is

two different things. i know people in different areas, and they have never complained. about health care. but i didnt know

[kostya]

40. I suppose it depends which part of Mexico you are in, but

anyway, if you don't have permanent residency, then don't you still have to make a trip out of the country each 6 months to get a new tourist visa? And besides, part of the point of changing citizenship was to avoid paying any more of my hard earned money to support another pillage and rape of yet another country. - K

[murray hill farm]

15. Isla Mujeres?

English is understood by most...no car needed...peacful..dog friendly....very dog friendly..being alone if you want is respected..cable tv, computer..cancun close by if you need or want a mall or walmart or sams, etc...easy living.

[seabeyond]

28. went to akumal for vacation a couple years ago

thanks for info

[seabeyond]

25. i have a firend that has close family in costa rica

anything????????????///lol and a wink

weather matches husband personality. i like it north. and internet inplortant. he is a computer dude

oh and we are in texas, so a close out

[hollywood926]

51. What about marijuana?

Is it legal? I'm only asking out of curiosity.

;-)

[seabeyond]

68. wink, i too am still interested in central america, for any out of

the country du'ers in that area. not necessarily the pot issue but areas welcoming americans, that have advantages in economy lifestyle ect.......

[talleyJudy]

8. Emigrate to France!

France is very 'dog friendly'.

Once you neighbors learn you are 'American' they will not really want to speak to you. Thus limiting your needing to talk to them.

There should be smaller 'cities' with public transportation.

France should meet your political requirements to a 'T'.

[joelogan]

58. Pretty hard to emigrate France and become a citizen

Yeah, if you can get a job there, you can live there while you work there. But otherwise, it is generally a temporary situation, right?

[Surikat]

9. Try New Zealand or Sri Lanka...

Depending on how much bandwidth you need, New Zealand might be the ticket for you.

The place is pretty lightly populated and my own experience is that if you want to stay by yourself nobody is going to get in your face.

For the same reasons you might also want to think about the central mountains in Sri Lanka. It's cool there and the fruits and vegetables, never mind the incredible cuisine, have to be seen to be believed.

Bringing a job with you that brings in foreign will get you into all kinds of neat places. Used to be, if you had a job that brought in money from outside the country work in Sri Lanka they didn't tax it. Also, if you earned foreign currency, you could import anything duty free (that can be very important). I don't know if it is still that way, though.

[ret5hd]

10. Maybe Belize...

1) don't know

2) english is the official language

3) don't know about GOOD, but all the major hotels have it, so ???

4) good bus, taxi, and plane service over the country

5) Belize City is just about 250,000 i believe. not any larger than that, maybe smaller

6) Everyone is pretty laid back there, i believe

7) don't know, but cooking for yourself ???

8) yes

[kostya]

41. Belize is nice, but very small. I would not recommend staying in

the city, but there are nice coastal areas and the western part is quite natural and jungly and sparsely populated and land is pretty cheap. I think emigration there is not difficult. - K

[CatBoreal]

12. In Ontario....

Don't know how far north you want to go (I live in Kapuskasing, bloody cold, but small and friendly) so I'll stick to mid-North and Southern cities that I think would meet your needs...

I'll asterisk the cities I've lived in (or my husband) so you can ask me about them if you like.

Sudbury*, North Bay*, Barrie*, Guelph*, Kitchener/Waterloo, Kingston, St. Thomas, London*, St. Catherines (wine country!) Windsor, Hamilton, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa (big city, but small town feel).

If I can think of any others I'll post them.

Good Luck!

Cam

PS. Here's the link to the Canadian Government's immigration site. http://www.cic.gc.ca/

[newyawker99]

36. Hi CatBoreal!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[CatBoreal]

47. Thanks...../nt!

[BeHereNow]

13. GO HERE: http://www.escapeartist.com

This web site is THE most comprehensive source
on the web.
http://www.escapeartist.com
EVERYTHING you could possible want to know
about moving to another country.
BHN

[telamachus]

16. Maybe you should

talk to a friend or family member or maybe a professional counselor.

Many people feel discouraged and sad about life in the USA but judging from the very restrictive list that you have provided it seems as if you really do not want to leave.

If the feelings that you have are strong enough to make you leave then you would not be so picky about the conditions for your departure.

It is common for people to feel desperate and in many cases they start of with the classic "don't try and talk me out of it" statement.

I hope that you can find some peace in knowing that there are many here on DU that would help you work out your feelings about the current seemingly hopeless and very depressing state or our nation.

The promise of a better life in another place is often an illusion. Happiness can be found anywhere you are.

On a negative note it is considered VERY rude and supportive of the notion that Americans are arrogant asses to state that you would be unwilling to speak a native language.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[Surikat]

19. It's not always an illusion...

I bailed out of the States for much the same reasons are a lot of people are considering now. I was gone for two decades and never got homesick once. The only reason I came back was to help my sister look after my mother who was going into dementia. If it hadn't been for that I'd still be gone.

[telamachus]

22. Never said it was

But you are right that sometimes things can be better.

Sorry to hear about the reasons for your return but I am sure that your family is glad you came back to help.

When and where did you live? My partner and I have decided to raise our children in the USA and then leave for a while. We do take them to other countries so they can see how much different other places are and not just read about them.

[Frederic Bastiat]

20. Wait 'til Jeb wins in 2008

Before you lecture us on desperation.

[telamachus]

23. Lecture?

Only stating my opinion. I if you think there will be yet another round of shrubbery in the future then I guess you have given up. Why waste your time around here?

[Frederic Bastiat]

61. Umm I left in 2002

Montreal, Canada is my home.

[fugue]

48. OK, I've tried to contain my rage

but I can't even get my work done because of it.

Forget waiting for 2008, try reading my damn post before you lecture me!

The following information was all available to you in my post, but you failed to absorb it or chose to ignore it.

1. I asked only people willing to help me leave respond because I had heard all I wanted to hear about staying. I have debated the emigration issue on other threads; I am still willing to do so. This one, however, I started for assistance in implementing my decision. The polite thing to have done would've been to say something on one of the other threads or PM me.



2. Half of the reasons I listed explicitly state that they are to accomodate my disability. Unless you're also going to call a paraplegic's interest in elevators, access ramps, and other wheelchair-access issues "picky," don't call my interest in an environment I can navigate so. Just because you are unfamiliar with my disability does not make it less real or limiting for me.



3. Of the conditions not relating to my disability, the concerns I list are a good environment for my family (he's not human, but he's still my family), the ability to continue my employment, and the main reason, to live in a country whose values vaguely correspond to my own. None of these is "picky." The last condition (ability to be vegan) was stated as a preference; therefore it is negotiable; therefore not "picky."



4. I am not unwilling to learn a foreign language. I am unable to. Reread point 2 from my previous post as many times as necessary for you to get this.

I don't mind people disagreeing with me. I expect them, however, to absorb my position and respond to it, not some position they have attributed to me in their mind, and to do so in the proper venue.

[telamachus]

62. Chill out

Rage is a dangerous emotion and it should be taken care of as soon as possible. Rage can lead to health problem due to stress and can have the immediate effect of harming others or yourself.

No where in you post did you indicate that you had a disability beyond a social behavior syndrome. At one point you indicated that you "ran back to your room"

It is very clear that your current condition limits your ability to choose another place to live. You should have been more upfront about the specifics of your physical limitations.

It looks to me like you are very articulate which means to me that you have a skill that can be usefully in the fight to regain some balance in the USA.

One thing to consider with leaving is that unless you are wealthy it may be difficult to get the same degree of assistance somewhere else.

I was responding to the underlying nature of your original post which indicated that you are not much of a candidate for running away from the USA.

I hope you stay and fight with the rest of us. Sure thing suck but think about the pride that those who stay and fight and win will feel.

[fugue]

63. You really don't read, do you?

I said I had Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's is not a "social behavior syndrome"; it's an autistic spectrum disorder. That is a neurological disability. I gave you the name of my disability, and I was very specific about my needs; I explained them. How come everyone else in the thread managed to get it but you?

As far as "running back to my room," I said that my nervous system gets overloaded. That's why I ran back to my room. There were no stimuli there. It's a simple physical fact.

There is no subtext, by the way, to Aspie posts. We don't do subtext. We have only text. There was no "underlying nature" to my post except what you made up. It's one of the most annoying things neurotypicals do. Stop it or don't respond to my posts.

Please either read my words and only my words or just block my threads. You seem determined to read something entirely other than what I write, and your responses are insulting in their refusal to see what I am saying rather than what you want me to be saying.

[AndyTiedye]

21. England is not Pet-Friendly (6 MONTH QUARANTINE)

England and most Carribean islands that were British colonies still have
a SIX MONTH quarantine for dogs and cats. The islands require the
quarantine be done IN ENGLAND!

Finland seemed more Aspie-friendly than most, (not making eye contact
seems to be the norm there, for example) but the native language
is not even distantly related to English. While most people speak
English, you'd need to know Finnish to get a job there. If you can
continue to do your old job, that may not be a problem. They have
excellent internet connectivity. Really long cold winters, of course.
I don't know their rules about pets.

[quacker]

30. PETS program

I'm not sure of the details of this, but I believe it lets you avoid the 6 month quarantine to the UK (not sure about the islands..) if you give yourself enough time before you leave.

I spent some time in Scotland and loved it... Aberdeen to be exact. Meets most of your requirements, altho I am not sure about the vegan aspect of it, since I am not one. :)

Good luck! I'm moving out of country also, to Greece. Was planned before the election, but I'm just that much more relieved to go now.

-K

[girl gone mad]

74. I've got a book on vegan diners in Scotland.

There are dozens of listings, so that requirement should be okay.

[radwriter0555]

32. You don't have to quarantine dogs anymore en route to england.

http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/uk_quarantine_lifted.htm

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3073546/

[Donkeyboy75]

67. I'm actually going through the 6-month period now.

I moved to Ireland, and they piggyback on the UK system. You do NOT need to put your pet through quarantine. That ended about a year or so ago. What you need is to do the following, in order, six months before arrival:

1. Get your dog microchipped with a chip that is readable in the UK (we got the EuroChip from avid microchip).

2. Get your dog vaccinated for rabies.

3. Have your vet perform a test for the antibodies to rabies about a month after the shot. The lab test must be done by a vet lab in Kansas State unless you are a US Gov't employee. You can get all the info on the website given in a post two or three below.


The pet cannot come in until six months after the test results. Know the regulations front and back. Our arrogant vet insisted he knew the regulations, fucked up the order, and instead of my dog joining me over here last week I have to wait until January. It is killing me.

Good luck if you decide to do that...

[AndyTiedye]

24. Some Interesting Notes About Dr. Hans Asperger

Dr. Asperger was doing most of his work before and during the time
that Austria got taken over by the Nazis. A significant part of
his work was keeping the Nazis from taking his patients away to the
death camps. They had a "final solution" for what they called the
"mentally defective" too. Asperger was successful in keeping his
patients safe from the Nazis, but in the end he could not save them
from allied bombers who bombed his clinic and his patients into
oblivion.

[Atlant]

33. Language a requirement? Sometimes.

> 2. You can get by in English. I'm not against learning another
> language; I've just tried (no, I mean really tried--an immersion
> program and everything), and I am abysmal at it.

The need to learn the native language varies. In Montreal (just to
use a convenient example), essentially everybody speaks English.
But it's always a good idea to at least say "Bon jour!" so they
know that you're willing, even if you're not fully competent.
("Ahh, he/she is an American, but at least they're trying!")

(Depending on what you do for work), I believe you could survive
in Montreal with the basic "Bon jour!"/ "Merci, au revoir!" level
of French.

In Paris, as a tourist, I've found the same principle seems to apply.
I suspect you'd need French to earn most livings, though, and this
would become increasingly true as you headed out into the provinces.

In Milan, I found much less English. If I wasn't hanging around my
technically-oriented friends and business associates (who speak
English), I'd have been conversationally lost a lot of the time.
I'd say in Italy, you would really need to speak fluent Italian.

Atlant

[goodhue]

37. Victoria BC

[jhain]

42. Victoria

have you a good link to start with ?

[goodhue]

56. The City of Victoria

http://www.city.victoria.bc.ca/common/index.shtml

[Hephaistos]

60. I second that: Victoria

is exactly what popped into my mind when I read your post.

Too boring for me, though, but very pleasant in a civilized sort of way.

[fugue]

43. Thanks much!

Thanks much for all the great suggestions! I now have a lot of researching to do, but that's one thing we Aspies are good at.

For those of you who tried to talk me out of it, I told you not to post. That neither of you appreciate the limitations of a neurological disability (not cureable, accomodating it is not "picky") doesn't do your other arguments much good in my eyes.

I'll still be watching this thread, in case there are more suggestions. I just wanted to let folks know I am in fact reading it and I am grateful.

[Carl Yasutomo]

44. I live in Japan

It's a great country. Been here for nine years. The only problem is language--English is NOT widely spoken, and Japanese is a b*tch to learn.

[fugue]

45. Yeah, I know

I telecommute for an American company, but its biggest office is in Tokyo and most of my coworkers are Japanese. Communication is a huge problem. My Japanese is very weak, and if we get at all off the beaten path, I'm in trouble.

Fortunately, they've recently hired another telecommuter who is a Japanese-born American. When the team leader wasn't sure I'd understand something, she sent it to the new telecommuter, who explained it to me in English.

The president of the company has made it very clear she wants me in Japan. My ability to learn foreign languages, however, is lousy (as stated above), and I'm worried about dog friendliness, too. My dog is on the large end by Japanese standards (he's 30 lbs.).

[Carl Yasutomo]

53. If your boss is asking you to move to Tokyo

I would almost encourage you to come here. There is a fairly large expat community in Tokyo, so if you live in this city it's pretty easy to get by even without Japanese language ability. But you said you don't like big cities, and Tokyo is a huge, HUGE city. As for dog friendliness, there are parks in Tokyo where people often take their large dogs. But you'd have to find an apartment that accepts pets.

Also, even though many people enjoy their time in Japan, it is very difficult for most people to ever completely feel "at home" here. With the huge difference in language and culture, most people feel ready to leave and return to their home countries after a few years. My situation is very unusual. Basically, because of various circumstances and random events (which I won't describe in detail) I have ended up establishing a real life for myself here, with friends, family (my wife is Japanese), a career, and even a home that I own.

Anyway, most of this probably isn't relevant to your question, so I'm sorry for rambling! I hope you find the perfect country for you!

[fugue]

54. Thanks for the ramble. ^_^

I'm thinking about it. I have to learn Japanese for my job anyway (boy, am I doing a lousy job!). I am worried about the dog, though. The building the company apartment is in doesn't allow pets of any kind. I just can't leave him behind; he's been there for me through some bad times, and he had bad times before he came to me. It's a pity about the company apartment; my boss is a dog person, and she'd let me have him there if it were up to her!

I could live outside Tokyo, I suppose. I would still be telecommuting. I think my boss just wants me in the same time zone. ^_^

If I do go to Japan, I'll be PMing you for advice! Thanks!

[Carl Yasutomo]

59. If your boss wants you in the same time zone

There are Asian countries that are easier for Westerners to live in than Japan. Singapore, for example, feels much more Western than Tokyo. And English is spoken by almost everyone (because it's the only common language that links Singapore's various ethnic groups). It's actually one hour behind Japan, but close enough that your working hours will be almost the same as your colleagues in Japan.

Yes, Singapore is a big city, but it does not feel as crowded or busy as, say, Tokyo. There are quiet, suburban neighborhoods you could live in.

Singapore is modern, clean, safe, attractive, and has good public transportation.

Hong Kong also feels more Western than Japan (because of its history as a British colony), but is not quite as international as Singapore (and English is not as widely spoken).

I don't know what the requirements are to get residency in Singapore. It's such a diverse society, though, (with people from so many parts of the world) that I wouldn't think they would be very anti-immigration. The Singapore government is also concerned about population decline resulting from the country's low birth rate, so I would think they would be receptive to skilled people from other advanced countries wanting to immigrate there.

[goddess40]

46. My boys have NLD, one is borderline Aspergers

http://www.nldline.com/

http://www.nldontheweb.org/

Most therapist don't even know about this disorder. We searched high and low to find out what are boys had and it took a neuro-psychologist to figure it out. When they gave me the description I just sat there and cried. My boys could be poster boys for this disorder.

Has anyone ever discussed this with you? When you describe what you need to get by you could be talking about my kids. My oldest just got his learners permit and he went out driving once and now he doesn't want to go again.

I have thought about writing to Dr. Byron Rourke up in Canada about moving up there so he could use my kids for a case study or something. Dr. Rourke is 'the' authority on Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD).

[fugue]

49. Actually, I've long suspected I have NLD

However, the official diagnosis of it requires a battery of tests costing, at the very least, $1400. My insurance would cover, at the very most, $500. The Ph.D. psychologist who diagnosed me with Asperger's said that the two conditions are very similar, as are the accomodations of it, so Asperger's is the poor NLD sufferer's diagnosis. An official diagnosis is necessary for me to get certain kinds of help (e.g., my employment specialist wouldn't be able to help me without one), so Asperger's it is. It may be NLD. For my purposes, the difference isn't important. For your boys, given their youth, it probably is. They're at an age where accomodations and interventions are more varied and more possible. Nonetheless, if I ever do have the money, I do intend to get that battery of tests. Of course, if I emigrate to Canada, that will be possible.

I can identify with your son's attempts to drive. As a teen, I did some cruising around the neighborhood with my mother, never at speeds greater than 25 mph. Then my mother decided I was to drive to my grandmother's house, 55 minutes away on a major highway. We're lucky we got there in one piece. My uncle had to come out and peel my hands off the wheel; I had locked them on there so tight I couldn't let go. Despite major maternal pressure, I refused to drive ever again.

Just let me add that your boys are lucky. My mother had zero compassion for my difficulties; she added to them by labeling me a "whiner" and insisting that I just had to get over them and adapt. A parent who supports you makes all the difference in the world; it's one less major battle the autistic (both Asperger's and NLD are autistic spectrum disorders) has to fight. Give yourself several pats on the back!

[RedEagle]

64. And there are varying degrees of Asperger's

Relative has it, though apparently not to the same degree. Does cause some social problems which sometimes get better with maturity. (Theirs or more likely, those around them)

Very often very bright. However, I agree with the language thing. Asperger's generally better with things that are visual in learning. Audio-intense subjects more difficult. This person having the most difficulty in foreign language class, which was a potential, so the teachers are clued in. Outstanding in other classes.

That said, this one is also good in music- but music is actually very mathematical, so it makes sense.

I am glad you understand your Asperger's so well and are able to realize what it takes to accomodate it.

[Blue_Tires]

65. tagged for reference n/t

[demo dutch]

66. Didn't anyone suggest The republic of Ireland!!!!

Fastest growing economy in Europe, member of the EU, lot of tech jobs available. People are great! no language barier. It's still a very GREEN country plus the Irish government has one of the most liberal work permit regimes in the western world.

I would move in a heartbeat if I could!

check link

http://www.immigrantcouncil.ie/

[Donkeyboy75]

69. demo,

FYI, work permits aren't that easy to get here unless you are from an EU country, have a graduate degree, or are in nursing, IT or consruction. There is a total moratorium on granting visas for sales jobs here in Ireland right now (I just moved over here three months ago).

But the people are great, and the environment is spectacular. The people aren't green-minded, however. It is more common to see people throw trash in the street than it was in the U.S.

And if you're in rural Cork county, there's one hell of a language barrier ;)

[demo dutch]

72. It don't think it's any easier to get work permits anywhere else either

even Canada has gotten tough. Heard that if you have an Irish background it's easier. Do you know if that is true?

[Donkeyboy75]

73. Citizenship is much easier if you have an Irish background.

Canada has a points system, and is easier than Ireland. But you're right, it's difficult anywhere in the EU...

Central America is your best bed.

[demo dutch]

75. Maybe Bel.ize at least they speak English but...

I wasn't that impressed, but at least it's a green country.