Thinking of moving overseas........

[mzteris]

I'm just looking for all the advice/info I can get.

Hubby's been working in Taiwan for the past almost year - doing the LONG commute thing.... lol..... and is considering another contract. If he does that, then we'd probably join him. By "we" I mean - myself and two boys - (both soon to turn) - 12 & 7 .....

Pro's?

Con's?

of living overseas - ESPECIALLY info re: with children. . .

I already homeschool the older - who has been taking Chinese for a while & is moderately conversant, the younger is adopted African American and has just started a Chinese program - he is currently enrolled in a Spanish dual language 1st grade school - but hs'ing him would be okay, too. Or they have an "American School" overthere.

Logistics of "closing up shop" here are daunting, to say the least. (house to sell, pets to ??, belongings in storage or sold....) family left in US - the only one really worth missing is daughter (24 yo) - the rest, bros/sis/etc........ are all pretty much rightwing pubs and/or religious fanatics - sigh)


If we sell the house and don't own property - How/where can you vote? How do you stay "connected" with US? Where is your "state of residence", etc??

Sorry - I have a million questions to consider before I can even think about doing this.

Great "cultural" and language learning oppty for the boys, yes - that's the draw - but what about EVERYTHING else. Medical/dental care. Bird flu. Pollution. Coming back. aaaaaaaaaagggggggghhhhhhh.

Thanks for any help/insight you have.

[liberal N proud]

1. One of the questions in a Zogby poll out today was Are you considering

moving to another country.
Found that interesting they were asking that

[mzteris]

5. well - one of the reasons

hubby likes being overseas is not having to listen to "bush" and all that "political sh*t" - (he's not into politics at all - but does hate bushco.) He gets his news from the Taiwanese/English paper - if it's important enough for them to print, then he'll read it.

They seem to think bush is an ijut, too.....

[mhr]

2. It Will Be Expensive To Enroll The Kids In A Suitable School

Most Ex-pats include this fee in their contract.

If you go Taiwan, A membership in te American club is a must just to be around native speakers for awhile.

[mzteris]

6. The school

in the town we're looking at also has a homeschool support program - meaning we could use the library and engage in extra curricular activites.

I might consider enrolling the younger one, but the older loves the freedom HS gives him to pursue his own interests.

The biggest problem is they all seem to be "missionary" schools - and we're not religious.

[gulfcoastliberal]

3. Check out this website, it's invaluable:

www.escapeartist.com

[mzteris]

7. Thanks! n/t

[Freedomfried]

4. My family and I packed up and moved to Negros Island in 2001

Best move I ever made, if you have a specific question send me a PM.

If you have the right type on mindset, leaving the US is not that difficult.

Check the Montessori international schools website.

[Freedomfried]

8. You might want to think a little more about it...

I reread your first post and thought about it, no offence, but you might be a wound a little tight for life in Asia.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. There's a large expat community in Taipei

Here's a website that tells you everything you want to know about Taiwan and then some:

http://ecommerce.taipeitimes.com/yearbook2004/contents.htm

Also, there's a series of books called "Culture Shock: (Name of Country)," and I know that there's a volume for Taiwan. Each book tells you about the ins and outs, the good points and pitfalls of living in the country covered.