New here, and looking for advice for relocating with children

Hello lovingtree.

Welcome to Expat.com!

Hope other members will be able to give you some informations.

Personally, is there a country where you want to live?

Thank you,
Aurélie

Well, I am right now considering New Zealand, but I have always wanted to spend time in South Korea, Russia, Australia, and many countries in EU. And Canada. I speak a little French and a little less Spanish, but I pick up on languages fairly easily.

I have a 21 year old son who is on international exchange in China right now. It's very exciting.

Hi lovingtree.

New Zealand and Australia would be difficult for you to get into even with the right qualifications.You would have to find a sponsor to get you a visa first. Cost of living is high in Australia and salaries are low in NZ. Lots of Nz'ers leaving and heading to work in Australia as they do not need a visa.

As you have a degree in social work you should look at south east asia.Perhaps teaching in an international school.

hmmmm. I didn't see anything about a sponsor on NZ's immigration site, so now I am wondering what else I am missing. I have only ever traveled in North America, so I know I don't know quite a lot.
Is there any way you can direct me to the part about sponsors?

And I am interested in Southeast Asia. Where do you suggest? I have looked at a few sites that place English teachers, but they are strict about not having children.

I suggest looking online for schools and teaching institutions in Laos. From time to time they look for teachers.

There is the VIS, which is American, Kettisak international school and others as well as a university.

u could checkout American schools in Morocco, cost of living is very low but u wont expect any higher pay.

i would move within the states for better opportunities and when my kids grow up i could send em to foreign schools to learn other cultures and finish their studies.. but that just my opinion;
good luck!

Lovingtree.

I was incorrect regarding sponsorship in NZ but it is difficult to work there on a temporary basis. As I said, wages are generally low. Thats why NZ'ers are migrating to Australia.

In Australia you need to look online at the immigration website but I am fairly sure you will need to get a 457 visa which needs to be sponsored. 

Depending on where you were teaching in Asia and at what level,your children would not be a problem.

You are right about Australia. I looked, and they don't want me.

My criteria for moving are this:

Safe (because of the kids)
Affordable - because my skills aren't in that high of a demand
Some degree of English spoken - because I will need to learn the language.

I sure appreciate your advice and opinions. I was thinking of moving now rather than when the kids were older so that picking up the language would be easier for them. We had a friend and her 4 year old who were in the US for a year to teach English in the public schools. Her daughter came over speaking only Chinese, and in about 8 months was fluent in English. They are back in China now, and we still talk online.

Thank you everyone!

Now may be a good time to look at schools in Asia. Here in Vientiane the schools will be closing for Xmas break in December and teachers may be moving on.

Send you CV to them and see where that leads you. Cost of living here is not too expensive and all depends on what sort of lifestyle you want.

Try these schools.
VIS American international school
Kiettisak International school
Australian International school
Panyathip school

Why not register with a professional agency that covers your particular skills? With two small kids you really shouldn't go somewhere on spec, unless you have a boatload of money. Let some agency do the legwork for you.

Hi! Welcome to Expat.com..

Why not live here in the Philippines?

Our Economy right now is doing good, so far we are the Tiger in Asian Economy..and employment here is easy to get if you graduated for 4yrs. course..and good in English language..

And so we have a diverse culture.. cheap land and houses or condominium too..

Expat enjoyed their retirement here because they will live as a king for the said retirement.

Hope it helps.

Thanks!

Hi. Take a look at the Europe many americans are doing well there. Bulgaria has  low costing of living. Do some research.
Best of luck