Job Discussion Forums

[fat_chris]

[Joachim]

[shmooj]

So, to make this a more constructive thread, how is it that so many of us have found so called "developing" countries so satisfying to live in despite lower infrastructure standards?

To start the ball rolling, I'd say for myself that I greatly appreciate the value that people in India place on people themselves as opposed to schedules, things etc. I found the pace of life a real challenge to me initially but then, when I had adjusted to it, I wondered why I hadn't lived at this pace all my life.

ANyone else?

[Roger]

I must say that committing oneself to a life abroad requires some maturity that a lot of twenty-somethings lack.
If you go to escape the working treadmill in your country you are fooling yourself: jobs in developing countries can be even more repetitive than they are in the West.
Climate? Yes, that can be a major issue.
Poor infrastructure? That too can be a serious drain on your wellbeing.
Health? You have to invest in it anywhere in the world...

But I can say that if you accept limitations and learn to operate within these limitations you can optimise your situation, and even maximise the feel-good factor.
Living in the same place for years, you will notice the swift changes typical of countries undergoing industrial revolution - such as China. Sidewalks are full of holes, yet you can ride on an aircon bus with on-board video monitors (for those who consider this entertainment...) and electronic ticketing systems - imagine the contrast of such a modern vehicle on roads where pedestrians have to walk in the traffic lanes!
I also notice living standard improvements that bring the local population very quickly up to western levels. That's fascinating to watch - five years ago, people hardly travelled during the year except on spring festival holidays, now they enjoy every weekend off and also various national holiday seasons, and it shows in their behaviour and spending habits!

Climate? I am glad I am growing used to the subtropics, which will help me avoid rheumatism and God knows what else!

[kev7161]

My school is located about 30 minutes by bus from Hangzhou. Hangzhou is loud, crowded, and sometimes smelly - - but many (most?) parts of it are modern and improving all the time. By contrast, up the road a bit is a small town that I have dubbed "dirty town" (and many of my students and Chinese colleagues call it that as well, thanks to me). It is crowded, smelly, dirty (of course), and far from what you would call modern. But you can get groceries there and produce and DVDs. Also, a friend of mine works there and cuts my hair for me. So, I do go there when I need to, but what a difference these two environments are. I really don't have a point to this posting, just wanted to share.

[nomadder]

Thank god the posts finally started to make some sense and actually portray the realities. The other day I definitely experienced excessive heat and that was at 4pm.
But really despite the boredom, lacklustre culture, cooler weather(usually) ,etc., we do give up many comforts if we spend time in certain other countries. I don�t know if I could do it for the long term but who knows. Still haven�t decided if I�ll stop in one of these countries for any length of time. Don�t think the answers gave me enough info either.

Sorry Capergirl I still have no plans of returning to Canada but we could have an online coffee.

[Gordon]

[fat_chris]