Job Discussion Forums

[living&learning]

This may be a similar question posed in a recent thread, but I'm curious: worldwide, which do you think are the most foreigner-friendly countries and cities, for living and working?

Some of the criteria would be:
1. Friendly, helpful locals
2. User-friendly public facilities (eg: English signage)
3. Not too overbearing officials
4. Ease of obtaining legal work status

I'm currently in Mainland China, have been for nearly five years, previous to that I was in Taiwan. I also lived in the UK and Israel.

I'm a South African citizen.

Getting a work visa for all these countries was relatively simple, Taiwan was the most difficult. Getting one for the UK is now also tricky. China was simple. Taiwan offered the best healthcare.

In all countries thus far, the officials and/or police let you be, provided you behave yourself, and keep out of mischief.

I'd have to say Israelis were the warmest, most hospitable people, contrary to what the media may portray them as - hard working, solid people.

The Taiwanese and Chinese are focused on the ching ching and family, but if you get to know them they are generally good people, but I still feel a big cultural divide exists. I also feel there are Chinese who would rather not have foreign barbarians in their land.

England was a melting pot, so you meet good, bad, beautiful and nasty. I was there 12 years ago, but I've heard it getting pretty rough there now - lots of xenophobia and street thuggery.

I've also lived/visited Thailand for about six months on and off. Initially I thought the Thais were the warmest people on earth, but after a while I got the feeling that behind the smile is a muzzled disdain for 'farang' (foreigners). I've seen them beating each other, and foreigners, violently on a few occasions. I think it's a holiday destination, and if you pay up and behave yourself then it's just fine. I wouldn't want to work there.

So, I'm thinking about a year or so more in China, and then possibly finishing up and heading off to the next destination. My gut feel is thar South Americans are a warm bunch, good people, good food, diversity. I was thinking Chile or Argentina or Mexico.

Where would you suggest? Where have you been that you find to your liking? I'm keen to get a fresh perspective..

[tomstone]

I think trying to put people in a nutshell is a mistake. People are people everywhere. Jerks, candidates for sainthood, and all points in between. I've encountered very little bigotry anywhere in the world I've ever been; probably the worst place for that would be the good old USA (and I'm a WASP, so it's not me on the receiving end).

[bulgogiboy]

[bulgogiboy]

And you might like a year or so in western Turkey, if you want friendly and warm then you dont get much better than the Turks.

[AjarnIam]

To even attempt try to answer this question would mean a considerable degree of generalizing. How can you possibly take a country of 1.3 billion people and ask for such a general perception? Amazing....

[TwinCentre]

I read the OP's criteria, and honestly, I'd say Malaysia!

[idiggs]

After hearing both sides, I do agree with both of you to certain extent.

All countries do have jerks, nice people, and morons but some countries do have higher tendencies of racial prejudices than others.

For instance, an African should not set foot in Russia if he expects to leave that country healthy or better yet....ALIVE!

There are a lot of sections in Mexico that have a strong prejudice against white people. Some white Americans go to Mexico for vacation and end up missing and never seen again.

USA news has reported quite often about American kidnappings in Mexico.

I don't believe there is a perfect place but there are some places (depending on your race) you should stay away from.

[fat_chris]

Japan.

Regards,
fat_chris

[Sadebugo]

[johnslat]

Dear idiggs,

"here are a lot of sections in Mexico that have a strong prejudice for white people. Some white Americans go to Mexico for vacation and end up missing and never seen again."

From the context, I suspect you mean "a strong prejudice against white people," unless, of course, those white people who end up missing have been transported to Nirvana.

Regards,
John

[idiggs]

[natsume]

[fat_chris]

[johnslat]

Dear fat_hcris,


In Kurt's case, perhaps the active voice would be more suitable.

Regards,

John

[fat_chris]