Let's just say, hypothetically, that you wanted to move to Brazil for about nine months. How in the blue blazes do you start planning something like that? Next Fall, Patrick will have to intern somewhere in the great wide world, and we're thinking of taking advantage of the opportunity to go abroad. (see- I knew those smelling salts would come in handy. Here, Mom.)
Anywhoo- LSU will help us work out the details, but I'm impatient and want to know JUST what goes into a move like this. Does anybody out there have experience with this type of situation? Does anyone also have a million and a half dollars they want to contribute to this Most Important Academic Pursuit?
Mom- seriously, are you okay? You don't look so good. Sit down for a few minutes.
Oh alright- you can come, too.
Posted by Shannon at July 21, 2004 10:44 PM | TrackBackI am not sure about this. We would miss all of yall terribly- nine months is a long time. And Wrenn and Eli would forget us because they are so young. I just have a hard time seeing the "other side" of this. Are you guys SERIOUSLY thinking about it?
Posted by: ashley at July 22, 2004 09:11 AMWe're kicking it around.
Posted by: Shannon at July 22, 2004 01:26 PMHey! Cool idea! You should really go for it. Living abroad is an invaluable experience. If you're going to be in a country more than 3 mos you need a visa and some other stuff. Since I've never been in a country more than 3 mos (just a couple days short as a matter of fact!) I'm not sure what that other stuff is, and it would depend on the country. I know a lot of people who have moved abroad with little kids and would be happy to get you in contact.
My one final and really serious suggestion, though, is LANGUAGE SCHOOL. Going to another country for a long time and not being able to communicate at all is one of the hardest things I've ever undergone. Mitigated only by the fact that I was in language school and thus acquired communication skill. The more I learned of the language, the more I enjoyed living there.
Go for it! It sounds like a fabulous opportunity!
Posted by: Jeannette at July 23, 2004 06:57 AM* Start learning Portueguse now!
* Look up on the internet for an Expat organisation in the community
* Send husband ahead to organise accomodation/job/etc.
* Remember things like going about organising bank accounts, electricity, transportation etc all will be very different!
* Arrange for your house to be rented out to reputable tenant (get a property manager to look after it) or get someone you trust to housesit (put valuables in storage)
* Have contigency money - things always cost more than you think they will - and if you don't like it you can pick up and leave.
(We spent a year in London in 2002 - worth every moment)
Posted by: Fi at July 23, 2004 06:41 PMI agree wholeheartedly with Fi!!! Amen, amen. Esp. about the money--I just spent 3 weeks abroad with money access difficulties. No fun!!! You can probably get Portuguese tapes from the library for a start. Not kidding there. Language hits you like cold water in teh face.
Posted by: Jeannette at July 24, 2004 12:23 AMGreat advise, y'all. Thanks!!
Posted by: Shannon at July 25, 2004 07:20 PMMwahhhhh..
Posted by: Aunt Vickie at July 28, 2004 05:15 PM