I received some wonderful news from a long-time BIDER reader who took my suggestions to heart and was looking for an out from the law (and loans) in a foreign country. We exchanged emails for months, exploring options which included teaching in China. Little did I know that this BIDER reader is a U.S. and Canadian dual-citizen. I received an email soon after my post on the
Globe and Mail's "Broken Europe" series that this BIDER reader is finally going to take advantage of his dual citizenship to move to Canada. Congratulations you lucky bastard!
Hi Hard Knocks:
Just a quick note. I have basically decided to abandon the China plan I once had. But, the reason I am likely going to do so is because - in reference to today's post on your site regarding Canada - I'm a U.S. and Canadian dual-citizen, as well as a graduate of a Canadian college, and it seems that in addition to a relatively humane health care system and much, much more responsible bank regulation, it still has a functioning economy. This, I did not know until recently, and I've decided that I am moving (likely on credit and couches) in about four weeks.
...
Canada's better in a lot of ways. I don't think that has always been true. But, at this point, I'm really very tired of the U.S. I was born here. I lived most of my life here. I've known for months that I was going to have to leave, but until the last few weeks, I didn't really want to. Obviously, I've got over that.
By the way, ever hear The Clash song, "I'm So Bored with the U.S.A."?
Good luck to this BIDER reader's job search in Canada. Be sure to update us on your new life there. I didn't think I needed to state the obvious, but for any BIDER readers out there who are unemployed dual U.S. and Canadian citizens, go to Canada. Their economy is doing much better than ours and you will have health care. It's a no-brainer. And don't forget your friend Hardknocks when you're watching the
Titanic U.S. from your workplace or doctor's office in Canada.
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Lucky him...unfortunately most of us don't have dual citizenship.
ReplyDeleteA couple of thoughts:
ReplyDelete1. I'm not sure you can dodge loan repayments by moving to Canada. I know it's a foreign nation and all, but if sallie mae can find you if you move to alaska or hawaii, it would seem to me sallie mae can find you in canada.
2. Canada is rebounding stronger than here. Time magazine did a thing on Canada a couple of weeks ago.
see here:
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2004423,00.html
Tons of college-educated Americans are seriously contemplating becoming ex-patriates. One would think that the idiots in Washington would be onto this. Then again, these academic, military and corporate whores are too busy planning their next foreign adventure. Plus, these pigs are cut off from reality, and the basic struggles of millions of Americans.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Nando. I know more than several people from law school who have already left the country to teach, do volunteer work with NGOs, or stay with family in foreign countries. I have a friend from college who went to Japan to teach English FOUR years ago and has no plans to return to the US because there is nothing to return to. If the idiots in Washington actually cared about the long term state of the U.S., they would take these warning signs seriously. However, all they care about is getting reelected or leaving Washington with as much money as possible from their foreign ventures and deals with Wall Street and corporate lobbyists.
ReplyDeleteCanada is a good choice for other reasons too. Education is generally cheaper for undergrad. It makes little sense to go to school in a different state in the US and not seriously consider Canada, because their international tuition rates are often cheaper than our out of state (sometimes our in state) rates.
ReplyDeleteIf you're young Australia is currently, seeking young immigrants. Their law school is started in undergrad. You can go on to graduate school. In the US if we didn't see law school as a cash cow, the classes could be done in an undergraduate program. The "problem" would be law school would no longer be the easy choice for people who're looking for a career change and "always wanted to be a lawyer."
Look at www.newzealandeducated.com. They seek international students. There are many great scholarships for PhD students.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! I'll check out the New Zealand site.
ReplyDeleteNo offense to New Zealand, but I have relatives there, and they are leaving the country to take jobs in East Asia. These relatives had connections, but said that the job market in NZ was mediocre at best. (at least the pay was)
ReplyDeleteAs for college students leaving the United States, I'm tempted to say that the phenomenon is something the people in power actually notice and actually WANT, as this nation seems to be oversupplied with overeducated people anyway.