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Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

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Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#11

Post by stormen »

rayiner wrote: post #10
stormen wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're incredibly ignorant. You should leave the US; not because the rest of the world is necessarily better (yet some parts undoubtedly - in general - are), but because it gives you a broader perspective on your own life and situation. Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, lived in Bangladesh for several years, and have traveled fairly extensively in Asia and Europe as a child/young teenager.

Congratulations, then you know the value of getting an outside perspective on western culture.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#12

Post by seanmcdirmid »

rayiner wrote: post #10
stormen wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're incredibly ignorant. You should leave the US; not because the rest of the world is necessarily better (yet some parts undoubtedly - in general - are), but because it gives you a broader perspective on your own life and situation. Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, lived in Bangladesh for several years, and have traveled fairly extensively in Asia and Europe as a child/young teenager.

Then you don't really have the problem most Americans do, and this article isn't for you.

I find America boring when I visit: very nice and clean, very generic and sterile. I have no idea how I will adjust when/if I come back.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#14

Post by seanmcdirmid »

stormen wrote: post #9
rayiner wrote: post #7

I view with a deep distrust the new class of global capitalist that thinks we must inexorably become "global citizens." The western world didn't come from nowhere. People built it, and their successors should be able to reap the fruits of it, not have to flee to the developing world. I read an article the other day (it was in Forbes or maybe Business Week). Some American was talking about the investment opportunities…

You're incredibly ignorant. You should leave the US; not because the rest of the world is necessarily better (yet some parts undoubtedly - in general - are), but because it gives you a broader perspective on your own life and situation. Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

> Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

Actually, parent is probably right here quantitatively speaking. At least this is true where I live (China).

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#15

Post by HunterV »

As someone who grew up living all around the world I have this to say:

Watch the move "Lost in Translation"

If you can deal with forever being isolated, even with friends, then by all means live overseas.

You will always be an outsider, no matter how acclimated you become. If you're ok with that, then you'll be fine.

Otherwise, stick to America, it really is an awesome country to live in.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#16

Post by newbie12 »

seanmcdirmid wrote: post #6
newbie12 wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yep, I've worked in China and the only way to get to live abroad on a fat expat stipend is to have your existing US or European employer rotate you there. If you try to get a job through local channels you'll be getting a crappy local salary. Do not try to work overseas right out of school-- you are far better off getting solid industry experience and then trying to make the jump. Working abroad is a career-killer to…

This isn't true. I'm a LHF (local hired foreigner) in China, and my pay is decent enough. The lack of a package isn't bad if you don't have kids. I also work for a big American corp (but not as an expat), so my prospects are pretty good when I decide to go back. Not exactly a career killer, even if not working at home headquarters always has a disadvantage associated with it.

Yeah but you obviously have a doctorate and commensurate experience to get hired. With respect to local hiring, I'm sure making less than what you'd earn in Seattle or San Jose is ok, but it isn't the high life that the OP was talking about.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#17

Post by tptacek »

stormen wrote: post #11
rayiner wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, lived in Bangladesh for several years, and have traveled fairly extensively in Asia and Europe as a child/young teenager.

Congratulations, then you know the value of getting an outside perspective on western culture.

That's one way to say "Oh, I was wrong, I'm sorry", I guess.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#18

Post by fractalsea »

rayiner wrote: post #7

I view with a deep distrust the new class of global capitalist that thinks we must inexorably become "global citizens." The western world didn't come from nowhere. People built it, and their successors should be able to reap the fruits of it, not have to flee to the developing world. I read an article the other day (it was in Forbes or maybe Business Week). Some American was talking about the investment opportunities…

To me those images of New Delhi look 10x more exciting to live than http://abcdunlimited.com/ideas/images/suburbia.jpg for example.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#19

Post by enraged_camel »

stormen wrote: post #9
rayiner wrote: post #7

I view with a deep distrust the new class of global capitalist that thinks we must inexorably become "global citizens." The western world didn't come from nowhere. People built it, and their successors should be able to reap the fruits of it, not have to flee to the developing world. I read an article the other day (it was in Forbes or maybe Business Week). Some American was talking about the investment opportunities…

You're incredibly ignorant. You should leave the US; not because the rest of the world is necessarily better (yet some parts undoubtedly - in general - are), but because it gives you a broader perspective on your own life and situation. Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

>>Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

The real problem with that statement is that it misrepresents the problem.

The fact that our poor live as well as middle class (or even upper class) in developing countries does not mean anything, because our poor do not compete for the same resources and opportunities as those people. Our poor compete with our rich, and the wider that gap, the worse the situation.

In other words, what really matters is the standard of living of our poor relative to that of our rich.

Re: Why Young Americans Should Work Overseas

#20

Post by newbie12 »

stormen wrote: post #9
rayiner wrote: post #7

I view with a deep distrust the new class of global capitalist that thinks we must inexorably become "global citizens." The western world didn't come from nowhere. People built it, and their successors should be able to reap the fruits of it, not have to flee to the developing world. I read an article the other day (it was in Forbes or maybe Business Week). Some American was talking about the investment opportunities…

You're incredibly ignorant. You should leave the US; not because the rest of the world is necessarily better (yet some parts undoubtedly - in general - are), but because it gives you a broader perspective on your own life and situation. Just a statement like "where the bottom 10% live as well as the top 10% do in developing countries" really shows you haven't been outside your home town.

I've lived, studied, and worked abroad, and you definitely get the wanderlust out of your system. The U.S. is amazing and there's a reason everybody wants to come here. The U.S. is actually getting more interesting as regional spots like Austin and Asheville bloom and nationwide America continues to restore its urban city centers.
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