What would the older experienced men here advice a early-20 guy to do?

[The Mad Ghost]

Should I build myself up in this country, or move to South America somewhere on a loan?

I spoke to some of my old high school friends today, and one of them is so sick ad tired of this country, that he's moving to Australia. Not sure what he wants to gain out there, but he's just moving, probably next year. He can't even pay for his internet or bills, but he's had enough.

I've always wanted to go to Brazil. If I can find the money, I'm in two minds about going out there for a year or so, just to screen how livable it is. Would you recommend that a young dude in his twenties, makes this decision?

What would be the pros and cons?

 

[BigJimbo]

If you go to Brazil go to Porto Alegre, Curitiba, or Blumenau/Joinville. That is where the pretty girls are from. Those are also relatively very safe and have a very good standard of living. I would throw in Floripa, but Floripa is so cliche these days. Those are the ONLY places I could see living. Sao Paulo can be very nice, but there are problems with all the slums.

Don't go to Rio. Very dangerous and the girls are not what you think. There is a reason why all the international modeling agencies go to Porto Alegre. Every Brazilian will tell you that the stereotype of Porto Alegre is a pretty girl. Not entirely true, but the "classic" Brazilian beauty comes from that region.

Don't believe the crap that some on here type about Brazil. They have NEVER been! Brazil is a land of immigrants.

In Porto Alegre you are either Inter or Gremio. Gremio is my favorite club from the Americas. Here are some Gremistas from Orkut (the facebook of Brazil). Typical girls you will see on the streets of Porto Alegre. Yes, most are a mix of German, Polish, and Northern Italian. Also quite a few Japanese.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIluwJ6OgmY&feature=related

The best thing about Brazil is that the language is easier. I picked it up in less than 3 months. It is better than my Russian which I have been studying for years.

Brazil is a problem if you don't have money already in the bank. You DON'T want to live next to a slum. That is why the places I listed are nice. They have a high standard of living. They are safe. Brazil can be brutally dangerous in the North and Rio.

If you have never been anywhere I would suggest a place like Warsaw in Poland. Cheap, loaded with gorgeous girls, lots of nice discos, cheap, and lots of English is spoken. It is also safe if you don't try to become a gangster.

The key is to live at home and save your money. Keep expenses down in America. Play video games, study languages, and go to Internet sites that deal with the areas you are interested in. Delete your facebook account. Go native. It works. Polish girls would love to get to know you. Girls in Porto Alegre would like you if you act interested in their town. You MUST get out of the American mindset. You won't regret it if you do.

The pitfall is getting caught up in being an American. Debt, ugly broads, stupid attitudes, etc. Drop all that. Free yourself. Live as an independent young male. That is what the founders of the USA wanted. Follow their lead!

BTW, you go to Porto Alegre go to soccer games. Nothing in America like them! You can take fireworks, flares, etc. People just set them off in the Torcida section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p170mCnL0mM

Gremio is also known for the Avalanche!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB0kbhwHfc4&feature=related

If you sit with the Torcida (ultras..cheap tickets) I promise you that this is what it will be like! This is our song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1UI1RLaxxk&feature=related

 

[iliketennis]

lol no don't go to south america on a loan

 

[bigjohnson]

If you can get a few thousand USD ($5000+) or the equivalent together I'd say go someplace like Cambo or the PI for a bit, I love diving in the PI and if you're strict you can live on a $500+ budget OK, if you're determined to live simply.

As a young guy, particularly if you're white, your scarcity complex will be stood on it's head. The only scarcity you will experience is a shortage of rubbers that fit and a shortage of beef in your diet.

 

[falconslax89]

i would love to do something like this. ive always wanted to. ive just never known how to go about it...i know theres all types of paperwork you have to take care of to actually live and work in another country..can anyone offer some advice not just where to go but how to go about actually making it a reality. i know its probably simpler than it seems...its just a big leap.

 

[Tesl]

Absolutely you should travel and live in another country, I can't recommend this highly enough. EVERYONE should be looking to do this if they have the means.

I lived in Japan nearly 4 years and am now living in HK. I never plan to return back to the UK, life is too interesting out in Asia. I've never lived in Brazil but if you are interested in the country, then for sure you should give it a shot.

 

[The Mad Ghost]

Thanks for the replies guys,

I figure taking a month or less out there, in a hotel, just to screen if I can actually do this. What about income? Thats the reason why I asked if I should build myself up (investment) here - working a job, saving or get a loan and then move and rent out a place for like 400-600 reais per month? based on income generated or investments from over here If possible? Getting a Visa is not hard or knowing where to live in Brazil is not an issue, learning portuguese is also not a problem. As I'll be starting Portueguese classes in January. I'm concernced entirely about ''generating income'' whilst it is simple, but happy being manageable?

Is teaching English as a staff/ assistant teacher to kids or young teens easy to attain in Brazil?

I'm also in my early twenties, and will be going by myself. I can make new friends easily, how quick and easy is it to find friends out there? I want to leave here and drink caipirinhas in a sidewalk cafe, and find myself a beautiful woman out there, possibly to settle down with.

 

[pinhas]

you will experience is a shortage of rubbers that fit.

Lol why, is everyone in Brazil rocking a Magnum?

And to answer your question; if you have the chance ABSOLUTELY go for it!!

I cant stand people who spend their entire life in one place, never seeing other countries or cultures; these people develop sever tunnel vision and are very limited in their understanding of life in the context of the greater world, and not just their little surroundings.

I spent a few months living on SE Asia and it was amazing; I would love to go back there, as well as South America. These experiences open your eyes and teach you about the differences in people, and people’s views, lives and their world view. In my opinion these are invaluable lessons that will give you a huge advantage in every aspect of your life, not just PU.

Save some money, choose a destination, have a plan and go for it!

And when you are there, forget about who you were back home, and try to get out of your comfort zone and force yourself to do new things. Immerse yourself in the local culture and learn as much as you can about where you are; be open to new experiences!

The best time to do it is NOW!!

 

[kyokon]

Travel, yes definitely!
Loan, umm... why?

Surely you can save for a trip, it doesn't need to be a year. Why not a week for starters, you might hate the place
At least if you paid your own way, even if you come back with nothing but your experiences at least you are only broke, not broke and in debt!

 

[f283000]

You can always go teach english in China. You'll live like a king, have Chinese women all over you trying to marry you, can travel all over the place there for cheap, life is cheap and so is the food.

The negatives are mostly health related. You might lose a couple of years of your life if you were to go somewhere like China due to all the pollution. You could go perfectly healthy and go back to your home country with asthma which I have heard has happened to some people. You will have to get used to the overall unsanitary way of life where health code standards are not very strict, and most people don't wash their hands or shower as often. You never know what's in the food you eat almost every month there's some new story about some food item being tainted with some dangerous chemical and people getting sick.

I was ready to leave for China but for the above reasons I decided not to. China is advancing so rapidly that 1 year there is like 5 years of development compared to everywhere else. I do hope to leave for China in about 5 years by then i'll be in my early 30's still. I rather spend my 20's in the west for now.