Good for you, you seem to be going about making your choice the right way. Putting lots of research into you destination(s) is really the only way to go IMHO.

We have been in your shoes and the best advice I can offer is to get really organized about what you want in life. It sounds like you have some of that going on and I encourage you to do even more.

Our last move has been to Chile as it suited our work and interests in art and music. (You should have seen the 'what our new home must have' list --- LOL)

Your work skills may be put to use here and your orientation not a big issue socially. You will find Chile is not a huge 'bargain' in living costs although less than most of the US/EU. We liked it because it is very socially and financially stable and modern. The peso does not swing wildly like other SA currencies and there is law and order here with a decent police force. (Don't get me wrong there is no paradise anywhere IMO but we enjoy it enough here that we are building a house after 6 years of renting.)

If you think about coming down to visit drop me a private note.

Best of luck in your search,

Suzie
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Suzie Hammond is the author the eBook system; I am Not Sure Where I Want to Be -But it's Not Here (Easily Find Your Ideal Relocation Destination)
http://www.goodwriter.info

Blog, FREE eZine & Free Special Report- http://www.goodwriter.info/Blog/index.html

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I have a TEFL (teaching English as Foreign Language) certificate I got from on international school in Puerta Vallarta Mexico. It was a month long intensive course and so much fun! Immediately after graduation I got a great job in Mexico for a private school. They even got me a permit to work in the country, I got paid well and met many locals. It was great. try looking up Dave's ESL Cafe. They have job listings from around the world and lists of schools to get your degree in. Good luck!

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You need to research what the requirements are for getting a job in another country. In Panama, where I live, you need a work permit to get a job and you can't get a work permit without a Visa.

Plus wages are quite low in Panama unless you are working for a multi national company. There are more than 100 multinational companies in Panama, so that may be an option. The company will help you get the visa and work permit if they hire you.

Without a residency visa, most countries have a limit on how long a tourist can stay in the country. IN panama is is 6 months if you are not driving. Then you need to leave for a few days. Not a big deal... but you should be aware of that. It is a $20 bus ride to Costa Rica or an affordable flight to Colombia.

Starting your own business is usually easier than getting a job.

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The first question should always be where can you legally live and work. There is no point looking at a country if you can't get past that.

You don't even say what nationality you are or what age you are. For example if you are a Canadian under age 30, you can look at Working Holiday Visas for various countries. If you are over 30 or an American, that option doesn't apply.

So my advice is don't put time in to trying to pick a country. Put research time into finding out which countries you can legally work in.

Also, you mention you want to travel during this 2 year time period. To 'experience a new culture and learn a new language' is fine but adding 'travel' into that can make it much more difficult. It assumes you will be able to find a job for only 2 years that pays enough to fund that travel. A hotel receptionist or retail store clerk isn't likely to earn more than you would earn at home and so is no more likely to be able to afford to travel than you are now.

And I hope you aren't thinking that you will work/travel/work/travel for those 2 years. The chances of repeatedly finding temporary work that will fund travel are slim and none.

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