Best country for socially integrating kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are seriously thinking about leaving the country. One of my biggest concerns is leaving DC’s tight circle of friends.

We are fortunate that visas are not an issue - we have the right to go to multiple Commonwealth and EU countries through family. Which would be the best for kids making friends? I have found some Brits vicious but appreciate that there’s no language barrier. Would Ireland be more friendly? I don’t want this to be more disruptive than it has to be. Thanks in advance for your advice!

I can only think of a few EU countries that have a high standard of living compared to the U.S. Plus, a lot of Europeans don’t like Americans…so there’s that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:99% chance this will never happen.

Sheesh. As a long time former expat (15 years abroad) the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. You want to leave US totalitarianism for.... Singaporean or UAE totalitarianism? Or EU countries that all have major populist movements?

I've yet to hear anyone explain exactly how the United States is experiencing totalitarianism. The executive branch is funded by Congress, but is administered by "the executive" which right now is Trump. When Congress tried to provide oversight into funding during the last several administrations, they couldn't even find out what the money was being spent on. Now, we are finding out. That facilitates democracy.

Executive orders were used in the exact same way by Biden and Obama. I don't love them, but each of the presidents in the late 20th century and early 21st century has tried to expand the power of the presidency through these. I expect the Supreme Court eventually to rein in the power of the presidency. Trump is doing nothing unusual here.

Media outlets losing government funding facilitates democracy. USAID stopping its support of coups and color revolutions facilitates democracy.
Media outlets losing their cushy offices at the Pentagon, to be replaced on a rotating basis by other outlets does nothing to impede democracy.

Pausing spending to allow audits is not impoundment, and will provide information to Congress.

Re-doing websites to reflect current administration priorities happens in every single administration.

I realize that our education system is failing, but I am wondering what has happened to this country when so many people seem to know so little about the Constitution, the governments in other countries that are actually authoritarian, the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism, world history, etc. The hysteria is real, but how do adults act this way?

We know. They are worried about their own finances. But firing people does not equal totalitarianism. In fact, it would be pretty hard to "totally control" a population without government minions.

Much of what you say is misleading or downright false.

[Anonymous]

Australia is entrenched in its own cultural battle—reformers are taking away rights constitutionally granted to Aboriginal people. It's the same anti-DEI sentiment almost everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

We're about to!

[Anonymous]

I think Canada is by far the least culturally and environmentally disruptive as a move, for kids/families.

If I didn't have kids and two parents with failing health who need my support, and a business full of people who count on me that would shut down if I left, I would be going now. People who refuse to recognize what's happening, I hope to God you're right and those of us who are fearful about what we're seeing are wrong. But I think the tipping point will be whether the court rulings hold, and if they don't, it will be too late and we'll be too far gone. Now's the time to leave if you want to leave. You can always come back if things stabilize. Trump has made clear what he intends to do, he' actively doing it, and his followers will deny to the end that it's the catastrophe for US democracy that it is. The playbook is not unique, it's history playing out in the same ways but just a new context, and people are refusing to see it because they don't want to and they're frankly brainwashed by this guy. (Wild. I saw a meme this week that said "I thought the antichrist would at least be good looking" - I mean THIS is who you're going to worship to the point of toppling of our democracy? Truly wild. ) I wish I could move my family without hardship to others - I'd be leaving now.

[Anonymous]

If your children are in public schools they will be academically behind in most European and Commonwealth countries. Start tutoring them now in math and languages so that they will be more able to integrate academically and the social aspects will follow.

[Anonymous]

What a sweeping generalization. Do better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:99% chance this will never happen.

Sheesh. As a long time former expat (15 years abroad) the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. You want to leave US totalitarianism for.... Singaporean or UAE totalitarianism? Or EU countries that all have major populist movements?

I've yet to hear anyone explain exactly how the United States is experiencing totalitarianism. The executive branch is funded by Congress, but is administered by "the executive" which right now is Trump. When Congress tried to provide oversight into funding during the last several administrations, they couldn't even find out what the money was being spent on. Now, we are finding out. That facilitates democracy.

Executive orders were used in the exact same way by Biden and Obama. I don't love them, but each of the presidents in the late 20th century and early 21st century has tried to expand the power of the presidency through these. I expect the Supreme Court eventually to rein in the power of the presidency. Trump is doing nothing unusual here.

Media outlets losing government funding facilitates democracy. USAID stopping its support of coups and color revolutions facilitates democracy.
Media outlets losing their cushy offices at the Pentagon, to be replaced on a rotating basis by other outlets does nothing to impede democracy.

Pausing spending to allow audits is not impoundment, and will provide information to Congress.

Re-doing websites to reflect current administration priorities happens in every single administration.

I realize that our education system is failing, but I am wondering what has happened to this country when so many people seem to know so little about the Constitution, the governments in other countries that are actually authoritarian, the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism, world history, etc. The hysteria is real, but how do adults act this way?

We know. They are worried about their own finances. But firing people does not equal totalitarianism. In fact, it would be pretty hard to "totally control" a population without government minions.

Much of what you say is misleading or downright false.

No, it isn't and if this is your best answer, why should anyone listen to you? Fork over your "facts".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

We're about to!

The delusion is thick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

We're about to!

No, we aren't. Come on. I think Trump is an authoritarian if not a fascist, and I deeply disagree with nearly everything he is doing, and I think Elon Musk is extraordinarily dangerous. But there is no need for hyperbole. This will obviously never be an Islamic fundamentalist country and neither will it ever be truly Christian fundamentalist. First, those are not the same thing; and second, despite my disgust for the promotion of theories that white Evangelical Christians are being persecuted, there is enough in the Constitution to forbid ever forcibly converting everyone else. Giving (probably still unconstitutional) privileges and recognition to white Evangelical Christians is nowhere near requiring everyone to be a white Evangelical Christian and literally imprisoning or murdering those who don't comply. I can think of a lot of bad things that can happen here but that truly is not one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

We're about to!

No, we aren't. Come on. I think Trump is an authoritarian if not a fascist, and I deeply disagree with nearly everything he is doing, and I think Elon Musk is extraordinarily dangerous. But there is no need for hyperbole. This will obviously never be an Islamic fundamentalist country and neither will it ever be truly Christian fundamentalist. First, those are not the same thing; and second, despite my disgust for the promotion of theories that white Evangelical Christians are being persecuted, there is enough in the Constitution to forbid ever forcibly converting everyone else. Giving (probably still unconstitutional) privileges and recognition to white Evangelical Christians is nowhere near requiring everyone to be a white Evangelical Christian and literally imprisoning or murdering those who don't comply. I can think of a lot of bad things that can happen here but that truly is not one of them.

I think you lack imagination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need to better define what integration and least disruptive looks like to you.

Based on what you've posted, your best options are Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Canada is so culturally similar to the US and the accent is the closest, so that would likely be the least disruptive.

I'll suggest another option, which may not be palatable to you: join a large expat community. For example, Saudi Arabia has a fantastic expat community of people working in oil. The Saudis and other Muslim nationalities don't mix with the expats, so you're basically in a western community inside of an eastern nation. You are still in Saudi Arabia, and must observe their laws. But within these communities, you're not required to wear an Abaya and you're allowed a lot of activities that make for a normal western life. The $ is very attractive.

My god, this sounds like hell on earth. I’d stay right here if that were the main option.

I’m not sure we’re going to be much different than Saudi Arabia. A theocracy with authoritarian rule, minus the sand.

You have no idea how bad life under Islamic fundamentalist rule is.

I have known dozens of American families who have lived in KSA over the years. They all liked it. Especially those with kids. Compound living is apparently quite nice.

[Anonymous]

Urban and coastal America.

[Anonymous]

I would ask this in an expat message board, not here