Need an idea of where to start!

We are looking to relocate to SOMEWHERE in South America. Huge continent! I need help in narrowing down our choices to a country/region. We will be bringing 4 children under 12. Our reasons for moving are: bilingual/cultural education for our children, getting them away from the American ideal of want-want-want-must-have, simplifying our lives by providing for our needs rather than our wants.

The area we settle in should ideally provide (to fulfill our wants!)
Safe environment, contain a university, not too large of city, something old/historic, although we will be among the poor, we'd like access to a local population with money, no political unrest, and of course a low-cost of living. Spanish or Portugese is fine. This is probably a weird one, but we would like a decent zoo.

My major concern is climate/topography. A small amount of snow in winter is tolerable, low humidity, no rain forest please!, no deserts, I like hilly terrain, not flat plains, but not mountains either. Possibly near the ocean, but we're not looking for a "beach town". Is Brazil all "jungly"?

We are thinking of opening a school for local children. A small private school, a center offering after-school enrichment, an arts program, a boarding type of establishment for English immersion, a foster/orphan home. We could do an "American school" for expats, though I don't know if there is an area that would provide enough students, and the idea of being in South America and surrounding ourselves with Americans doesn't so much appeal.

Any help/suggestions of areas I could focus my search would be greatly appreciated.

Cynthia



Return to Home Page

Forums   •   Reading Rooms   •   Chat Room   •   Top Tens   •   Bookstore
Guestbook   •   Contact   •   Answers ASAP   •   Our Community   •   Blog
Site Map   •   Privacy Policy   •   News   •   Videos   •   Experts   •   Links