[quote=FlyerInHi]I grew up abroad and went to international schools. My peers were kids of diplomats, international businessmen, and other interesting people.

I wouldnt want to trade my experience for a boring high school on the suburbs.

The quality of education was great — better than US high schools. Of course American universities are better especially at the graduate levels.

If wanted a family, I’d marry a beautiful foreign woman, live abroad and spend time in America in the summer and during holidays. That is if the finances make it possible. Not everyone can afford that lifestyle.[/quote]

Oh yes FlyerinHi. There are GREAT international schools but many of these I think you will agree are just as expensive as private schools in the USA. I have many friends and colleagues that send their kids to these international schools and most pay a small fortune sending them there.

No doubt living abroad can be VERY exciting. Some of my best years were spent abroad.

The key really is having a steady stream of cash typically NOT in the currency of that country. So if you can make dollars, Euros, Sterling, etc. you can live VERY well in some of these countries.

Particularly nice is people with pensions, SS payments or guaranteed income in US dollars. The true key is NOT to be tied to that local economy and all the ups and downs.

I mention the downside risks but you’re right there are a LOT of upside and fun as well. Still, most people that I’ve met over the long haul end up back in the USA. But I do know several that live down South and really love it. They have stable pensions or guaranteed cash flow from investment properties, investments, etc. and they are really living the life.

As you correctly mentioned, if you can experience the best of both worlds I think that is ideal. That’s what I plan to do in “true” retirement once the kids are out of the house.