Also, I really can't comprehend why a person would have their heart set on living in ANY country if they haven't even visited it! It could be a casual dream or something but actually really forcing yourself to get into a country that you've never visted sounds a bit strange to me. I'd want to see what being in the country is like before I go making decisions like that.

Most normal people (imo) can't afford to visit another country, and the only option is to go there through a job opportunity or either through a school opportunity for a few months or a year or so.

Why did you say that most "normal people" can't afford to visit another country? Don't we get paid vacation for a reason?

Paid vacation. That sounds awesome.

You know what i mean :P

Though, my 06 trip to Japan was paid for by my employer :)

I do know what you mean. I wish I had paid vacations...

why? i thought you now work in the states?

Hm.. I know that when my dad was working at his old job and had paid vacations, there was no way even one of us in my family could have afforded to go, and now even less so.

I do...but I am self employed.

I have never in my entire working life have had paid vacation time. Besides that, you have to earn enough at your job to go to another country. Something I've never been privileged with, not even through school since my folks couldn't afford it back then.