[idlewords]

I've done a similar thing as this guy, living in a number of countries for half a year or so, usually in connection with language study (doing remote contract work to pay my way). I've also observed American expats in those places, and in my home country (Poland).

I think it is laudable to live abroad, and in our field we're fortunate enough to be able to choose where to live. But with that choice I think comes a certain responsibility. You can live very well in a place like Thailand or China without engaging with the country past the minimum needed to get your needs met. Basically treating it as your private hotel resort. I've seen many people who choose this route, and I find it pretty repugnant.

If you are going to bootstrap abroad, be careful to remember that the country you choose does not just exist for your convenience. Be respectful of the place, and try to go beyond the role of a self-satisfied expat, which is very easy to fall into.

[yummyfajitas]

* Basically treating it as your private hotel resort. I've seen many people who choose this route, and I find it pretty repugnant.*

I assume that by this, you mean buying cheap food/beer and ignoring local culture? While it isn't my preference, I'm curious why you find it repugnant.

[dangoldin]

I understood it to mean that you don't treat people since you start living like a king. Instead of talking the local people and understanding the culture you only converse with them to get certain tasks done - maid, gardener, and so forth.

[wallflower]

> Be respectful of the place, and try to go beyond the role of a self-satisfied expat

I'd like to hear you expand on this or is it something that you just learn from experience and actual long-term traveling and not from arm-chair reading articles on a site like http://BraveNewTraveler.com? Thanks

[jhancock]

I can relate to this comment. I've bootstrapped in Shanghai (last 9 years) and in Cape Town (6 months, mid-90s). Both were great. I ran into other Americans and Europeans from time to time that were not respectful of the locals and I felt they set a bad example and muddied the waters for the lot of us.

[colinplamondon]

100% agreed- awesome, awesome comment.