next »

[monkfish]

Just to throw something else into the mix: Dakar, Senegal. Wonderful cosmopolitan bustling city. It meets your 'Atlantic World' focus and if you speak Spanish picking up French should not be too tricky (and learning some Wolof or another indigenous language would be a good hobby)--many academics and professionals also speak some English. Senegal is one of the most technologically developed countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is easy to get high speed internet. Enormously diverse population with Africans from all over the continent, many Europeans, Asians, Americans, Lebanese, etc. Several of the European airlines fly to Dakar, and there is a direct link to NYC with South African Air. Local politics are interesting but not tense as in some other African countries, and while there is some crime it is nothing out of this world that cannot be prevented with common sense. The weather is wonderful, the local cuisine is great (and fi you dont like it there are plenty of restaurants), though Dakar is getting expensive. Since people also recommended Bangkok, Dakar has some of the same 'vibe' as Bangkok (without the sex tourism and some other bad parts of the latter).

[drdirt55]

LarryC,

You might want to look at University of Maryland's overseas program that caters to the US military bases throughout the world.  As I understand the program, profs migrate to different locations to meet teaching requirements, so you could get the world tour for a while.  I'm very confident that the internet connectivity will be very good to excellent in these places.  It might not fit exactly what you are looking for, but is worth considering.  Look at UMUC's website for more info.

I've been considering it too.  The main European region office/center is in Heidelberg, GE - which is a wonderful town.  I think they have programs in Spain, Italy, GB, Bosnia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan - the latter being an interesting place.

[jsinden]

Hi,

I know this is probably too late for you, but Taiwan is a good place to teach. It is very safe. I don't know if I would call it exotic but it is certainly a different culture or maybe I should say a different mix of cultures. There are many places to sightsee especially if you like the outdoors or temples.
If you find it too tame, it is a great jumping off place for Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines or China. Australia is an 8 hour flight away.
Our school is moving into on-line education and ours is not a big national school so the chances are even better for that at a place like National Taiwan University or Chung Hsing National in Taichung.
Chinese proficiency is not necessary although it is certainly helpful in the local markets and on the street.
I did not expect to stay here as long as I have. I feel like I have only scratched the surface in 3 1/1 years.
Jim Sinden

[larryc]

What a great thread. Thanks for the many interesting responses. I just committed to another 3 year cycle of grant writing/evaluating so I am not packing anytime soon! Maybe we should scout a few of these places!

[magimax]

One other idea, LarryC - it's not overseas, but it could be fun...

I recently attended a conference presentation on online teaching and one of presenters lived in an RV and taught online using a satellite dish.  She had Internet connection all the time thru the satellite and she and her husband roamed the country.  It was neat. 

[waxwing]

LarryC. why don't you go over to the Fulbright website and check out the available lectureships for English speakers? Your university might well give you a leave of absence to take up the post.  If I remember rightly you do American history, and there are lots of opportunities for scholars to teach American studies types of classes. 

 I think the 2008 Fulbright book won't be out for a month or so, but you will be able to get a good enough idea from what's on the website now.

WW

[tinabodenheimer]

You may want to consider Bahrain.  The population speaks Arabic and English.  You do not need to know Arabic.  The country is beautiful, and the weather is hot, which is nice.  It is a very friendly place to live.  Universities and colleges are growing ...Lots to choose from here.  Very family friendly. 

If you are looking for adventure, Bahrain is the place.  Every old and new meets here, and then so does east meet the west in Bahrain.

[prof_d]

Larry,

Why not spend 40-60 hours working on a Fulbright application? I did, and I'm headed out this coming fall to one of those places with beaches, sun, water and wonderful teaching opportunities.

Fulbrights are open for the AY 08/09 year. They are due Aug 1, I believe.

Mary

[larryc]

Thanks friends.  As I posted in another thread, I was recently approved for my university's London Program, and will be teaching there in the fall of 2008. Not what I had in mind when I posted this thread, but a wonderful opportunity that I gladly accepted.

[drdirt55]

Congrats LarryC.  The weather will be different from the Ozarks, that is for sure.