1. How is sociology useful for planning to travel and/or live outside the United States?
Sociology is useful in that it enables you to understand your own cultural and economic orientations as a current residence of United States. It also enables you better to understand the life of the people who live in the country of your destination. You are able to understand their social- cultural values and economic orientation and see if you can adapt to that country’s orientations (Martell, 2010).
Most people in some countries may be socially hostile to foreigners especially from United States due to differences in economic orientations, race, social-cultural beliefs, and many other things. In planning to move to other countries, sociology helps you to avoid these countries.
An American is used to being predominantly a Libertarian, preferring an open society with much reduced institutional control. In USA, individuals can govern themselves and create their own culture through interaction. True capitalism forms their economic model to become economically prosperous.
As thus, when planning to relocate from US to a country that value for example conservatism, sociology will help you to know that the people there prefer traditional values and standards to guide their behavior as opposed to the law. You will be able to understand that such country’s folks prefer regulated capitalism to maintain profits. You will thus be in a better position to see if you could adapt to this country and whether it could help you achieve your goals in life. The student will be in a better position to decide on a suitable destination that would allow him to live and utilize the US and capitalism to generate resources (Sklair, 1991).
For those who are retiring, sociology helps them to know the country where they would consume their investments at a lower rate. Sociology would direct them on where voluntary simplicity is less difficult than in USA, i.e. where lifestyle encourages only minimum consumption of material things, self-reliance, and ecological responsibility without ending up being unhappy.
Sociology guides you in things you need to know about the country, as they would influence the life that you are looking outside the USA. Sociology points out that we should be able to describe the country in terms of spatial geography, size of the population, prevalent religions and languages, the level of poverty economic and monetary systems, dominant industries, political orientations presence of any internal conflicts and social amenities. Information concerning these and many other things need to be collected as they are pertinent to living in that country (Sklair, 1991).
Sociology guides you to plan on expenditures given the economic orientation of the country you want to live. It will guide you on food, clothing, healthcare, social stability, educational levels, crime, inflation, and other economic factors. While planning for expatriation, Sociology will guide you to relocate to a less developed country where you would want to stretch your expenditures.
Sociology guides you to assess your human capital such as skills, knowledge, abilities, personality, and habits. When planning on expatriation, you will be in a better position to compare what you possess and what is demanded in the city of expatriation.
Sociology assists you to know your values and identify a substitute, if any, of what the US dominantly value for something different or similar in other countries. When planning to travel and live outside the US, sociology is important in identifying things like adventure or safety and security that you exactly want.
Sociology will help you to understand what you prefer and what to expect in terms of behavioral rules. If you are used to open rules, are you ready to embrace the country that value conservatism?
Sociology helps you to plan on the material culture that you are ready to forego. Material culture such as internet, national parks, driving scuba, public beaches, and air conditioning has meanings that shape behavior because they organize our thoughts and feelings. Without these objects, life may seem to make no sense (Martell, 2010).
2).
Different Americans have different reasons to leave the United States to live in other countries. Traveling outside the USA for tourism reasons, to study abroad and to work for American corporations is a different issue from the ones who are deciding to move out of the USA and live forever in a foreign country. Those who are moving out the USA have the following reasons to substantiate their move. Some claims they are no longer feeling comfortable living in the US. They claim to see US has no future although currently are not facing any danger unlike other countries such as Europe, which seem to have a bright future. They feel the developments are sustainable and healthy and, therefore, the future is dark (Mount, 2005).
I would take an example of the Germany in comparison to that of the USA. The Germany has a multi-party parliament as compare to that of the US and because of that it is seen as having the real democracy. People in American tend to believe their country is the best in the world, but that is not true, but is just propaganda. The democracy in US has not yet reach maturity, as there are a still individual using all means to get to the power in order to meet their own needs. There are still corporations that are dictating the public policies and the same corporations are the one that are sponsoring political parties to have their own in power (Mount, 2005).
Some other people claims in America the corporations are rule by corrupt judges hence grooming bad governance in the public. Hence the president, for example, can have potential to deliver massive changes to people cannot do so because he is held-up by the people who help him finance political campaigns. The Europeans countries deliver much better as compare to American in order to make a decent life.
Furthermore, in Germany everybody has the healthcare, and hence everyone has health insurance cover, unlike America. The cost healthcare in the United States is so expensive compare to other countries such as India and it make one bankrupt when illness hit. The US government has not planned to end generating power through nuclear but in Germany they are discontinuing generation of power using nuclear. The nuclear power poses hazardous effects to many lives of Americans (Mount, 2005).
In Germany, many things are changing such as insulations of houses and institutions of energy saving measures and yet there are no such positive changes in US. The Americans do things they claim to hate, for example, the issue of the indiscriminate violence and terrorism. On the contrary, America has been in the forefront in the last ten years to invade other countries and killing innocent people. The American's soldiers abroad have raped and tortured innocent people, and yet the government is doing nothing to curb the problem. Hence because of these malicious acts people are opting to move to other countries where such acts are not exercise.
People saw there is no point to pay taxes to enhance that madness. They claim not to remit part of their income to be use to finance building of ammunition and fighter jets, and to pay soldiers who are raping, killing, and terrorizing people abroad. America is one of the countries that have legalized gay marriage, and some are not pleased with those social issues hence causing them to move to other countries where gay marriage is not legal. Some suggest that America has just gotten their independent soon as compare to Europe, which recorded history for more than two thousand years.
Hence, America is still a young country compare to Europeans countries which they have deep cultures. There is a deteriorating culture in US, and there is poor adaption of values. Others view the cost of education in US is too expensive, and the unemployment rate is high. Furthermore, they claim there is freedom in speech of theory, but practical it does not exist.
3.)
Germany. Germany is located in Europe continent, and its capital city is Berlin. Germany is the federal republic, constitutional republic, representative democracy, and parliamentary republic. Germany is made up of 16 states. Germany covers an area of 357 021 square kilometers with a population of about 81.89 million; the population density is 226/km2 (583/sq mi). The population consists of 81% Germans, 7% other Europeans, 4% Turks, 2% Asians and 6% others. The official language is Germany and the majority of the people are Christians (Egert-Romanowska, 2001).
The capital city, Berlin has an area of 892 square kilometers and a population of 3.4 million. In 1993, Germany was faced with political instability that led to the establishment of the Third Reich. Later, the subsequent rise of fascism led to the World War II in 1945. After that the Germany was divided into East and West Germany by the allied occupation, but the two reunited in 1990.
In 1993, Hitler ascended into power under Nazi party and the form of government by then was dictatorship. The institutions of the democracy were destroyed, and the police state was reinforced. The handicapped people, Jews, communists, socialists, Gypsies, and unionists who were not supporting the Nazis party were persecuted. The Northern Germany is characterized with wind-swept hills and sea coasts which act as tourism attraction sites. The Western Germany is characterized with valleys topography and it is here modern cities and heavy industries are located. Central Germany is hilly and greener where financial cities and forest are located. Eastern Germany is flat, and it is here where the capital Berlin is located. Southern Germany is mountainous and numerous lakes, and it forms beautiful scenes for tourism attraction. Germany is experiencing a temperate seasonal climate and the humid westerly wind predominates. It gets average of 789 mm per year, and the rainfall occurs year round (Egert-Romanowska, 2001).
Germany is facing both winters and summers seasons. During the wintering season, the temperature can go up to 0 degree Celsius and in the summer season it can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Germany has rich cultures and all those cultures differences are embraces across all regions of Germany. It is famous for alpine and beer culture in which beer is traditionally served in 1 litre mugs. It held annual Oktoberfest festival which the world largest fair. It is well known for wine growing and has the largest wine festival worldwide. The number and types of cars one individual own are considered as the symbol of social status and national pride. Tourists visit Germany to rent exotic sports car, and they do fly down the autobahn. Most cities in Germany are known for gay and lesbian scenes. Gays and lesbians are openly shown in public and even there mayors, ministers and stars who are homosexuals.
The Germany has high living standard with a comprehensive social security. There is freedom, democracy, and political stability in Germany. The Germany has fascinating, rich political and cultural history. Germany is a major country in Europe continent with high economic and political power characterized with leaders with historical, cultural, technical, and theoretical fields. The country is decentralized, and it embraces cultural diversity from all corners of Germany. The Germans are friendly, and when one is polite he/she can fit their life easily.
Citizens of US are eligible to obtain a residence permit in Germany, and I am looking forward to obtaining one. Germany has an international bank such as Chase bank that is providing international banking and services across the world. On top of that, I had gotten a reply to work with the Baobab House Publishers where I cherish to be there.
(4.) Identify what the State requires an individual to expatriate.
Amount of money required to apply
Money reserve required
The exact amount needed to prove that you are not an added liability is not stipulated. However, the state requires that the amount should be enough to keep you going in the chosen city as you look for possible sources incomes. You need to prove this to the authorities admitting you during an interview.
Marketable skills
In Berlin, job skills in the service industry seem to be more marketable, especially catering, transport and IT services. Skills in engineering: mechanical, electrical and electronic; nursing and commerce can help you to land a formal job or become self-employed.
Language
Foreign citizens who desire to live in Germany must have basic skills in German language. The Federal Republic of Germany requires this to enhance participation of foreigners in the society from the outset. Proof of linguistic skills is not required if a foreigner moves into unite with a German spouse.
When applying for a visa, you will be required to demonstrate these language skills at the interview. You must also have a certificate proving that you had passed in any of their specified examinations.
There are some exceptions, including persons who cannot learn German because of a physical, psychological, or mental disability. If you have a spouse and he/she is already living and working in the country as a highly qualified employee or if spouses hold European Union Blue Card.
Obstacles inhibiting application for residence in Germany
As discussed above, lack of proof to show that you have some basic skills in German can render your application to live in German null and void.
Other possible obstacles are if you have a contagious disease and a criminal record, and it is proved so.
5.)
Voluntary simplicity refers to living a full life that is by intentionally designing about your life, to do things you cherish or need rather than sacrificing something important or wasting your time, resources or energy on some things you do not require (Grigsby,. 2004).
Voluntary simplicity is also about integrating essential ethical concerns as fair distribution of resources and labor and the well-being of naturally surrounding into your personal choices. Although in our day-to-day life the definition of voluntary simplicity is not uniform across the world in the sense that what another person is finding comfortable with could be boredom to someone else (Grigsby,. 2004)
The level of simplicity varies from one person to another due to different existing responsibilities to different people. One should not abandon legitimate responsibilities and start to impose his/her values on other people. One is always the concern about money he/she has in relation to comfortable engagements with enough money and figuring out a route to deprivation and excessive accumulation.
I would have the focus on the following list of items before moving towards voluntary simplicity. Identify what is important to me, what I can do without, and what is enough to me. Furthermore, I would make sure to engage in a reasonable work regardless of being paid or voluntary. Plan to have a quality time to spend with friends and family and more so select the leisure activities that are joyful and pleasurable to me. Focus on voluntary activities that are sustainable in terms of money and consumption, supporting community-based livelihoods with environmental protection and recycling. I would emotional engage in healthy lifestyles that include adequate sleep, nutritious food, and physical exercise. Identify and linked me in Practices that will enhance personal growth, spirituality, and inner life such as religious ceremonies, journaling, and prayers (Grigsby, 2004).
There are ten different classifiers, but I would hope to choose that one of political simplicity. Political simplicity is the organization of our collective lives that we enable us to stay more lightly and sustainably on the planet, earth. This is because political simplicity touches nearly all areas of public life ranging from education and transportation to the extent of designing our cities, workplaces, and homes. Furthermore, political simplicity influences the other simplifiers in one way or the other. It here we can design our life from our values and beliefs.
6.
Cultural orientation
My personal score was 30%.
I believe that it is the responsibility of any Government to censor speech, press, internet, and media to some extent. All services in the military need to be voluntary with no draft. Laws guiding sex for consenting adults should be put in place and those prohibiting drugs usage and possession should never be repealed.
Furthermore, national ID is a valid tool to monitor and maintain security
Economic orientation
My economic score was 70%
Government has a role of controlling the social structure of its citizens. From my test, corporate welfare that includes governments giving out assistance to businesses is necessary to promote local development.
The Governments should minimize barriers to trade except in the situation where the national interests, sovereignty, and security are threatened by international trade. People should be allowed to take care of their own retirement and private charities should replace Government welfare. Furthermore, the government should reduce its spending and taxes by 50% or more.
Following the above results, I believe I am a conservative. I tend to prefer economic freedom but often support laws to control personal behavior that go against traditional values. I believe Government should defend morality and traditional structures of families but exercise minimum control on business. I favor a strong military, little or no bureaucracy, and low taxes. There need to be a free market economy, and strong law enforcement should be endorsed.
7.
An author and historian: am capable of write insightful books about sociology, political perspective, and economic perspective. On top of that, I can give comprehensive public lectures about the same areas highlighted above. I am able to be consulted and can secure a good job in publishing companies. The incomes from all these potentials areas are enough to sustain me abroad. On top of that, I can speak fluently both English and Germany language and because of that I can secure job easily and adapt there with less effort.
The building of relationship and friends with other families will be easy because our ancestors originate from that area. I had been living comfortable with my family and not at given time had a point figure to any of my family’s members as the cause of trouble during ups and downs. I believe members of my family and I, for me being in the forefront can adequately solve family issues and never think of my family can cause m unhappiness.
I had been running a private businesses and lucrative farming and up to now I had raised enough expatriation capital. My expatriation capital may only b a bit costly because I have a family that I had to go with and meet all the cost.
8. Current cost of basic living needs in Germany (Bravo, 2012)
Rent:
A 1 bedroom apartment outside of Berlin city centre at $ 550 per month
Utilities:
Basic (Electricity, water, garbage, heating) and 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff at $ 135
Internet Service:
Internet ( 6 Mbps, Unlimited Data) at $ 30 per month.
Food:
$250 per month
Entertainment:
Cinema, International, releases two seats at $ 25 per month
Clothing:
A pair of jeans at $ 100, A summer dress in a chain store at $50, A pair of Nike shoes at $ 110
and A pair of men’s leather shoes at $ 120. Total = $ 380
I need $500,000 by 2032 (year), which will last until 2040 (year). I invested $ 20,000 per year to achieve this projection.
10.
I will have projected $ 480,000 social security per annum by age 62. It extends my stay at the current funding until 2038 (year).
I will have projected $ 550,000 social security per annum by age 67.It extends my stay at the current funding until 2040 (year).
I will have projected $__530,000________social security per annum by age 72. It extends my stay at the current funding until__2038__________ (year).
Works Cited
Grigsby, Mary. Buying Time and Getting by: The Voluntary Simplicity Movement. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 2004. Print.
Bravo, José, Ramón Hervás, and Marcela Rodríguez. Ambient Assisted Living and Home Care: 4th International Workshop, Iwaal 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, December 3-5, 2012, Proceedings. Berlin: Springer, 2012. Print.
Egert-Romanowska, Joanna, and Małgorzata Omilanowska. Germany. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2001. Print.
Kaplan, Wendy. Designing Modernity: The Arts of Reform and Persuasion, 1885-1945 : Selections from the Wolfsonian. New York, N.Y: Thames and Hudson, 1995. Print.
Montagu, Mary W, and Mary Astell. Letters of the Right Honourable Lady M-Y W-Y M-E: Written, During Her Travels in Europe, Asia and Africa, to Persons of Distinction, Men of Letters. &c. in Different Parts of Europe. : Which Contain, Among Other Curious Relations, Accounts of the Policy and Manners of the Turks ; Drawn from Sources That Have Been Inaccessible to Other Travellers. New-York [i.e. Providence: Printed [by Sarah Goddard and Co., 1766. Print.
Sklair, Leslie. Sociology of the Global System. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Print.
Martell, Luke. The Sociology of Globalization. Cambridge: Polity, 2010. Print.
Mount, Nicholas J, and Rob Linn. Interview with Nicholas John Mount. N.p., 2005. Print.
