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If you had to chose between Riga and Bucharest to be relocated, what would you pick? It seems the economy is better in Bucharest but I am concerned about the international schools, things for the family to do, and ease of travel. Any input would be appreciated!!!
If you had to chose between Riga and Bucharest to be relocated, what would you pick? It seems the economy is better in Bucharest but I am concerned about the international schools, things for the family to do, and ease of travel. Any input would be appreciated!!!
Romania is probably the poorest country in EU so that's news to me that Bucharest is doing better than Riga economically.
But anyway - you should give us more information about what are you going to do in those cities and what are your expectations...
Btw, in Riga you can choose between Russian and Latvian, no need to learn both languages. Also most of the young people can speak English.
I'm a Latvian, but have never been to Latvia. I grew up in Chicago. At home I spoke Latvian with my parents and other Latvian adults.
Latvian is a complicated language. For non-Latvian to learn it may be frustrating. Many Latvians in Latvia speak English. I know of other Latvians who grew up in America that moved to Latvia.
Using the links in this website, Latvia ranks lower than Romania for Global Well Being, Health Performance,and WHO ranked Health Systems. Romania didn't even make the Poverty Index list which Latvia landed 5th on. Romania has lower murder rates and a lower prison populations. That is where I got a good deal of my info, but I'd be more than happy to research other information if I knew where to look.
We will be employed by the gov't. I think my husband is leaning toward Latvia. I wonder if the country side and the Black Sea (vs Bay of Riga) will be nicer in Romania. Also, will travel be easier from Romania. My biggest concern is the schools so that my kids have an easier transition. I do not know how to get school report cards and parent reviews like a person can here in the US.
Getting info about Latvia in English may not be easy.
Another thing, Latvians are politically conservative. Due to being a part of the USSR for decades, many Latvians hate Russians and everything Russian.
The one thing that you'll not read anywhere is that Latvians are not very accepting of non-Latvians. They try not to be rude, but have an aloof attitude. It's not like America where you can greet a stranger, "How ya doin'?" and soon a conversation starts, possibly a friendship. Latvians are more reserved. It may take quite a while to connect with people. And you may start to wonder 'What are we doing wrong?" When, in fact you're doing nothing wrong. It's just the Latvian style.
I haven't been to either Bucharest or Riga...but have looked into both of them from time to time.
I would think from a language perspective, Romanian using a Latin script and based on a Latin language might be more easier and more motivating to learn. Bucharest would also have warmer weather.
However, I would think Latvia might be the cleaner, better maintained city - I mean, just by looking at them both through photos and such.
I have been to Riga but not Bucharest. I lived in eastern Europe for 5 years and I can tell you, that you cannot replicate your American lifestyle in schools or anything else. So forget that right away.
Now as an affluent US expat you will be able to live very well in either place, and the cultural and travel advantages have America beat hands down. But there is no big yellow school bus, no Walmart, no Saturday little league.
I have been to Riga but not Bucharest. I lived in eastern Europe for 5 years and I can tell you, that you cannot replicate your American lifestyle in schools or anything else. So forget that right away.
Now as an affluent US expat you will be able to live very well in either place, and the cultural and travel advantages have America beat hands down. But there is no big yellow school bus, no Walmart, no Saturday little league.
International schools in Bucharest:
Bucharest City Guide (http://www.moveoneinc.com/city-guide/bucharest.php?page=51&video=51&description=51 - broken link)
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