A university education from a "cheap" school in the US can leave you in debt til your 50s if you're lucky. There are no free or cheap options, joining the military, getting good grades and/or or getting a sports scholarship are about the only ways for poor people to get a higher education. It is still part of our culture that higher education is a privilege and not a right, and I couldn't disagree more, but that 's just another example of why I left the USA.
At least in India they acknowledge their caste system, but in many countries like the USA, a caste system exists which is never spoken about or acknowledged. I almost had a scholarship for soccer to Australia, but something in my heart changed, and I decided not to the typical university-career-retirement life. It has come with great hardship, but I ultimately have no regrets.
Hi hi.. Justin.. ooo.. wow.. revelations for me. I never knew that in the USA, education is for the privileged till now. I have heard from some of my Filipino friends who I used to work with in Brunei that in the Philippines, there is even free education. That is pretty tough for those who are not born into wealthy families if they were born into poorer families in the USA. It is not their fault to be in poor families.
Australia is a great country but the only thing it doesn't feel as friendly as the people in Asia. Shops close really early. High tax. Expensive lifestyle. I have been there a couple of times and it doesn't feel lively as all especially at night although the shops are well designed. In Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur or even places like Taiwan, Hong Kong .. 1am at night is still happening.
The strange thing is the last time I went to Sydney a couple of years back. I was pretty excited to go to this zoo, "Taronga zoo" but arrived there late. All the animals were unavailable for viewing and it was around 2 pm. The sign " the gorilla is resting". Koala bears resting and so on. I was like, "it's 2pm " everyone's closing for business. And there are no cheap food to eat. It's all those posh high-class places. I don't really like high class places with fine dining. A plate of a few grapes with some drizzle of sauce for 10 bucks or 20 bucks. I think the diner just pays more for the experience rather than the food. I think Cambodia also is a great place to be at. =) People are not too materialistic. Happiness even with the smallest things. Have a great day, Justin. Thank you very much for such an insightful comment. =)
Socialism for the rich and corporations, and capitalism for the poor, as I like to say. I wouldn't say the USA is too different from your experience in OZ.