[asteram]

Good post, noelineC. People need to realize that Latin America is an entirely different cultural entity than the US, Europe, Canada, or Australia, with each LatAm country having their own version. Expect corruption and bureacratic delay. Expect dishonesty and stealing; most of South America is dirt-poor and they see all gringos as being wealthy and a potential source of easy money. Accept that right up front.

Imagine a place where you are rich because you own a mason's trowel and a hammer and can feed your family? Where if you are not careful, someone will steal your tools and tomorrow you will be out of work because you don't have money to buy new ones.

Do not think that the country and people are sitting around waiting for your new ideas which they will gladly embrace. Do not go there expecting to fix the country's problems; you won't. Bring your ideas and your goals, expecting them to change when confronted with reality. Self-sufficiency in food, shelter, tools, and skills are primary. Securing all possessions and buildings from theft is primary too. Making friends with the locals is a must, but keep in mind that you want respect, too. Set clear rules and live by them. If you start being over-generous you will be taken advantage of.

Relying on an outside source of income, such as exporting medicines or herbs to wealthy countries, will not, I think, last very long. Go there with the idea that you may have to live just like the natives for a while, and I don't mean the wealthy elite. Your education and skills are your most valuable assets; what you know may be rare in South America, but one needs to find out their practical application to the given environment.

Anyone looking for security or a safe, sure thing? You might as well stay where you are.