It would depend on which places were actually willing to give me a visa for a year, but I guess Argentina would be my first choice. I’ve never been to South America, and it looks big and varied enough to be interesting for a year; plus, total immersion would do wonders for my fading Spanish skills.
We’d follow winter - skiing all over the world. When money got tight near the end, we’d ski bum.
Heck, since it’s a fantasy, I’m going to be selfish. I’d hop from cruise ship to cruise ship and work my way around the world. Altho $200K might not be enough. A few weeks ago, I was looking at cruise sites, and there was a 121 day cruise that ran almost $180K per person. It’s probably be cheaper to buy a boat and cruise it ourselves. 
I’d go to Europe and spend a year touring it by motorcycle, maybe on a Ural Solo.
I don’t think so. Only one country, and can’t keep any saved cash. I would almost certainly not be able to keep my job, and the odds of making anywhere near what I do now in a different job are nill.
Only one country and I have to spend $200k? In this hypothetical I have the benefit of choosing the US as I am a UKian (from England, aka Poundland). From what little knowledge I have of the US I think it wouldn’t be impossible to spend $200k in one year.
Other than the US, I would choose a country with a lot to see/do. If I went to a European country it would be too frustrating as I’d want to see another because of their proximity. None of those problems with Oz or NZ but I want to go somewhere with more history.
Ah, South Africa: 11 languages, ‘known’ by Europeans since the 15th century, swimming with sharks, bungee jumping, temperate climate, diverse as ****.
Oops, missed the 1 country rule.
Probably France, Switzerland, or Italy - someplace with great skiing, access to summer mountains for play, and Italy/France have the added benefit of ocean access. New Zealand would also be in play.
So–the rules of this game state that you can’t save any of the $200,000, but could you invest it? What if you were to go somewhere and start a business or buy assets–like stock or real estate–while you were there?
Sure, mrAru and I are accustomed to spending time apart. I could head over to Germany and kick in on a flat with a friend. If I bought a car could I bring it back? It seems a shame to get a car rigged for handicapped and get all comfy with it and have to sell or abandon it. [and why Germany? I could move to somewhere near Ramstein and take advantage of the base hospital for my medical needs.]
If I can’t keep the money, maybe not. I’d be out of work for a year after finishing school (and not licensed to work overseas). If you’d asked me four years ago, hell yes.
Chamonix, France, epic skiing in winter, long season, lots of backcountry touring. Short mud season and then more epic mountain biking and hiking in spring / summer.
Not sure how long 200K would last with wife 3 kids and a dog.
Australia. I’d be so tan and fit by the end just by the virtue of living in Australia - or so I suspect.
What? You’re going to a charm school??!!
I assumed they were passe`.
The only problem would be picking the place:
France
Spain
Italy
Australia
New Zealand
Tahiti
Argentina…
That’s just what I get by thinking for 15 seconds.
Global three month Eurail Pass to find out where I’d want to spent the rest of the year.
I’d go to Latvia, and bring my Mom. Both of my parents’ families fled to the US during WWII. I still have lots of family there, and while I’m familiar with the culture having grown up with it, I haven’t actually been IN it. Any extra money I’d give to a museum or two, and/or some other organization I think is important.
I’d also want to find a copy of my paternal grandfather’s book on pig husbandry. 
I’ve no interest in pig farming, but man, he wrote a book! That got published!
You have inspired me to start a new “vacation” thread over in Café Society.
Trust me, I need the help. 
Paris. It’s one of the few places that my partner and I both love.
I have always wanted to go back to India for a year and live there, but our household standard of living depends on both our salaries, and I don’t think I could convince him indoors to go with me.