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January 26, 2015
By Quay Evano
Filipinos have been widely known as citizens of the world. The Pinoy diaspora dates back to the early 1900s when thousands of Filipinos migrated to the USA and ended up starting generations upon generations of Filipino-Americans. According to AC Nielsen, Filipinos, after the Chinese and the Indians, are the third largest expatriate population scattered around the globe, with 12% of our population outside the homeland. Our kababayans can be found working and living virtually anywhere in the world – on oil tankers and cruise ships in remote oceans from pole to pole; in unforgiving deserts in the Middle East and Africa; in the coldest places in the world, and even in jungles untouched by man in South America.
Each person has a different way of adapting and surviving in a new country. Luckily for us Filipinos, the culture that we have grown up with has given us a built-in advantage in terms of being able to more easily integrate within new communities where we choose to reside. Not only are we blessed with familiarity with the English language, even our easy-going and mostly open attitude, unlike more conservative expats, certainly helps us adjust to life in a foreign land.
Still, sharpening our survival skills will ease the way we can get accustomed and eventually thrive in a new place. Here are some tips that Filipinos could benefit from while trying to make it elsewhere in the world.
Research, or even better, visit before you jump.
Before deciding to live in a new country, learn as much information as you can, first hand, by visiting the place. In case traveling there before you settle is not an option, due your due diligence through research. With the wealth of information that’s available online, these days, it’s very easy to find essential details about various places around the world via the WWW. Even better – try to get second hand information from people who actually live there. Sometimes, it could be as simple as asking a relative or friend hundreds of questions. Here, it is better to ask even about the most mundane of things – like what is allowed and what is not allowed, where you can get basic needs, etc. There is nothing more precarious than landing in a country that you know absolutely nothing about. Research and read about your destination. It will do you wonders.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do
This old adage is one of the best tips there is. It’s simple, logical and practical. Of course, there will always be some things that people will not be able to do because of medical, religious and other reasons but try to experience ‘being one’ of the citizens of the country to fully understand their culture. Eat what you can and are allowed to eat whether it’s a shawarma or chicken masala – try to get a taste for local cuisine. Learn the local language or basic greetings and phrases. It’s a sure fire way to break the ice and start a conversation, plus the native speaker would always find it nice that you are speaking their language.
Furthermore, learn how to use public transportation. Find out about the metro, bus, train, system or any other local methods of getting you to your destination. This skill is not only important when you’re in Metro Manila, but practically in any city in the world.
Doing as the Romans do, simply means learning and respecting the norms and culture of your host country and its people, and becoming one with them, somehow.
Learn the language
Develop a liking, if not love, for learning new languages. Living in different parts of the world gives you an opportunity to learn new tongues. Seize this opportunity because even if you don’t end up fluent in the native language of your host country, just making an effort to speak in the prevalent language will be appreciated by native speakers. Of course, being able to understand what people around you are talking about certainly helps. You can also bargain more if you know the native language because sales people will think that you’ve been in their country for a long time and they can’t fool you with their prices. You can somehow go around easier if you have, even just a slight grasp of the language. The language of life is learning the language of others. That’s how we start to really understand each other.
Abide by the laws of the country
How not to get in trouble? Easy. Know and follow the rules and the laws anywhere you go. In the UAE, follow their modest dress code because it still is a Muslim country despite the prevalent modern lifestyle. The country has zero tolerance for drinking and driving. A man is not allowed to be shirtless in public. These are their just some of the rules people in the country should follow. In Canada, slow down to 30 kph around school zones because that’s one of the driving laws. There’s also a strict law on drinking and driving.
Wherever in the world you are, know the rules and stick to them. Ignorance is not an excuse.
Network, contact old friends, and make new ones
Having lots of contacts and friends will definitely help you in a lot of ways when moving and living abroad. Finding a job or transferring to a better job will be easier with referrals. Contacts can also assist you in finding a good apartment, getting the best deals when buying something, etc. Keeping an active social network can benefit you in so many ways – from settling down to your new life, getting leads at work, to even keeping you socially active.
Nowhere are old and new friends more important and essential than when you are away from home. Remember, no man is ever meant to be an island.
Prepare for the weather
Do not underestimate the impact of climate and weather on your health and day-to-day life. Become a pro when it comes to dressing up for the weather. This is essential whether you live in the Philippines where it rains most of the year and you need to carry an umbrella or a towel when you go out, or in the UK where as they say you need to factor in all 4 seasons in one day, or in Dubai where cotton clothes are necessary to stay comfortable in the infernal summer heat. Even moreso in Canada with their legendary harsh winters, where people could die outdoors with the extreme weather and where you need to learn the art of layering for warmth in order to avoid frostbite or getting sick with the flu or other cold weather-related afflictions.
Use technology to fight homesickness
Of course, there will always be no place like home but with technology nowadays, it’s so easy to connect with loved ones back home and even see them while you are talking to them! Fifteen years ago, we were already thrilled at the prospect of chatting with friends and family through the simplistic Yahoo Messenger. But now with Skype, Viber, Line and all other apps and hi-tech phones, talking to people anywhere in the world is so easy and even free of cost. Imagine what it must have been like for expat Filipinos in the 70s through to the 90s who had to rely on snail mail or long distance calls via PLDT phone hubs just to communicate with loved ones.
With text, emails, apps and social media, technology has made our world a better place bringing us closer although we are miles apart. Use it as much as you can.
Save money. Save money. Save money.
It might be hard to save money, especially when you are just starting a new life in a new country, and while you also need to support loved ones back home. But it pays for us Filipinos abroad to remember the cautionary tales of fellow kababayans who landed in deep debt due to useless and needless spending, after losing their jobs during the recession.
Beware the temptation posed by credit cards, especially when you’re itching to buy those latest gadgets that are unnecessary to your life and cost half of your salary. Don’t get any if you can avoid it, and close credit card accounts as soon as you can because in reality, it means ‘utang.’ In fact, it should be called ‘debt card’ because it truly does land you in debt.
Stick to necessities and save your hard-earned pay, no matter how small you can muster in the beginning, and have a back-up plan. Life is so unpredictable anywhere and there is no such thing as a stable job. Look at the 2008 global financial crisis which, up to now, affects the entire world.
Be practical and don’t get in over your head. That’s how you get ahead when living abroad.
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