It has been a year since I arrived here in Europe, specifically in Germany. And I can say that after a year, I just find the right courage to blog my experience. After all the rigorous administrative procedure for my residence permit, application for my studies, moving from one region to another and most especially, the cultural integration, I'm really glad that I survive 2014. No matter how hard and challenging it is, I definitely make it!
Now, as this is the first day of the year, I would like to share some tips for those people who want to take risk and get the opportunity that they dream of, overseas.
Reason or Goals
-Actually there's no right or wrong reasons or goals, but it's the question of: What is that one goal that will keep you sane and go fighting when everything fails? Well, it's really hard to live abroad. Hard is just an understatement. You need to find the right motivation to keep going since not all journey are smooth sailing.
Budget
- Money. Money. Money. It's all about the money. This is not a luxury but a real necessity. So before you decide to go abroad, make sure that you have the right savings to pay your accommodation, daily needs, transportation, insurance and other expenses. Aside from that, it is also important to keep an emergency fund because you'll never know what can happen. You can also tap different institutions for scholarship (if you want to go there as a student) or it would be more practical if you are already hired from your home country so that when you arrive on the country of your destination you have a company to support you with a salary and to help you as well in finding a place to stay etc.
Am I emotionally ready?
- Some people go abroad as an escape, hoping for new life. new environment and greener pasture but the thing here is: You will still be the same person wherever you go. Going in a different place wouldn't assure you big time that the change that you want to see will happen in a snap. I think it would be really helpful, if one can just ask him/herself if this is the journey that he/she wants and needs to take. After all, there will be no family or friends that you can turn to (except if your family has migrated there or you have an immediate family/friends near you). There are still some fights that you need to deal with on your own.
Do your research!
- At this time, we are very lucky to have internet. We can just get all the information that we need with just a click. So let's not waste this privilege. Let's research as much as we can- possible opportunities that you can apply to, experiences of the various people, who went and settle there on that country, requirements and other paper works.
Prepare all the Paper works
- It's always a rigorous process to apply for a visa as well as to get your residence permit. Rules may vary and it also depends on your nationality, your professional/academic experience and your purpose, why you would want to go to that specific country. We can not always compare what the others experience previously since there might be some changes that can occur through time. Although, it's noteworthy to use it as a reference ;)
Have Patience
- Planning to go abroad is not just a piece of cake, it is far more than that. You need a lot of patience because you'll be waiting for your documents to be processed in the embassy, school or company. It definitely takes time.
Create a Timeline
- Since it takes time to plan, wait, prepare and go, it's better to create a possible and practical timeline. When it's backed-up by good research, I think it would be definitely feasible. One thing that you have to take note is that you can't wait forever. Money come and go.
Have a second, third, fourth, fifth…… options
- Noting that going to another country is indeed challenging, it's safe to have alternative options. As many people say, there will be many other ways to reach your goals. Since this new country is not your comfort zone, having a calculated risk is somehow recommended.
Pray. Spend time with your family and friends.
- You need to have all the spiritual, social and emotional support that you can get. Collect them and when the time comes abroad that you're feeling low, recall these memories with your friends and somehow you'll find a way to get back.
Enjoy every moment
- No matter how easy or tough life gets. Be in the moment!
No comments:
Post a Comment