5 THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO WHEN YOU'RE ABROAD
 |
| Photocredit: DMedina/morgueFile |
“Hindi madali”. This is what we often hear our Kababayans say when asked about how they cope with everything while working in a foreign land. There’s a whole lot of things to deal with – from employer contract to the host country’s culture. I’ve come up with a few reminders that’ll hopefully make your overseas adventure less stressful.
1. Don't be a carrier of someone else's package. Some of our Kababayans who are suspected of being drug mules are making an excuse that they were only doing a favor to someone or a friend to hold a package for them. Politely refuse if someone you know or don't know ask you this type of favor. You never know that you might be the next unsuspecting victim of a drug syndicate. Always remain vigilant.
2. Don't be unaware of your host country's laws.
We know that ignorance of the law excuses no one. So irrespective of where you are in the world, it is a must for you to know (well you cannot know everything, right?) at least some of the host country's laws specifically pertaining to possession of alcoholic beverages, traffic violations, immorality, theft and murder - especially if you're in the Middle East. These are common offenses committed by some of our Kababayans there, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.
3. Don't be an illegal immigrant. We have that Pinoy mentality that as long as you don't get caught for doing something illegal, it's okay. However, in this case, once you are arrested, you have to face the consequence of paying your fine before you get deported.
4. Don't disrespect your host country's culture and practices. The Commission on Filipino Overseas has done its job well in conducting PDOS or Pre-Departure Registration and Orientation Seminars to would-be Filipino immigrants. However, you should also do some research on your destination country's culture. This would never be a problem because the information you need is only a mouse click away.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" as the famous idiom says.
5. Don't forget that you are a Filipino. This may sound like an absurd reminder, but I'd still want to push it. May your overseas career, your new acquired citizenship, your American husband, your St. Bernard cannot make you forget that you are a Filipino, unless otherwise you opted to.