OFW guide: What OFWs must know before going abroad
For most Filipinos, working abroad for the first time can be very daunting.
While jobs abroad might offer better pay, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can undergo a lot of stress as they make many adjustments in their personal lives.
For one, they face loneliness and depression as they have to live far away from their families and loved ones.
To help OFWs cope with working abroad, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) compiled a list of do's and don'ts to remember when one intends to work abroad.
(1) Learn and understand the host country's language
Learning another language may be difficult but is worth the time and effort that you will put into it.
This skill will give you an edge when applying for work abroad. You can even use this skill even after your contract expires.
There's also nothing better than being aware of what people around you are talking about. It would be awkward if people kept talking in their native tongue (which they will) and you can't understand a word.
(2) Respect culture, traditions and practices
If you want respect, show respect.
This is especially true if you are a Catholic going into a Muslim majority country or vice versa.
It doesn't mean just because they have different beliefs, you won't respect them.
(3) Abide by your contract
As long as everything is made clear to you and no unjust changes in salary or terms were done, honor your contract.
Not abiding to your contract may result in an argument or even undue termination, arrest, and deportation.
(4) Abide by their laws
Just like following your contract, abiding by your host country's laws is a must and should be taken seriously.
Some host countries in the Middle East impose brutal penalties for violators such as beheading.
Being law-abiding would thus be for your benefit.
(5) Never carry drugs and illegal substances
Many Filipinos are caught trafficking illegal drugs and substances.
Say no to temptation and reject the idea or offers of cash for being a “drug mule.”
(6) Don't accept hand carried packages
Sometimes strangers would ask people in the airport to carry stuff for them for reasons like they exceeded their weight limit.
Be on the cautious side and politely decline their request. You might be used as a “carrier” without your knowledge.
(7) Avoid illegal activities
Engaging in illegal activities in foreign soil can land you into serious trouble.
You might think that the penalties for these activities might not be very serious back home but it may very well be the opposite in your host country.
(8) Don't lend your laptop
There are different rules to laptop usage in other countries. Some may not be as liberal compared to the Philippines.
Don't lend your laptops because boredom may cause your friends to engage in illegal activities while you're not looking.
(9) Don't live beyond your means
It's bad enough to be in debt but falling into a debt trap in another country where you have close to no friends is a nightmare.
Be yourself and accept what you can afford. Live within your means and be successful.
(10) Don't fall for get rich quick scams
A lot of people choose the easy way out when it comes to money. Some people easily believe scams telling them that they have won a certain amount and they need to send in their private details to claim the prize.
The thing is, money isn't that easy to get these days and being an OFW is a solid proof to that.
As the saying goes, if it's too good to be true then it's probably not. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
While jobs abroad might offer better pay, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can undergo a lot of stress as they make many adjustments in their personal lives.
For one, they face loneliness and depression as they have to live far away from their families and loved ones.
To help OFWs cope with working abroad, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) compiled a list of do's and don'ts to remember when one intends to work abroad.
(1) Learn and understand the host country's language
Learning another language may be difficult but is worth the time and effort that you will put into it.
This skill will give you an edge when applying for work abroad. You can even use this skill even after your contract expires.
There's also nothing better than being aware of what people around you are talking about. It would be awkward if people kept talking in their native tongue (which they will) and you can't understand a word.
(2) Respect culture, traditions and practices
If you want respect, show respect.
This is especially true if you are a Catholic going into a Muslim majority country or vice versa.
It doesn't mean just because they have different beliefs, you won't respect them.
(3) Abide by your contract
As long as everything is made clear to you and no unjust changes in salary or terms were done, honor your contract.
Not abiding to your contract may result in an argument or even undue termination, arrest, and deportation.
(4) Abide by their laws
Just like following your contract, abiding by your host country's laws is a must and should be taken seriously.
Some host countries in the Middle East impose brutal penalties for violators such as beheading.
Being law-abiding would thus be for your benefit.
(5) Never carry drugs and illegal substances
Many Filipinos are caught trafficking illegal drugs and substances.
Say no to temptation and reject the idea or offers of cash for being a “drug mule.”
(6) Don't accept hand carried packages
Sometimes strangers would ask people in the airport to carry stuff for them for reasons like they exceeded their weight limit.
Be on the cautious side and politely decline their request. You might be used as a “carrier” without your knowledge.
(7) Avoid illegal activities
Engaging in illegal activities in foreign soil can land you into serious trouble.
You might think that the penalties for these activities might not be very serious back home but it may very well be the opposite in your host country.
(8) Don't lend your laptop
There are different rules to laptop usage in other countries. Some may not be as liberal compared to the Philippines.
Don't lend your laptops because boredom may cause your friends to engage in illegal activities while you're not looking.
(9) Don't live beyond your means
It's bad enough to be in debt but falling into a debt trap in another country where you have close to no friends is a nightmare.
Be yourself and accept what you can afford. Live within your means and be successful.
(10) Don't fall for get rich quick scams
A lot of people choose the easy way out when it comes to money. Some people easily believe scams telling them that they have won a certain amount and they need to send in their private details to claim the prize.
The thing is, money isn't that easy to get these days and being an OFW is a solid proof to that.
As the saying goes, if it's too good to be true then it's probably not. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News
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