Leaving the Country For Good/Indefinitely/A Long Time: THINGS TO DO
In the Philippines, it's a very common life goal to be able to leave for "greener pastures." Sad as it may be, the country's economy and status simply does not provide individuals with the highest standard - be it in education or employment. Don't get me wrong, I love this country (as evidenced by my travel posts) and Cebu will forever be home to me. But I do understand why people leave. Come February, this blog will be based elsewhere (stay tuned for that) as I pursue education in a different country. So I thought I'd do a "Leaving the Country" series to help others prepare as well. I was fortunate enough to have a year to get ready but for others, the opportunity could be more abrupt. When you're leaving the country for a long duration, it's natural to panic and think about the things you have to get done. So here are a few tips:
1. PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTS.
- Passport, visa, certifications, IDs, etc. These are important so it's also best if you have several copies. You wouldn't want to have to ask a family member to air mail documents because you forgot about them.
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| Image from Google |
2. LEAVE AUTHORIZATION LETTERS.
- The chances of you needing a family member to secure more documents are high so it's best to be prepared.
3. CLOSE OR OPEN BANK ACCOUNTS. CUT OFF CREDIT CARDS.
- You might want to close your bank accounts so you can bring your money with you, or leave one open so you can transfer funds easily, or already open a new bank account in the country you're going to. Cut credit cards to stop membership charges, or continue so you can swipe away. This is entirely up to you.
4. PACK EARLY.
- Pack as early as possible. If you wait until the last minute, it will be hard for you to focus if you are crying your eyes out while packing. And you are bound to forget something. (Check out my guide on what to pack HERE.)
- And don't just pack your travel bag, pack up the things you are leaving behind so that when you come back, everything's organized and you don't leave your family with a cause for headaches.
- And don't just pack your travel bag, pack up the things you are leaving behind so that when you come back, everything's organized and you don't leave your family with a cause for headaches.
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| Image from Google |
5. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.
- Make sure that your housing arrangement, airport transfers and the like are already settled to avoid unnecessary stress. It's a new country and you're none the wiser after all.
6. ANTICIPATE YOUR NEEDS.
- If you're from a tropical country like me, and you're headed to a country with 4 seasons, your wardrobe is most likely insufficient. Shop for basic things that you will surely need where you're headed.
7.VISIT YOUR DOCTOR.
- Check what vaccines you need. It is definitely cheaper to get vaccinated in the Philippines than spend dollars elsewhere.
- Take all necessary tests. Get necessary prescriptions. You get the idea.
8. VISIT YOUR DENTIST.
- Dental services can be very expensive in other countries, and may not be included in your insurance policies.
7.VISIT YOUR DOCTOR.
- Check what vaccines you need. It is definitely cheaper to get vaccinated in the Philippines than spend dollars elsewhere.
- Take all necessary tests. Get necessary prescriptions. You get the idea.
8. VISIT YOUR DENTIST.
- Dental services can be very expensive in other countries, and may not be included in your insurance policies.
9. GO ON A #YOLO (YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE) SPREE.
- Go on a beach trip, travel, visit your country's entry to the new 7 wonders of the world, go on a food trip, do what you've always wanted to do but never got around to doing. It might be a while before you get to come back home.
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| Calle Crisologo, Vigan |
10. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES.
- There is nothing like leaving that reminds you of the things, places, but more importantly, people, that you're leaving behind. So apologize, forgive, reconnect and celebrate love, family and friendships. And when the heartache begins, try to think along the lines of that song that goes, "Baby, goodbye doesn't mean forever.."
You might also like: Leaving the Country: WHAT TO PACK
You might also like: Leaving the Country: WHAT TO PACK
34 comments
Thanks for making this easy and essential list! It's very helpful for people who are about to travel! Where are you going to study? That's exciting!
ReplyDeleteIt'sMyLife
I absolutely loved this post. I kind of thought it was going to be more about going on holidays rather than leaving countries. Leaving the country I live in is something I haven't really considered, I'm only 19 and in the middle of my studies. But your tips will come in super handy for people I'm sure. I started to pack away stuff for going back to Dublin however! :)
ReplyDeleteEllen
http://fishnetsxd.blogspot.ie
Lol! Edited the title to be more specific to avoid confusion. Thanks for the input! :)
DeleteI love to travel, and so these tips seem pretty useful c:
ReplyDeleteAmy;
Little Moon Elephant
It is very helpful list for people who make plans for leaving the country. You are very brave girl and it is great that you make moves which follow your dreams!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Europe, Sily
Great tips. I'm excited for Summer. I have some plans of traveling abroad :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day, Jeanne! :)
xoxo,
SHAIRA
http://www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
nice tips.. and happy be your travel ms jeane... nice to meet you.. see ya... you can invite me hehe pizz.. ^-^
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I'm leaving the country this week too! There is always so much to do before hand!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Great tips for traveling you look great.
ReplyDeleteSuch great tips, would love to travel!! haha
ReplyDeletehttp://floralsandsmiles.blogspot.ca/
twitter.com/floralandsmiles
Aww So happy for you! And I'm sure this post is inspiring to someone :)! All the best x
ReplyDeletewww.yolantarosetta.blogspot.co.uk
bellissime foto ciao a presto buona serata
ReplyDeleteWow, this is wonderful, great post. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLovely greets Nessa
Lovely post dear.... all the best in your new country that you will be base... cant wait to read more about it..
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!
ReplyDeleteLove this, it's so informative, especially number 8! That would've gone past my mind completely. Great post and good luck with everything. x
ReplyDeleteThe Style Icon
Great tips. Thank you from a traveller (one they stays for an extended amount of time)
ReplyDeleteJennifer Jayne xx
jenniferjayne.blogspot.co.uk
You are very courageous, wish you all the luck in the world!!
ReplyDeleteRosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Oh wow, sounds like a great adventure you're about to go on! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
I left my country too and moved to Italy 7 years ago. These are great tips!
ReplyDeleteBella Pummarola
Good luck to you! That's so exciting. I'm planning a big move too as well!
ReplyDeleteCOOCOO FOR COCO
Great tips, thx for sharing. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeletexox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
aww I'm sorry to hear that you have to move :( but I hope your move will be worthwhile! I had to do the same 3 years ago, I can sort of understand. I just changed my blog name and layout, would be great if you could take a look :)
ReplyDeletewww.samanthamariko.com
Good luck with the move, hope you enjoy the adventure! :)
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* Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *
x
i love to travel too
ReplyDeletewww.mrsnoone.it
kiss
It's sorry to hear that you have to move, dear and btw, you gave here amazing tips.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, dear,
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Aww wishing you the best for the move! My mom had done the same when she moved from the Philippines to the United States and I followed in her foot steps by moving from California to Hawaii (although not as drastic as a move as moving countries like you)! Wishing you the best for the move!
ReplyDeleteWow, so exciting and bitter sweet! Very cool that you made this to do list. I hope your transition will be a smooth one. :))
ReplyDeletexx,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/
Moving can be sad and you can end up feeling nostalgic but sometimes it's for the best, good luck!
ReplyDeleteclandestine-v.blogspot.com.au
Have a nice weekend..
ReplyDeleteNew outfit post is online.
Hey beautiful! Great Post!
ReplyDeleteI just nominated you for the Liebster Award
Check it on http://immaclassymermaid.blogspot.pt/2015/01/liebster-award.html
Can't wait to see your answers! Don't forget to tag me xoxo <3
great post dear, I have never left my country for good, but Im planning to do it next year:)
ReplyDeleteKonstantina | K MEETS STYLE.COM
Good luck in your travels Jeanne! I know that must be challenging, admirable strength!
ReplyDeleteXO Chloe
A Latte Lipstick
Even if just going away for a long holiday these make sense :) Really enjoyed this and I wish I'd seen this when I went away for five months! That dentist idea is what I got caught out on :P
ReplyDeletemakeitraynex.com XX
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I read every single one. :)