OFWs are resilient and determined. They have to leave home to work abroad, and its not a small feat because it involves adjusting to new cultures, making personal sacrifices, and facing professional challenges.
If you are a first time OFW, you need to seek advice on how to adjust to life abroad. The practical tips mentioned her can help you perform well as a new OFW.
A guide for New OFWs
Here are some tips you need as a new OFW:
Prepare Your Documents Thoroughly
Having all your documents ready is important to avoid delays and complications. You need to double check all paperwork before leaving. Put these documents in a folder and have both digital and printed copies with you.
You generally need the following documents with you:
- Pre-Departure Overseas Seminar (PDOS) Certificate
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- Passport and Working Visa
- Employment Contract and Endorsement Letter
- At least two government-issued IDs
- Confirmed flight tickets and boarding pass
For seafarers, ensure that you carry your Seaman’s Book. Having your documents in order will make your transition smoother and reduce stress at immigration or during your first days abroad.
Budget and Save Early
You probably won’t get your first salary right away, so its important that you have savings before leaving. Your savings should be enough to cover the following on your first few weeks of stay:
- Emergencies
- Daily expenses
- Airport fees
- Commuting costs
Learn the Local Culture and Language
One of the biggest challenges for OFWs is adjusting to a new culture. To reduce culture shock, do some research on the customs, traditions and laws of your host country before leaving.
You can do the following small things beforehand:
- Learn common phrases in the local language
- Try local foods
- Participate in cultural events
- Make friends with locals and other expats to build your network
Combat Homesickness with Connection
Being away from family can lead to homesickness and loneliness. Stay connected with loved ones through video calls, social media, and messaging apps. Additionally:
- Decorate your living space with familiar items from home.
- Join Filipino community groups to meet fellow kababayans.
- Engage in hobbies and physical activities to maintain a healthy routine.
Remember that building friendships in your new environment will help ease feelings of isolation.
Know Your Rights and Seek Legal Support if Needed
Working in a foreign country comes with risks, including potential abuse or unfair treatment. Familiarize yourself with the labor laws of your host country and your employment contract to know your rights.
Some warning signs of workplace abuse include:
- Uncompensated overtime
- Withheld documents or salary
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Limited communication or movement
If you experience mistreatment, document incidents and reach out to the Philippine Embassy or migrant worker support groups for help. REPUBLIC ACT No. 10022 offers legal protection to OFWs, so knowing where to seek assistance is critical.
Maintain Good Health and Well-being
You have to be physically and mentally fit before leaving to work abroad. Have regular health check-ups, but after all, these are required for employment abroad. Some countries prevent individuals from entering if they have serious or communicable illnesses.
Common health concerns that may limit employment opportunities include:
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis
- Heart disease or cancer
To be healthy enough, you need to adopt healthy habits. You need to eat well and exercise regularly to stay in top shape during your overseas stint. You need a healthy body to perform well in your job and enjoy your stay in a different country.
Upgrade Your Skills and Plan for the Future
Being abroad is an excellent opportunity for professional growth. Use your time wisely by learning new skills or taking up courses related to your field or personal interests. Many OFWs also pursue language classes or technical training to enhance their career prospects.
At the same time, plan for your return to the Philippines. OFW life is not permanent, so it’s essential to build a savings fund and explore investment opportunities for long-term financial stability. This will prepare you to transition smoothly when it’s time to return home, whether to retire, start a business, or pursue a new career.
Secure Legal Employment
It is important to work only under the proper visa and legal permits. If you have a tourist visa, don’t work. You could get jail time if you do so, and you can get deported and be in legal trouble.
Your employment needs to be processed by a recruitment agency that is licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure that your job is legitimate and properly documented.
Join Support Networks and Communities
If you work in a country that has a large Filipino population, then chances are there are community organizations or associations that can support you as an OFW.
If you join these Filipino networks abroad, they can help you with legal issues and workplace concerns. They can also provide the emotional support that you need for your time abroad.
Stay Positive and Embrace Change
Working overseas can be challenging, but having the right mindset makes a big difference. Keep an open mind and embrace change. There may be tough days, but focusing on your goals and motivations will help you overcome obstacles.
It’s also helpful to think of challenges as learning opportunities. When you engage with new experiences and explore your host country, you’ll grow both personally and professionally. Many OFWs find that they not only develop new skills but also gain confidence from thriving in a foreign environment.
Being an OFW is both a rewarding and challenging experience. Success doesn’t just mean earning well—it’s about finding balance in your personal and professional life, staying healthy, and preparing for the future. With careful planning, adaptability, and support from the Filipino community abroad, new OFWs can create meaningful experiences and secure a better future for themselves and their families.