Hello! I’m writing this blog to cover a little
information about how I landed in Canada. In case some of you didn’t know yet.
I’m now in Canada and will be here for a year to work and travel. If you all
know me well, this is the kind of thing that I would do :)
Before the storytelling part, let’s break the
“university presentation format” and bring forward the Q&A session. I have
prepared some personal advice if you are interested to take the same path as I am right
now. Please use at your own justification.
1. Why Canada?
 |
| Train journey alone, across Canada. |
I wish to experience a western country. Other than KPOP, I am not foreign to western pop culture like movies, music and books. We know how media plays a role in
forming our perspective. Whenever we mention western countries we will think of words like “open minded”, “friendly”, “rich”, “smart”, ”confident” etc.
That’s why I want to see it by myself. I know I can't paint the
whole western country with the one brush I had in Canada, but that’s the least
I can do. So far I’ve met lots of westerners other than Canadians. For instance
my roommate is an Australian. I could also improve my worldview by befriending others.
Possibilities. If my memory serves me well, the 4 countries
which are “easier” for Malaysians to work abroad are New Zealand (limited to
1000 permits/year), Australia (only with entitled skills), Indonesia and of
course Singapore (I will add the source when I trace it back). I am aware that
Canada is not in the list, but a visa is possible if you get through an agent similar to USA, which is costly and tricky. However based
on my calculation, a few months work is able to cover the overall expenses.
I wish to improve my English. Please don’t say things like “your English is
good enough.” “Good enough” is the keyword that stops you from improving. We
should learn from the native speakers and how they word their expressions.
Expand my world view. Do I have to explain this?
Other very many relevant reasons: I want to avoid reality. I’m a wanderluster. I
need photos for my #Instagram. I hate 9-5 jobs. I want to be young, wild and
free. I need lots of eye candy. I love Justin Bieber. I need to improve my
resume. I want to ski all year. I am running away from jokers in my country.
(PLEASE DON’T TAKE THIS PARAGRAPH PERSONALLY IT’S MEANT TO BE A JOKE)
2. Why not Korea?
I dream about it all the time. Honestly, I would trade my Canadian visa to a Korean one any day.
However...
- A year there cost
x3 more than Canada. I have to enroll in uni/language centers first.
- It’s difficult to enter Korea without proven Korean language proficiency.
- It’s more difficult to get an employer.
- No
work and travel opportunity,
yet.
- I’m yellow (if you know what I mean.)
- It’s time to experience another country other than Korea.
I will still go back one day!
3. What does your
family say?
We discussed about this and it was easier
because I have experience living abroad. At one point I felt sorry because I
had to convince my parents through the phone. I should have
done it face to face to prove my sincerity. (Please don’t repeat my mistake.)
Of course, my parents did not say “Yes, you may
go” since day one. The first time I mentioned about work and travel, there were
some objections and doubts. I had to bring out my findings and state my reasons.
Hopefully my personal approach can help you pass the parents' stage:
- Choose a safe country.
- Find a reliable agent / employer.
- Make calculations that you can earn back the cost.
*Earning a stronger currency is an advantage.
- Prove yourself accountable with facts, news and mostly
your behavior. Show your work and travel friend’s Facebook to them, how
they are enjoying and being taken care of.
- Mention why you want to live abroad.
- (Personal justification) I have time to spare after
graduation. Due to foundation studies, I graduated earlier than most people
of my age. Spare time is very subjective; some parents have the mentality
that children must work once they graduate.
- Age matters. Most countries have the age limit of 18-30 years old to
work and travel. Plus, it’s more practical to do it before you settle down.
Side
notes:
- The tougher your parents are, the more proof you need.
(Same la, big boss need stronger weapons.) Prepare yourself before saying: “Pa, Ma, I want to go work and travel.” You can open this discussion when they ask what you want to
do with your future, use words like “I’m planning to, I’m interested to,
because my friend went to xxx and changed positively."
- Be frank on the country’s weakness (eg, drug, guns,
gangsters, racism, living cost) and mention how you will overcome them.
- Don’t be discouraged if they say no. Ask them why and find more backup. Perhaps they are right, and you can change your choices or find a different agent.
- Do not throw tantrums, discussion
proves maturity.
- You may choose to downplay Malaysia but I won't do it personally. Eg; Canada is safer than Malaysia. If I can survive Malaysia
I can survive any first world country. This country is more advance,
democratic.. etc.
- P.R.A.Y. about
it. Don’t go against the peace in your heart.
4. Boyfriend…?
Some of you heard my response “Don’t mind him.” :( PLEASE, do know this is meant to brush off the most difficult part of my
departure. Though we haven't been together for long, but I believe in him and he
believes in me. He is very supportive of my decision. which is very
important and it means a lot to me. If you have a partner while exchange/ work and travel, focus on the positive effects of the distance. Eg:
he could focus on his studies & interests while I fufill myself. I am
grateful my boyfriend keeps his promise to talk to me every day. I am even more
grateful for the internet.
5. $$$...?
If you know me well enough, I am quite
particular about money and my family does not own a bank. I am considered very
lucky that my family could help me with the agent fees, plane ticket
and first month of living cost. I played my part to work and save up. While waiting for the visa approval, you may take the opportunity to work. It
helps to pass time, ease your financial burden and builds your resume. You may
look for Facebook groups like “Part time Malaysia”. Earn as much as you can and
believe you can earn your money back in the future. Money doesn’t drop from the
sky, chances like this don't always come by.
These are my answers for most of the questions
you have asked me. Thank you for your interest in reading. I will update my personal experience in the coming post.
