Does venturing beyond your country’s own border sound thrilling and appealing? That holds true for many people worldwide! One of the primary reasons for going abroad is it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You can look forward to career opportunities, personal growth, or experiencing different cultures. Let’s delve into the reasons why Filipinos, as well as other nationalities, choose to pack their bags, bid adieu to their motherland, and go on an international sojourn.
Pursuing better opportunities
Filipinos, just like many other nationalities, are on the lookout for better opportunities beyond their own country’s backyard. The Philippines has a highly competitive job market, so finding stable and well-paying jobs can be challenging. For example, comparatively lower pay scales in professions like nursing, engineering, hostpitality, etc. have many Filipino professionals looking for greener pastures overseas to achieve their full potential.
Many Filipinos bid farewell to their families and endure homesickness to explore career opportunities in countries with strong economies, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. Known as OFWs or overseas Filipino workers, they have no choice but to risk it all to improve their families’ lives back home. The destinations they target often provide:
- Higher wages
- Enticing work benefits like health insurance and paid leaves
- More significant chances for career growth
- Better work-life balance
Other nationalities from developing nations like Indonesia or Mongolia may also seek better opportunities abroad due to similar reasons. Economic disparities, lack of job prospects, and limited career advancements can motivate individuals from diverse backgrounds to migrate to countries offering better prospects.
Education and personal growth
Another compelling reason for going overseas is pursuing higher education. Many Filipino students dream of graduating from prestigious international institutions, hoping to gain a world-class education and enhance their knowledge and skills. The exposure to different teaching methodologies and cultures fosters personal growth, broadens horizons, and helps them become more well-rounded individuals. Securing a student visa could also be a path to permanent residency. However, it is important to note that only affluent Filipino students or those who receive scholarships because of their stellar credentials choose this path.
Similarly, students from other countries like China or Mongolia also aspire to study abroad. Access to top-notch education, diverse academic programs, and research opportunities draws students from various corners of the globe to countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Japan.
Family and migration
Filipinos have strong family ties so family reunification is a powerful driving force for going abroad. Those who live away bring “pasalubong” or gifts from abroad to symbolize love and care for family. And those family members back home aspire to migrate to be with their loved ones who have already settled in foreign countries.
Other nationalities from developing nations like Indians or Vietnamese also seek reunification with their families and loved ones, propelling them to migrate to foreign lands. Countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada offer various immigration pathways to reunite families, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. This is a stark contrast from Western travelers who do so to unwind and relax.
Cultural exploration and adventure
Filipinos, known for their warm hospitality and adventurous spirit, embrace the opportunity to explore different cultures and traditions. Being overseas is a chance to:
- Immerse in diverse societies
- Learn new languages
- Try new gastronomic delights
- Adopt unique customs
However, it is critical to note that it’s not easy for Filipinos to travel because of their passport’s weakness. It is cumbersome and costly to secure visas. And for the majority of the Filipinos, going abroad for travel is a luxury many cannot afford.
Unlike residents of first world countries who can pack their bags at the drop of a hat, this kind of spontaneous travel is difficult if not impossible to achieve for Filipinos. Individuals from different nationalities are captivated by the idea of exploration and adventure. They seek to experience the richness of cultures, taste exotic cuisines, and witness breathtaking landscapes found only in far-off lands.
Reasons for going abroad final thoughts
The reasons for going abroad vary from person to person no matter their nationality. The decision is influenced by individual aspirations, cultural norms, and economic factors. In today’s interconnected world, crossing borders has become more accessible and appealing, allowing people from different backgrounds to explore life in a foreign land while contributing to global diversity. So, whether you’re a Filipino dreaming of new horizons or someone from another nationality seeking to explore the unknown, the world is waiting with open arms and boundless opportunities.
Image by Andrea Piacquadio in Pexels
