Being plunged into the other side of the world is not easy. Well most of the good things in life are not handed out to you on a silver platter. You have to work hard for it.
On October 2014, I journeyed to the United States to participate in a Cultural Exchange Program for 12 months. It wasn’t planned but the opportunity was there and I’m really glad that I grabbed it. With less than three months before my program began and worth mentioning that I still had a job during this time, I was pretty much all over the place. Running around like a chicken without a head.
Process the requirements. Visa interview. Book the flights. And imagine packing the essential things you need for a year… tough.
I owe my thanks to Placement International and Alliance Abroad for putting together this program. It was the perfect opportunity for a young individual like me looking for an international and professional experience. All throughout the program, they ensured that the participants were all doing well, sending us our monthly check-in and they were always a phone call/email away. You don’t have to worry about your placement or host company because they give you the best.
I left Manila with two huge suitcases and two carry ons with clothes and things I was able to start with. Because who am I kidding, I was going to America and they have everything.
Prior to my US adventure, I did my research on a few helpful tips and guide for those participating in a Cultural Exchange Program. I wanted to have an idea of what is it going to be like, so by the time my new venture begins, I’ll be fully loaded with information I’ll eventually need.
With that said, I’m creating this post for the new participants – specifically for those assigned in Miami Beach, FL. But this may still be useful even if you’re not set out for Miami 🙂
Everything is based on my actual experience within the 12 months. So let’s get started!
THE INTERVIEW
Important – Be yourself. This goes for the interview in getting a placement and for the visa. Make sure what you write in your resume reflects the real you. That’s how you win them.
Learn about the program and your host company. This is necessary. Once you pass the initial interview for the host company and you’re now waiting for your scheduled visa interview, make sure to read about host company, the country and your program. Trust me, this will definitely come handy.
Congratulations! You’re visa was approved! Now that we’ve got that one out the way, start your search for your one-way flight. I recommend Kayak or your local travel agency for cheaper fares. Remember, only book your flight once you have received your visa from the embassy.
PACK YOUR THINGS
Only bring a few clothes to start with (something I literally did not follow). It was my mistake to bring a sh*t load of clothes and shoes. Because trust me, as the months pass, you’ll end up with triple the amount of clothes you started with.
Also, pack things you are less likely to find in your new country. Such as; prescribed medication, food (Sinigang Mix, Banana Ketchup, Pancit Canton, Piattos etc.) There are a few Filipino Stores here in Miami but the prices are doubled!
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Study the weather. Miami is very similar to the Philippines. The start of November through March is the cool season. The low is at 50F and high at 70F. On even colder days, it can go down to 40F. March through October is the hottest. The low is 80F and high at 100F!
Food. Culture. Attractions. Learn about the area. What food to try, what the culture is like and must places to visit. That way you’ll get even more excited and once you’ve arrived to the destination, it feels like a dream come true to actually experience it in person!
AMERICAN OXYGEN
Breathe it in. You made it. Your goals and dreams are within your reach…
REACH OUT
Introduce yourself. Be friends with your fellow interns and work mates because through thick and thin, you’ll be with them all throughout the program. Just make sure you choose the right people and if anyone is not doing you any good, cut the person off. You’re better off without them.
The first to two weeks, your host company will most likely provide you with a complimentary accommodation for you to settle in. Use this period as an opportunity to hunt for your apartment! Key points for the perfect apartment:
- Location – How far is it from and to work? A walking distance place is the best, it saves you a lot of cash plus you get to work out by walking. A five to ten minutes bus ride is not that bad either, but keep in mind that you have to pay for your bus pass on a daily/weekly/monthly basis.
- Price – Is the monthly rent reasonable? Make sure to ask the landlord/realtor what utilities are included in the rent. Also, take note that most apartments require a one month advance deposit, a last month deposit and a security deposit to secure the place.
- Space – Consider how many people will be renting the place with you. Take note that apartments in Miami Beach are very strict with occupancy. But having one, two or three room mates can help you save a lot of money.
Apartment Listings can be found at: Apartments.com / Craiglist / ApartmentGuide.com / Zillow
Miami Beach is a melting pot of tourists from all over the world. And the city definitely made sure that shopping malls are always available, for both the tourists and the locals.
- Lincoln Road Mall – Famous for its outdoor setting, this mall has the trendy Miami Beach vibe and glam. From sidewalk cafes & restaurants, to three-story Forever 21, H&M and Macy’s. Lincoln road is the place to see and be seen.
- Aventura Mall – A luxury shopping mall destination set further north of Miami, along Biscayne Boulevard. If you’re looking for the high-end stores, this is the place to go.
- Sawgrass Mills – With more than 350 stores, it is the largest outlet and value retail shopping in the United States. You’ll find everything you need here.
LIKE A LOCAL
Familiarize the area. Know where is the nearest bus stop, grocery store, hospital, police station and mall. Explore the area and ask questions as needed. It saves you a lot of time and learning a few tips from the locals can actually help you be like a local! They say if you’ve lived in Miami for more than 3 months, you’re now considered as a local, not a tourist nor a nomad 😛
A one-way bus ride here in Miami Beach is $2.25. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also available. If you know how to ride a bike, CitiBikes are available along Miami Beach for as low as $4 for the first 30 minutes. Walking along the beach boardwalk is the best though. The view is just breathtaking!
SEND LOVE BACK HOME
We interns/Filipinos all have something in common, and one of them is the impulse to send money back home to our loved ones. In most Miami hotels, you get paid every two weeks and what better way to spend it by sharing it with your family back in the Philippines. There are many ways to send them love, and here are my proven and tested methods to make sure they receive and appreciate all your hard work:
- Xoom – I use Xoom for all my money transfers. It’s easy and quick. The recipient can receive the cash within minutes after you complete the transaction. Cash pick-up, bank deposit and door-to-door are the services they offer. It’s very reliable and they offer money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Western Union – You can find them in Walgreens, Publix and at the malls. I haven’t tried WU before but my roommates have and it’s as reliable as the above.
- From your bank – Most banks offer money transfer services to the Philippines. They will set up your family’s bank account with yours and it’s also a hassle free process. Only con is that it may take a few business days before the recipient is able to collect the transfer.
FREE THINGS TO DO
Miami has a lot going on and you’ll be surprised that these events and places are actually free! Yes, it’s absolutely free!
- New World Symphony WALLCAST™ Concerts, Presented by Citi, allow you to experience select events throughout the season at Miami Beach SoundScape through a striking use of visual and audio technology on the soaring, 7,000-square-foot projection wall of the New World Center. Bring a blanket, share a picnic dinner and enjoy the sights and sounds of the New World Symphony with friends and family Each WALLCAST™ Concert, Presented by Citi, is free to the public and does not require a ticket. (C) NWS
- 2015/16 SOUNDSCAPE CINEMA SERIES, Presented by Citi® is a free outdoor screening of movies, old and new every Wednesday at 8:00pm, rain or shine unless otherwise noted. The series resumes on October 7, 2015.
Miami Beach – Lay on the beach, read a book, swim. Need I say more?
WORK HARD
You came to the United States for advanced professional training so make sure you receive it. Listen, Respect, Trust your supervisors and they will do the same with you. You got the job but it doesn’t stop there. You need to prove to them that they made the right choice in selecting you out of all the participants that applied. If there is a problem, share it with someone who can actually help and guide you to the solution. Remember you’re not alone, your host company and fellow interns are your family now.
PLAY HARD
Time flies when you’re having too much fun. Literally. Before you know it, it’s your last month in town and then you ask yourself, “Have I made the most out of my stay?” If you ask me, ABSOLUTELY!
These past twelve months, I believe it’s appropriate enough to say that this year has been terrific and the experience was magnificent!!
I’ve been to Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. You can always squeeze in a few days for vacation, just make sure you request the days off in advance!
And of course, I’ve been everywhere in Miami 😀 I made sure that at least every weekend (and mostly weekdays cause it didn’t matter to me what day it was) I did something outdoors. Mostly visit the beach and try out a new restaurant. Party with my friends. This and that. There’s just so much things to do!
Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and places I encourage you to try/visit!
Again, enjoy every moment of it. When the opportunity is there, grab it. No questions asked. That’s how I’ve always lived. To the fullest. Because I don’t want to miss out on the amazing memories out there waiting for me. And I definitely do not want to be just listening to my friends about their adventures, I want to be the one telling them the story! 😀
To the new interns, good luck on this new adventure of yours and I hope you make the most out of it! I’m always open for any questions. You can reach me at contactbellaangeles@gmail.com
Cheers!
