Today’s article is a personal account of a former high school teacher’s relocation from the Philippines to Australia. He will share his experiences of adapting to the life in Australia and how his perseverance to overcome challenges and find opportunities has led to him and his family establishing a stable life in this country that they now call home. Please welcome, Jared:
A Little Bit About Myself
Before migrating to Australia, I lived a fulfilling life in the Philippines as a high school teacher. I taught Filipino literature and was passionate about educating the youth and inspiring them to love learning. My eight years of experience as a teacher allowed me to develop strong relationships with my students and colleagues, and to make a positive impact on their lives.
However, my life changed dramatically when I became a parent. Having a baby brought new perspectives and priorities, and I realized that I wanted more for my family and myself. I wanted to broaden my horizons and take on new challenges, so I made the decision to migrate to Australia.
Deciding to Move to Australia
Initially, I never imagined leaving the Philippines as I was deeply passionate about advocating nationalism in my home country. However, life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths and presenting new opportunities. When I learned that my wife’s siblings were residing in Australia, I began to consider the possibility of making a change. The thought of living in a new country and experiencing a different culture was intriguing, and I felt that the world was my oyster. I realized that there was no harm in trying something new and that I had nothing to lose by taking a chance. So, I decided to embrace the opportunity and make the move to Australia.
Life in Australia
My family and I have been living in Australia since 2019 and we have absolutely fallen in love with this country. The lifestyle here is simply amazing and we feel so grateful to call this place home. Despite not being wealthy, we feel that we have everything we need and can afford the things that matter most to us. The ability to have access to a variety of food options and the peace of mind that comes with feeling safe and secure are just a few of the many things we love about Australia.
In particular, my wife and I feel that our son, Rico, is flourishing here. The fact that we can provide him with a safe and secure environment in which he can grow and thrive is priceless. We are so grateful to be living in Australia and are thankful for all the opportunities and experiences that this country has given us.
How We Built a Life for Our Family in Australia
After relocating to Australia, we’ve had to deal with the challenge of having restricted work hours due to being a student visa holder. However, we were determined to overcome this challenge and were willing to try anything to make a living. I took on various jobs, from working as an Uber Eats driver, to teaching music, tutoring Vietnamese children, and even taking on a three-hour-a-day job in after-school care. My wife and I would bring our son with us to the tutoring sessions, which was a new experience for us, but we were willing to do whatever it took to make a living. We were fortunate to have the support of my brother-in-law who allowed us to stay with him until we could get on our feet, but we were eager to find a place of our own.
Despite the challenges, we were able to persevere and overcome these difficulties by being “madiskarte” (strategic/resourceful) and taking advantage of every opportunity that came our way. However, it was not without its difficulties and we had to borrow money from my parents at that time, which was embarrassing on my end. But we knew we needed to do whatever it took to get by and provide for our family.
“Our determination and willingness to work hard paid off, and we were eventually able to establish a stable and comfortable life for ourselves and our growing family.”
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On Balancing Work and Studies
Being an international student while working in Australia can definitely be a challenge, but it can also be manageable with the right support system and mindset. When I first arrived in Australia, I was determined to provide for my family while also pursuing my education. However, it wasn’t easy finding a job that would allow me to balance my studies, being a new dad, and being in a foreign country. The initial months were tough, I had to borrow money from my parents, which was embarrassing, but I had to do what I had to do for my family.
Despite the challenges, I was fortunate enough to have a supportive network of family and in-laws who helped me in any way they could. I also made sure to be proactive in seeking help and assistance when I needed it. With determination and a positive attitude, I was eventually able to find a job and balance my responsibilities as an international student and a provider. In the end, my “madiskarte” mindset and support system helped me overcome the challenges and make the most of my experience in Australia.
Comparing University Experience in Australia and the Philippines
When comparing my university experience in Australia to that in the Philippines, there are some similarities and differences. In terms of similarities, I can say that the level of rigor and dedication of professors is comparable in both countries. As a former teacher and academic in the Philippines, I have a strong appreciation for the hard work and dedication of professors, and this has made my university experience in Australia much easier for me. In terms of differences, what I love about university life in Australia is the abundance of resources available. In the Philippines, resources were limited, but here in Australia, the resources are ample and easily accessible. This has made my university experience much more enriching and enjoyable.
“Additionally, I am proud to say that I recently graduated with distinction, which speaks to the quality of education and support I received while studying here in Australia.”
Adapting to Life in Australia: Safety, Resources, and Nostalgia
I have to say I’ve been really impressed with what this country has to offer. Coming from the Philippines, I was used to a very different lifestyle, so it was quite a change at first. But overall, I’ve been loving my time here. One of the biggest things I like about Australia is the level of safety and security that I feel here. As a new dad, this was a huge priority for me, and I feel like I can relax knowing that my family is safe.
I also appreciate the resources that are available here, like good healthcare, education, and a stable economy. These are all things that I took for granted back in the Philippines, but they’ve made such a big difference in my quality of life here in Australia. However, there are a few things that I miss about the Philippines, like the food and the people. The food there is just so different and unique, and I really miss being able to enjoy it. And of course, I miss my friends and family back home. But overall, I’m really happy with my decision to come to Australia, and I feel like I’ve made the right choice for my family.
A Future in Australia
My wife and I have been loving our life here in Australia and can definitely see ourselves settling down here for good. Our goal is to secure a permanent residency, which would give us a greater sense of stability and security. And as we continue to live here, we’re really looking forward to building our future. Maybe we’ll be able to buy our own house someday, upgrade our car, provide better education for our son, and even do some more traveling. There’s just so much to look forward to!
Tips for a Successful Transition
“Hey, if you’re thinking about making the move to Australia, my best advice would be to save up as much as you can before you go.”
Trust me, it’ll make the transition so much easier. And don’t be afraid to do your research; know what you’re getting into. But the most important thing is to remember that, as Filipinos, we’re born to be resilient. So, if you’re up for a challenge and willing to put in the work, the reward of creating a better life here in Australia is definitely worth it.
Need Help with Your SOP or GTE?
If you’re having trouble writing your SOP or GTE, I totally understand the struggle. I’ve been there myself. That’s why I started offering my services back in 2019 to help Filipinos put their best foot forward in their Genuine Temporary Entrant applications.
I’ve been helping fellow Filipinos make their SOPs and GTEs stand out, and I’d love to help you too! If you’re interested in finding out more about what I can offer, feel free to check out PINOY GTE ASSISTANCE on Facebook. I’d be more than happy to chat with you and see how I can help make your application the best it can be. And if you’re interested in more tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel, Jared Uy, for even more great content!
Jared’s YouTube
Jared’s Instagram
Jared’s Pinoy GTE Assistance FB page
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Authors: Jared Uy x My Aussie Story
About the ” Your Aussie Story” series:
Immigrants in Australia, though from different cultures and backgrounds, tend to have similar experiences and common ‘struggles’ as they build their new life here in Australia. Through My Aussie Story, I’ve been trying to help out people like myself to be able to navigate the Australian way of life a little bit easier by sharing my own experiences.
I’ve always believed that every migrant’s journey would be less challenging if we learn from each other. This is why we’ve created Your Aussie Story. Your Aussie Story is a ‘series’ in our website where we feature inspiring stories of immigrants in Australia.
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Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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