Out with the old, in with the new…it’s not so easy. Starting a new life is really hard, but when you think about it, you know you want to. You just want to go to a place where no one knows you, knows your past, knows what you did in high school or college, knows how much you messed up, all that shit.
Well, I’m really proud of what I have accomplished. I got the visa competences and talent from the French Embassy in Manila. I had a job interview in Paris as soon as I arrived and I got it. Should be exciting, something new, something that will make me grow and become more independent.
It’s just a shame I cannot bring all my family. I miss my nephew who lives next door and my other nephew who does not like me as much, my niece who is in Dubai, and 2 more of my nieces, one who was not even a year old, and the other getting more beautiful as she grows up. It’s only now that I realize how much I will miss my mom and dad, my brothers, my friends, and relatives. It’s different now – time to make something new yet never forgetting old memories.
I miss my mom and dad already. And Ministop.
Change is always hard! And moving internationally presents an entirely more complex set of challenges as we go from our own familiar culture to a new one. Congratulations on your job and know that those who care for you will always be close to you in your heart. Geographic distance cannot destroy our strongest ties–though it does require us to put more effort into keeping those ties strong. Welcome to the world of skype and electronic communications!
Hi, is it difficult to apply for the competence card?
Hi Eunice. It’s fairly easy. All you have to do is to submit to the French Embassy your CV, transcript of records, diplomas, degree certificates, and a cover letter that states your career plans in France. Remember that your line of work is the most important. It will very much help if you are in IT or in medicine/nursing. Go to the French Embassy in Manila website for more details. Good luck!
hi Timi! nice to see your blog. I’m a Filipina too living in Angers in the west of france. About 3-4hours drive from Paris.
I’m just wondering how u able to get ur job now, u were hired direct from Philippines? Can u speak French well? or are u in an english company? (like amadeus)well I can see u got great talents in writing but its France( french bureaucracy as they say) and me myself cannot find a decent job. Well i’m still learning the language thats why
Starting a life here all over again was kinda difficult for me, even getting into depression i guess. But it inspires me to know a filipina working in Paris professionally. where u had ur diploma if u wont mind me asking?
merci and hope to hear from u
Hi Ana! How are you doing? Thanks for reading my blog. I really appreciate it.
Anyway, when I was in Manila…I heard about the visa competence and talent program. I immediately fixed my cover letter, CV, got my transcript from college, and then applied for jobs in France stating that I will be relocating very soon. I got several replies – most of them rejects, two positive – one of them is in Pau (southwest of France) but their hiring period is 2009 and one is in Paris asking me if I can do a phone conference. It went well and the position was urgently needed. I applied for the visa program, got approved, and 3 weeks later, I was off to France for the last interview. The next day, they hired me
I don’t speak French well, though I tried hard really, but it’s just so hard to get all those conjugations right. I am in a French company but our market is mostly in the United States. I am an English Technical Writer.
I agree with you that starting a life abroad is difficult. It is really different from Manila, where everything is easy and everyone is friendly. I know you can find something decent and a job that you will love soon. What is your specialty? I had my Bachelor’s Degree in Assumption College
Hope to hear from you again and when you visit Paris, don’t hesitate to contact me. It will be really nice to meet a Filipino in France.
Hi!
I also qualified for the talent visa. I’m flying there on December 26.
What are the POEA/immigration requirements? Do I have to attend POEA seminar? What documents do I need to show to the our immigration?
Is it difficult to find a cheap place there? Can you recommend any?
Hi Jela!
Did not go to the POEA when I was in Manila because I did not really have a job here during that time. I got hired when I was here in France.
For the immigration, the French Embassy will give you a paper for your carte de sejour requirements. You have to go to the prefecture of the location you plan to settle in to apply for your carte de sejour (resident card). I did mine in Strasbourg because I stayed there for one month before starting my work. Now, I will have to apply for a change of address and transfer of my folders because of this.
I suggest you go to the prefecture immediately because the waiting period for the release of your carte de sejour is pretty long. I still haven’t got mine, but I have the recipisse de carte de sejour. The French Embassy told me that it can take at 6 months maximum before this card is released.
As for a cheap place, it’s difficult to find one. Especially inside Paris. Everything is like, 36 percent more expensive here. Where in France will you stay? A studio apartment for 25 suare meters will cost you around 600 or more depending on which arrondisement. A friend of ours is renting a 3-bedroom apartment in Haguenau (Strasbourg area) for this price.
You can see in one of my blog entries, “Apartment Hunting in Paris” the requirements you need for an apartment.
Hi!
Thanks! You’re such a huge help!!!
While still in the Manila immigration, did they ask you for a return ticket? I called the immigration and I was told that I need to show a return ticket since my visa is still considered a tourist visa (although I explained that I’d be given a residence visa upon my arrival there). Is it still really necessary that I have a return ticket?
And hey, my friend and I still thinks you’re so galing to find a job kagad. Sana we get to see each other there.
Hi Jela,
When you claimed your visa, they did not give you instructions on what to do upon arrival in France? Anyway, you do not need a return trip back to Manila. I did not have any, and I made sure that I can do this by asking the head of the visa section in the French Embassy. Yes, the visa is considered a tourist visa, but it is also indicated there that you should get your carte de sejour within 2 months of arriving in France. Look at the bottom part of your visa – It says “Carte de sejour a solliciter dans les deux mois suivant l’arrivee”
Do you know someone here in France that can assist you when you arrive? Feel free to leave me an email at timi.sace@gmail.com and yes, we should see each other when you get here.