Third World Engineers VIII: Romancing the Visa
So You Want to Live Abroad (Not Just Visit)
For many, studying or living abroad is just another box on their life’s checklist. They’ll spend a semester or a year overseas, dabble in the local culture, experience new sights, flavours, opinions, friends, lovers. Then come home and never shut up about it.
E.g.:
“This [ETHNIC_DISH] is good, but not as good as the one I had in [CAPITAL/MAJOR CITY] at this darling little [LOCAL_NAME_FOR_A_NEIGHBOURHOOD_EATERY].”
This article isn’t for those people.
This is for the ones who want to go further. For those who, for whatever reason, want to leave their countries behind; especially those of us from the so-called “developing world.”
The following items are in no particular order. Let’s begin.
Education is a Grand Thing
Yes, it’s possible to get a work visa without studying in your target country. I know professionals who succeeded in doing just that. But getting a degree in the country you want to move to has distinct advantages:
- It gives you time to explore and make a final decision about staying.
- You’ll practice the language in an academic setting with others who are also learning.
- Universities often offer facilities and support systems specifically for international students.
- Some countries factor in local education when assessing work visa applications, often waiving the requirement for employers to prove no local candidate is available.
If feasible, I suggest completing your bachelor’s in Engineering, CS, or similar in your home country. Then pursue a master’s degree or a professional certificate abroad. These are usually shorter and cheaper, and they offer a strong boost to your CV.
Also—colonial history matters. Many developing countries were, not so long ago, colonies. Some former colonial powers offer faster or simpler immigration or citizenship pathways for citizens of their former colonies. For instance, most Latin Americans living legally in Spain can apply for Spanish (and thus EU) citizenship after just two years of residency instead of the usual ten.
And yes, you’ll hear this often: DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Make sure the institution you choose is accredited and provides actual education, not just a visa gateway.
Some “schools” target international students looking to fast-track a visa, often with low academic standards and shady reputations. Avoid these, even if they seem convenient. That “Teaching English as a Second Language” certificate from a dodgy college won’t impress anyone. A small course from a reputable institution beats a fake MBA every time.
I Fought the Law and the Law Won… Then It Beat Me Senseless
Obey the law. Sounds obvious, right? Still, here are a few reminders—especially if you're coming from a place where enforcement is... flexible:
- Back home, you might’ve bought cigarettes, alcohol, or even marijuana without showing ID. Maybe your dad even sent you for them. But now? You’ll probably need to prove you’re 16, 18, 19, or 21—depending on local laws—and that’s assuming the substance is even legal.
- Stay away from illegal substances. In Germany, small cannabis possession might not be prosecuted. In France, it’ll cost you €200. In Japan, you could get 5 years in jail—with a 99.9% conviction rate. Japan’s justice system is not foreigner-friendly. So yes, skip that smoke with Ryoko or Kenji, however kawaii they may be.
- A hard truth: the police are not on your side. There are good officers out there, but many are just looking out for themselves. Be polite. Be brief. Know your rights. Know what the police can and cannot do. And if you're arrested? Say nothing. Get a lawyer. Immediately.
- Do not try to bribe bureaucrats. In many developing countries, a “tip” can speed things up. In developed nations, low-level civil servants are heavily monitored. Corruption exists—but it’s more… upscale.
I’m not trying to kill your vibe, but remember: you’re in this for the long haul. Criminal charges can derail your entire plan—and hurt future migration prospects too.
I’m Not Going to Eat That
Living abroad means new experiences—some amazing, some terrifying. Here’s how to navigate the cultural waters without drowning:
- The country you’re moving to may be more liberal, or more conservative, or a weird mix of both. They might frown at nudity but be totally fine with weed. Or vice versa. Do your research. Make sure your new home aligns—enough—with your values.
- Avoid politics. No, seriously. Getting involved in a political fight you can’t vote in is like cooking a romantic dinner for a couple you don’t know. All work, no payoff.
- Don’t be too critical. Bonding over shared annoyances is tempting, but locals may not appreciate your take. Know where the line is.
- That said, don’t put on blinders. No country is perfect. Appreciate the culture, yes—but be aware of its flaws. You can admire Canada’s healthcare while condemning its treatment of First Nations peoples. These ideas can—and should—coexist.
- You don’t need a PhD in local history, but a high school understanding helps. Pro tip: used senior-year history textbooks are cheap, easy to read, and widely available. Grab one.
- Have fun! Go deeper than a tourist would. Take cooking classes. Learn traditional dances. Cheer for the local team. Read national authors. It’ll help you feel like you belong—especially when the novelty wears off.
Could You Repeat That Again, Please?
Language matters. A lot. Even if you’re fluent, keep learning.
Your accent is the first thing people notice after your appearance—and studies show that a strong foreign accent makes people assume you’re less competent (1, 2).
So yes—consider working on your accent. It’s worth it. There's no better feeling than meeting someone new and them not even guessing you're an immigrant.
Tips:
- Consume local media. If you live in New Zealand but only watch American TV, you’ll sound like a Californian. If you live in Montreal but only watch France 2, you’ll never learn Quebecois. Radio talk shows are a great way to learn real-life speech.
- Read local authors. You'll get a feel for the national mood—and learn vocabulary you won't pick up elsewhere.
Will the Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?
Migrating is hard. It takes a toll. Over time, you might feel like you don’t truly belong anywhere. Too A for B, too B for A. That’s normal.
The quirks of your home country that used to annoy you? You might grow nostalgic for them. That’s okay. Missing your homeland doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re human.
You’re not abandoning a home. You’re gaining a second one.
And Finally…
The single most important takeaway from this entire article:
DO RESEARCH.
Come on, you knew it was going to end like that.
References
[1] https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170523-does-your-accent-make-you-sound-smarter