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Expat Interview with Corey, American Living in the Philippines
| Published: | 30 Nov at 5 PM |
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Filed: Interviews,Philippines
Corey is a trooper and his life in the Philippines has been fascinating. Many ups, downs, highs and lows and he really gives you the most pragmatic and direct look at life here through his personal experiences. Sometimes cynical and perhaps occasionally condescending, he nevertheless tells it like it is and will be an invaluable resource for those looking to settle here in the Philippines. Corey's expat blog is called Your Life in the Philippines (see listing here)
Meet Corey - US expat in Davao, Philippines
Where are you originally from?
New York City, N.Y. and Miami Beach, Fl.
In which country and city are you living now?
Davao, Philippines.
How long have you lived in the Philippines and how long are you planning to stay?
Eight years in various Philippine cities like Dumaguete, Davao & Manila. We live in Davao now and it is a good place. I would say Dumaguete would be tops on my list for settling down and having a good life.
Why did you move to the Philippines and what do you do?
I moved to the Philippines with the initial idea of traveling and adventuring through the entire country Unfortunately, within a month of arriving I got very sick so I ended up settling down in Dumaguete.
Did you bring family with you?
No.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
I have traveled my entire life but I do admit adjusting to life here is a continuous challenge and adventure. Just keep an open mind on everything. LOL
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialize with other expats?
There are many expats here and I have some as friends, but I generally stay with my family as many of the expats I meet are generally of a generation I can't really relate to on many levels. Nevertheless, the friens I have made are as good as any from back home.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Well my site pretty much covers all that.
What do you enjoy most about living here?
I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter who was born and has been raised here and she is able to have a wonderful childhood. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I find that a childhood can still be wondreful in the Philippines while it is becoming much more challenging back in the States as an example. People are just getting so protective and paranoid due to all the Wackos. Also the people are so friendly here and it can be a very relaxing place. I have nothing to compare to academically as she is still kindergarten. Next year she enters first grade and then I can better gauge schools here.
How does the cost of living in the Philippines compare to the US?
Much cheaper. probably the brunt of monthly expense will go to rent and it can vary greatly from place to place but suffice to say it will be the largest of the expenses. Otherwise the Philippines is farily cheap! Single people can live nicely for even $1,200/mo.
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
It is a 3rd World Country and thus much ignorance and stupidity that can be very frustrating. You need a tremendous amount of patience living here in the beginning until you get used to it.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
PATIENCE.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
Adjusting to a tomorrow mentality when you are so used to things happening today and being done properly like back home. Convenience are luxuries here in most places outsie of the bigger cities.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Easily if I had to as I already visit the States every year for one to two months as it is. We may eventually do this as our daughter gets older.
What are your top expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
Tell us a bit about your own expat blog.
It is a in depth almost bible of resources on the Philippines geared to future expats. Covers practically every aspect of moving and living in the Philippines (see link below). I also have a more personal blog http://mylifeinthephiliippines.com and is a much more intimate almost like a personal diary of my eight years of life here. It can be very heavy duty and password permission is required to enter. Please email me at philippineexplorer[at]yahoo.com for that password.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via my blog (see link below) or 0927 300 6948.
Corey is an American expat living in Philippines. Blog description: All the Resources and Information you need on the Philippines on one site.
Meet Corey - US expat in Davao, Philippines
Here's the interview with Corey...
Where are you originally from?
New York City, N.Y. and Miami Beach, Fl.
In which country and city are you living now?
Davao, Philippines.
How long have you lived in the Philippines and how long are you planning to stay?
Eight years in various Philippine cities like Dumaguete, Davao & Manila. We live in Davao now and it is a good place. I would say Dumaguete would be tops on my list for settling down and having a good life.
Why did you move to the Philippines and what do you do?
I moved to the Philippines with the initial idea of traveling and adventuring through the entire country Unfortunately, within a month of arriving I got very sick so I ended up settling down in Dumaguete.
Did you bring family with you?
No.
I have traveled my entire life but I do admit adjusting to life here is a continuous challenge and adventure. Just keep an open mind on everything. LOL
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialize with other expats?
There are many expats here and I have some as friends, but I generally stay with my family as many of the expats I meet are generally of a generation I can't really relate to on many levels. Nevertheless, the friens I have made are as good as any from back home.
What are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
Well my site pretty much covers all that.
I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter who was born and has been raised here and she is able to have a wonderful childhood. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I find that a childhood can still be wondreful in the Philippines while it is becoming much more challenging back in the States as an example. People are just getting so protective and paranoid due to all the Wackos. Also the people are so friendly here and it can be a very relaxing place. I have nothing to compare to academically as she is still kindergarten. Next year she enters first grade and then I can better gauge schools here.
How does the cost of living in the Philippines compare to the US?
Much cheaper. probably the brunt of monthly expense will go to rent and it can vary greatly from place to place but suffice to say it will be the largest of the expenses. Otherwise the Philippines is farily cheap! Single people can live nicely for even $1,200/mo.
What negatives, if any, are there to living here?
It is a 3rd World Country and thus much ignorance and stupidity that can be very frustrating. You need a tremendous amount of patience living here in the beginning until you get used to it.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving here, what would it be?
PATIENCE.
Adjusting to a tomorrow mentality when you are so used to things happening today and being done properly like back home. Convenience are luxuries here in most places outsie of the bigger cities.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
Easily if I had to as I already visit the States every year for one to two months as it is. We may eventually do this as our daughter gets older.
What are your top expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
- You can leave most everything at home except computer related which are more expensive here. Clothing is cheap here but if you have large feet bring your shoes. ..
- Bring a very positive attitude....
- DO NOT rush into anything. relationships, places to live, things to buy. Wait to you get here and have an idea of places and then visit them. DO NOT rush into an online relationship no matter what. NEVER. The Philippines is a candy store for available women. Give yourself a chance to meet different ones first....
- Be wary of others. Stay on your toes....
It is a in depth almost bible of resources on the Philippines geared to future expats. Covers practically every aspect of moving and living in the Philippines (see link below). I also have a more personal blog http://mylifeinthephiliippines.com and is a much more intimate almost like a personal diary of my eight years of life here. It can be very heavy duty and password permission is required to enter. Please email me at philippineexplorer[at]yahoo.com for that password.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
Via my blog (see link below) or 0927 300 6948.
About the author
Corey is an American expat living in Philippines. Blog description: All the Resources and Information you need on the Philippines on one site.
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