Finished with my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland

I recently received my diploma for my master of public policy, capping off my two year academic stint in New Zealand. I can't believe time flew by so fast. It seemed like only yesterday when I applied for postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland and scholarship with the New Zealand Embassy. Today, I have my Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts with Merit on Development Studies and a Master of Public Policy with Second Class Honours First Division.

I'm thankful to my wife Ria and daughter Bea for allowing me to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. I am extremely lucky to have a partner who supported me 100% of the way and sacrificed so much by taking care of our daughter and running our household, all by herself. I hope I can return their love and affection. I am grateful as well to my mom Aileen and dad Roque for their support, and to the rest of my family for their encouragement. 

Thanks are also due to my policy professor, boss, and dissertation supervisor, Dr. Julie MacArthur, for her guidance and support. I really appreciate how she gave me the freedom to work on my dissertation at my own pace, and at the same time be there for me to check on my progress, review my drafts, and give sound advice on how to improve my paper.

Lastly, I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and all who make up the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholarships Programme (NZAS) for giving me this great opportunity to obtain a post-graduate diploma and a master's degree at the University of Auckland. Rest assured that I will use all that I learned in New Zealand to help my home country of the Philippines.

My write-up in the University of Auckland website

If you are reading this post while taking your postgraduate studies in New Zealand, and feel depressed, burdened and/or stressed with all the academic obligations, let me reassure you that this too will pass. You can make it! Good luck and God bless!

#parasabayan #parasaPilipinas

Income Tax Obligations of Filipinos who Study Abroad

In so far as tax obligations are concerned, what happens after you complete your studies in New Zealand (or wherever you studied abroad) and return to the Philippines? Is a Filipino overseas postgrad student required to file an income tax return (ITR) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue?

• Well, according to the Official Philippine Government website, the short answer is no.

• Gov.ph states that non-resident citizens are exempt from filing income tax returns. 

Which begs the question, do Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the definition of 'non-resident citizens'?

• In my opinion, yes.

• Among those listed, Filipino overseas postgrad students fall under the classification of 'Filipino citizen who leaves the Philippines during the taxable year to reside abroad, either as an immigrant of or for permanent employment.'

HOWEVER, if you earned income from sources WITHIN the Philippines while you were away, you are required to declare that income and file an ITR.

So, to summarize:

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who did not earn any income from sources within the Philippines during the taxable year, you are EXEMPT from filing an ITR.

• If you are a Filipino overseas postgrad student who earned income from sources within the Philippines, you are required to file an ITR.

Sending money to the Philippines through OrbitRemit

If you want to send money to the Philippines, I highly recommend OrbitRemit. It's money remittance made better. I like it because I can make the transaction on a computer, in lieu of bringing cash to a shop. Also, I can choose to deposit directly to a bank account back home instead of having someone pick it up at a remittance center. OrbitRemit offers excellent exchange rates and charges low fees.

Setting up an account is easy. Just fill up the application page. But here in New Zealand (I don't know the requirements for other countries), the government requires OrbitRemit to verify the identity and address of an applicant. You pass this process by uploading a proof of identity (digital copy of your passport, driver's license, etc.) and a proof of address (billing statement). 

You don't have a bill with your address? Don't worry. You can request for an address verification code. You just give them your address and OrbitRemit will send a letter to you containing a code. Once received, you just email them the code, and that's it.

After your account is verified, you can start sending to the Philippines. And you know what, the first remittance is free of charge!

Anyway, after you initiate a payment--meaning, identify the recipient, give his/her details, and specify the amount to be remitted, OrbitRemit will email you a payment number. You then have to deposit the said amount to OrbitRemit's local bank account (WestPac) and then it'll send that amount to the Philippines (person, credit card or bank account).

It's cheap, easy, and reliable. 

Working in NZ

My student visa allowed me to work for 20 hours a week (For 2014, I think the NZ government increased this to 40 hours a week!). And so for those of you interested to work while studying, you can do so.

But let me warn you, work is hard to find in New Zealand. There's a shortage of jobs. That's why a lot of young Kiwis move to Australia. Aside from the bigger pay, they also have a higher chance of landing a good job in Oz. I'm not saying that there is no job available in New Zealand. There are, but very limited. So you can't be choosy. Of the Filipino postgrad students in Auckland this year (2013), three were able to find work as transcriptionists, one landed a job as a teaching assistant and receptionist, another as a research assistant, one as admin. staff, and another as wait staff. 

It also depends on your background. If your skills are in demand in NZ, then all the better. I can tell you that students with experience in tourism and in the health services are in a much better position that, say, those in the legal profession, like myself. In fact, three of us in the batch are lawyers and none of us could find a job related to our field. Either there is an over-abundance of lawyers or there are not enough cases.

Anyway, let's say you're dead set in working here. What do you do?

Well, the first thing in your agenda should be to apply for an IRD number. This is the New Zealand equivalent for what we call back home as "TIN" (Tax Identification Number). Here are the steps: 

• Download and print the IR595 Form at www.ird.govt.nz. 
• Fill up the form. 
• Then submit the form, together with  photocopies of your 
• Passport information page, 
• NZ visa page, and 
• University ID, at the nearest Inland Revenue appointed verifier. 

In Auckland, the easiest verifier would either be the PostShop or KiwiBank. Don't worry, there are many branches in the CBD. Granting your form and supporting documents are in order, Inland Revenue will mail you your IRD number within 10 working days. And then you're good to go!

The next step is to look for a job in any of the following job search engines:

• Student Job Search
• Seek
• Trade Me

The three work just like JobStreet and JobsDB.

Well, that's it. Good luck in job hunting!

Where the Plastic Card is King!

Plastic cards are very important to one's survival here in New Zealand. In fact, I carry six of them on my person wherever I go. After you arrive, make sure you get these within the first few weeks.

First in the list is the DEBIT CARD (a). Kiwis don't use paper money that much. Most of them rely on debit (or EFPOS) cards to pay for everything. And I mean everything. From books at Whitcoulls to clothes in Bivouac to a sandwich at Burger Fuel to even just a bottle of water at the superette, the EFPOS card is indispensable.

Next, your SCHOOL ID CARD (b). Unlike our IDs in the Philippines, the NZ School ID card is your all-in-one card. It has many uses. For instance, your department will put in X amount of NZ$ for your photocopying and printing expense. All you need to do is slide your ID card on the printer's terminal and it will print your documents. Other uses for the school ID card include borrowing books at the library, and getting discounts at the post-grad cafe, movie theaters and on public transportation.

Regarding public transportation, do not forget to apply for a HOP CARD (c) at Auckland Transport (either at the Quad in Kate Edger Information Commons or at Britomart). You will need this card to get around town via the bus system. Show your school ID so you can avail of the student discount. There is another card called the AT card for use on trains.

Fourth is the SUPERMARKET CARD (d). Mine is the OneCard from Countdown Supermarket. It's like the SM Advantage Card. You earn points whenever you buy. When you have enough points, you can use it to pay for goods. Also, the supermarket sometimes gives deals exclusively for OneCard holders. Sign up the first time you shop at Countdown!  The OneCard is free anyway!

Then there's the MOVIE PASS (e). I got mine at Events Cinemas down at the Civic Centre along Queen Street. Regular price for a movie here is around NZ$17.00 (PhP 580). That's a bit steep. But with this student VIP card, a movie is only NZ$10 (PhP 340). A bit pricey for Manila standards, but way cheaper by forty percent from regular price here. If you like watching movies like me, invest on this. It's NZ$10 a card, pero consumable naman.

Last is the FASTFOOD CARD (f). The one I have is the Subway SubCard. It's like your typical fastfood card (think Shakey's Supercard or Greenwich's Greencard). It has a point system as well, plus offer exclusive deals for cardholders. I don't use this as much since I've been making my own sandwiches lately. But if you like subway, then get their card. It's free.

Sending a Balikbayan Box to New Zealand

Chances are you might not be able to bring all the stuff you want to bring to New Zealand on the plane due to weight limitations (anywhere between 20 to 30 kilos, depending on the airline). And like me, you might be forced to send a balikbayan box via door-to-door/freight forwarder. There are a few out there. But my friend recommended to me PhilNZ Global Cargo (Adonis Abrogena, 09303560055; adonis.philnz @ gmail.com). It is located at Ocean-Link at the Port Area of Manila (just google it for the exact location).

When you get to Ocean-Link, don't expect to see a big sign of PhilNZ Global Cargo. There's none. Either PhilNZ is just a trade name or maybe PhilNZ  is concessionaire. But don't worry, it's a legit operation. There's just no physical office. Parang different cargo companies all share one terminal. Anyway, you just have to ask around. Look for Adonis. He'll take care of you.

I sent one balikbayan box to Auckland. The standard size is 20x20x20 (although you can send odd sized boxes, just be prepared to pay more). PhilNZ recommends "Star" Balikbayan Box, available in National Bookstore. Yun daw ang matibay. But if you ask me, parang hindi rin. Just to be sure, I suggest you buy those cloth box covers (pictured above) to ensure nothing falls off in case of deformation during shipping.

The rate for one box is NZ$180.00 (around PhP6,120). You pay it upon delivery in New Zealand na. So you don't pay anything to Adonis in Manila. If you don't have time to drop it off at the port, you can have PhilNZ pick it up. There's a pick-up charge of NZ$30.00.

Below are the rest of the terms and conditions of PhilNZ Global Cargo:
 
  1.    Nothing to pay in Manila or Cebu. All (except pick-up charge) are payable in

        Auckland  upon delivery or prior (BANK DEPOSIT) if final destination is outside

        Auckland.

  2.    Pick up is Not FREE if sending one box only. Shippers/Senders has an option to

        deliver their box to our warehouse to avoid paying pick-up charge.  Pick up charge

        payment is optional (upon pick-up or can be paid in NZ). Pick up address

        is in Metro Manila or Cebu City only. Our Manila or Cebu office will guide on how to

        go to our warehouse
  3.    Pick up & Delivery one address only.
  4.    If sending 2 or more boxes, marking on the boxes should be to one

          person only.
  5.    Boxes should NOT contain any kind of FOOD, used  vacuum

        cleaner, used camping or used sporting equipment like Golf Set or Golf Shoes,

        garden tools etc. Cigarettes or Liquors to avoid extra charge on  MAF Inspection

       & NZ Customs Tax & Duty. Seasonings /  Mix are considered  food.

  6.     Extra charges: MAF Quarantine & NZ Customs Clearance Charges / MAF

        Quarantine Inspection / Customs Duty or Tax) will be pre paid by ourselves

        in order to secure clearance for your box. The original invoice/bill/receipt by the

        authority will be given to you to indicate the actual payment. These extra charge

        will be included on your total payable charge.
  7.    We charge by the size of the box used and not by the weight. All boxes are Flat &

        Square and strongly packed. Odd size box or over filled box are acceptable BUT

        extra charge will be imposed. Calculation of extra charge is done “PRO RATA”

  8.    NO INSURANCE all at shipper’s risk – Our charge doesn't include Insurance.

       People are not encouraged to load Valuable items / Breakable /  Fragile items.

  9.    COMMERCIAL Consignment (goods of commercial quantity).

       The above and our charges doesn’t apply to commercial consignment. 

  10.  STORAGE – 3 days FREE STORAGE. Free storage commenced from the date

       of the clearance of the goods. You will be advised soon as your box  are cleared

       and ready for delivery. 

PhilNZ ships to New Zealand only twice a month, so always call and ask when's the next scheduled shipment. Also, it takes about 5 weeks to get to New Zealand. So take that into consideration.

Medical for NZ Student Visa

Because I was going to stay for more than 6 months in New Zealand, the embassy required me to take a medical exam before they issue me a student visa.

There is a list of accredited diagnostic clinics (Visit Immigration NZ's Health Information page for the complete list of approved panel physicians). I chose the St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic in Ermita, Manila, due to its close proximity to my former place of work. (1177 J. Bocobo Street; 5246081)

I thought it was going to be the routine medical check-up. Boy, was I wrong. It was the complete she-bang! Blood, urine, x-ray AND physical exams!

So, to avoid any surprises, I am sharing a few tips:

Tip #1: Fast before you go. Unless you want to return to the clinic, I suggest you fast the night before--meaning don't eat for 12 hours.

Tip #2: Come to the clinic early. I guess it depends on the clinic you go to, but at St. Luke's in Ermita, there were a lot of people. If you intend on going there, I suggest you come early--like 7 in the morning.

Tip #3: Clean up and trim for the physical exam. I'll be honest. I was not prepared for the physical exam part. Had I known earlier that a doctor will inspect my private parts, I would've trimmed down there. So when you go, make sure you're clean and trimmed. :D

Allocate another PhP 10,000.00 for this procedure.

Applying for the NZAS Scholarship

Once you get an unconditional offer from a participating New Zealand university, then you can proceed with your application for the NZAS Scholarship. Here are the things that you have to do:

1. Get a certified true copy of your birth certificate. For this you go to the NSO.
2. Get a certified true copy of the personal pages of your Philippine passport. You should go to the Office of Consular Affairs of the DFA on Diosdado Macapagal Ave. at ASEANA Complex, Paranaque.
3. Get a certified true copy of your academic transcript. Make sure it's in english.
4. Get a certified true copy of your diploma.
5. Take the IELTS or TOEFL. Submit the original test result. It should not be more than 2 years old. Allocate around P10,000.00 for this test.
6. Request for a Job Description from your office's HR department.
7. Submit your resume/curriculum vitae.
8. Get 3 reference letters. One should come from your employer. Another from your teacher. And the last, from a relevant government office or NGO.
9. Write an essay describing the knowledge you want to gain from the study. Make sure it's 500 words.
10. Write another essay describing how the study will enable you to contribute to the development of the country. Also 500 words.
11. For Masters and PhD, write a third essay outlining your proposed research topic. Also 500 words.

Don't forget to make photocopies. Once you've completed these documents, you submit them, along with your application form to Bato Balani Foundation:

New Zealand ASEAN Scholars awards
c/o Bato Balani Foundation, Inc.
6F, PDCP Bank Centre
Rufino cor. Leviste Streets
Salcedo Village, Makati
1227 Philippines

The deadline for submission for SY 2014 is 15 July 2013.

Applying for graduate study at a New Zealand University

Before you apply for the NZAS scholarship, you must secure an UNCONDITIONAL OFFER from a New Zealand university first. I mentioned the participating universities in my previous post.

I applied at the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington, and got accepted to both, but chose to study with the former.

In this post, I will discuss the application process at the University of Auckland.

The first thing to do is visit the university's on-line application page. Everything is there. 

Choose your degree. 

Choose your course. 

Then fill up the on-line application form, press the send button and wait for the International Office's response. It's very simple.

The next step is to prepare your supporting documents. They are:

• Standard passport photograph
• Verified copy of passport
• Certified copy of official academic transcript
• Certified evidence of diploma

You will actually be asked to upload a scanned copy of these documents during your on-line application, but you will have to send the hard copies as well.

Do NOT send the hard copies though, until you get a go signal from the International Office. I sent mine via DHL and it cost me about PhP1,500.00.

After you send your supporting documents, you wait. The waiting period varies from university to university. Some, like Massey University, respond within 2 weeks. For the University of Auckland, my unconditional offer was emailed to me after more than a month.

You have to apply as early as possible, so that you can get the unconditional offer. Only when you have that offer from the university can you submit your application for the scholarship.

PS: Strangely, unlike colleges in the US or Europe, both the University of Auckland AND Victoria University of Wellington did NOT ask for referee (or recommendation) letters. I assume it's the same for other universities in New Zealand. I guess the Kiwis focus more on an applicant's academic credentials than his references.