ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

One of the pleasant aspects of life you will experience when you come to live in Dumaguete is the kindness of the people. When they greet you, their smile is genuine and they welcome you with warm hearts.

Some foreigners experience difficulty when encountering service that differs from what they have been used to in their country. Good quality service can be lacking in many areas here. Please always be aware questionable service is no intentional form of disrespect.

It’s very important never to be impatient or express anger with any Filipino over service issues. It’s simply the way it is here. That can be challenging for some foreigners, but the sooner they adapt to their new reality, the happier they will be.

The value of our Ambassador program for newcomers is evident in many ways, but especially when helping you to become aware in advance about problems before the arise. That greatly helps reduce your frustration and, perhaps more importantly, gives you the knowledge that leads to solutions.

Be sure to ask your your Ambassador about challenging but solvable issues you need to know about.

Our Ambassadors

Juergen
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Juergen

German American

His story

Juergen is an American citizen born in Germany. Having an engineering degree in his pocket he worked in Switzerland, Germany and finally immigrated to Canada. Accepted a job in the United States before becoming a citizen. Starting in NYC moving on to Delaware and finally to South Carolina. His... Read More

Andy
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Andy

England

His story

Andy is a software architect and technology expert with a distinct knowledge of big data, algorithms and mathematics. He came to the Philippines having retired at 32 however after just 5 years his companies were devastated by the crash of 2008. With no permanent roots set down he faced a choic... Read More

gord
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Gord

Canada

His story

Gord is a Canadian who simply got tired of the same rat race year after year. With a growing aversion to spending six months of the year surviving the winters of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures, then another six months in dread, preparing for the next one, he started looking for something... Read More

Margriet & Willem
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Margriet & Willem

The Netherlands

Their story

Willem and Margriet,a couple from The Netherlands, became infected with the diving virus in 1997. They alternated their busy jobs as a dentist and transition manager with diving trips to tropical destinations. They flew all over the world and discovered that the Philippines has much more to of... Read More

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Leah

Philippines

Her story

Leah is a native Filipina who traveled around Asia and lived in India for 8 years.

After so many years, Leah decided that India was not meant for her so she came back to her hometown in Cebu City with her son. However, the crowd and pollution became so unbearable that she decided to set... Read More

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Mickael

France

His story

Mickael is a French national who became addicted to living abroad after spending a year in the US and about a year in Spain. Learning different cultures, languages and lifestyles has been a huge mind opening for him.

Shortly after graduating, his brother offered the opportunity to come ... Read More

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Randal & Paula

American

Their story

Randal was born and raised in a small town in southwest Virginia, USA and never imagined that he would travel to the Philippines, let alone make his home here. Graduating from Virginia Tech in 1981, Randal’s career path would lead him to establish, manage, and supervise various types of busine... Read More

michael
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Michael

Ireland

His story

Despite having lived in countries on several continents during his lifetime, Michael still felt the need to travel. But he was conscious that, at age sixty five, although in excellent health, and financially stable, the time was approaching when he’d want to find a permanent place to live. Als... Read More