بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيم
Assalamu'alaikum.
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Hello, Lieblings!
It's time for me to continue my previous post from The First Footsteps series! As a recap, I've mentioned my experience when I was learning German in high school, study agencies, and many more. If you missed it out, please do check my previous post The First Footsteps: The Awkward Highschooler (Prologue).
This post is actually one of the two of my pre-departure stories. Both altogether consist of 8 different phases. Phase 1 to 4 are included in the previous post and 4 others are in this one. To make you easier to read, here is the table of contents.
Phase One - The Blessing
Phase Two - Decide solo or duo
Phase Three - Learn the language
Phase Four - Prepare your needed skill
Phase Five - Visas (and all the annoying time-consuming bureaucracy work)
Phase Six - Packing and tickets
Phase Seven - Get yourself ready
Phase Eight - Last check
Enjoy reading the rest!
Part Four - Visas and all the (annoying) time-consuming bureaucracy work
Honestly from deep inside my heart, I can't really tell you how because I didn't experience collecting all the documents, translate it, etc. Well, I guess there are pros and cons of working together with an agency and apparently this phase is included. Though it really spares my time and I could concentrate more on my learning, but the thing is kids... when we arrive in Germany, sooner or later we have to be responsible for all of the complicated registration and (unwanted) bureaucratic things. Make this phase as a start, I guarantee your future self will defo thank you for it.
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(literally when bureaucratic stuff is forcing me to fAcE it daily)
I wouldn't lie that I'm not the expert of this field, but thanks to KBRI Jerman Website -- our lifesaver! I left for Germany with my Sprachkursvisum or simply visa for language learning. All pieces of information regarding German Visa from KBRI Jerman in Jakarta can be found here (including needed documents and its terms)
Shortcuts (.pdf in Indonesian):
Thank God I wasn't underage (younger as 18) at the time I applied for my visa, that's why my documents aren't really complicated. I remember writing my Motivationsschreiben (Motivation letter) and Lebenslauf (CV) with the help of my teachers. You know how I struggled to dump the thoughts from my brain on a piece of paper (well actually its Microsoft word) in a language you don't really understand... UGH.
After a dramatic 4 weeks period of time, I received an e-mail from KBRI saying when and how can I take my visa. To be honest this is the scariest part throughout this pre-departure phase. Thanks to, you know, being stressed out of something you don't have control at all. It is really "that" depressing for me hahah. But please, please don't. As long as you have tried your best to write the Motivation letter and CV, you just need to pray for the best.
Hearing stories from people that are applying latter around this month, the period of waiting had been extended from 1 month to 2 months period of time. I'm not really sure why. Ask me again at the time when I'm one of those people that got to work at KBRI heu.
TIP: Even if you received certificates from your language courses in Indonesia, I would still highly recommend taking tests from Goethe Institut seeing that their certificates are acknowledged by universities in Germany.
Goethe Institut Indonesia website can be found here.
(Please expect a solo post regarding this topic in-depth!)
Part Five - Packing and plane tickets
I label myself as a perfectionist and someone that (sometimes) prepares (too much). I remember starting preparing around 2 months before my departure. That includes food, clothing, medicine, books, blanket, and pillows. What I found really important is actually medicine, considering that not every well-known medicine in Indo is also well-known here. As an example, you can't go to the drugstore asking for minyak kayu putih or minyak tawon :((((
Here are thoughts from me personally regarding things to bring:
- If you bought your flight ticket already, please always keep the luggage maximum weight and all its regulations in mind. (If your flight is with other people in one booking number, sometimes the weight can be calculated altogether.)
- Do not bring things that are certainly available at your destination. This includes soaps, shampoos, and body lotions. Each product has been formulated uniquely for different countries regarding their weather, conditions, and most skin types. I brought one small bottle of soap from a mainstream brand in Indo for emergency and, omg, my skin is drier as pOtaTo chiPS.
- Bring only necessary foods (your favorite one, obviously) to mend this homesickness :') Don't bring too much instant noodle. Trust me, Ind*mie is widely spread in places you would never think it would be. For instant spices, the most common ones are those from Bamboe.
- Bring medicines, especially the basic ones like for fever, flu, maag, diarrhea, and headache. Aromatherapy healing oil and Vicks are actually one gang that shouldn't be looked down on, really. Until today, my life also relies on the existence of tolak angin, vitamin C, minyak kutus-kutus, and minyak tawon. Be your own 911! Know which medicine to take when you have a certain illness or allergy.
- Bring clothes that are suitable for the season and weather of your destination. As I arrived in December, it was indeed winter -- cold and unforgiving, just like ... (fill in the blank :-']). Aside from my house-indoor-clothing, I brought only some pairs of heattech, leggings, some sweaters, trousers, one winter coat, one scarf (not hijab ok), a pair of water-resistant boots, and thick socks.
- As for blankets and pillows, it's not actually urgent because you can still buy them here. But it's good if you can. As a matter of fact, most European countries don't acknowledge the existence of guling :') sad beautiful tragic, isn't it. Or if you are anxious about your future home, I would recommend you to bring an inflatable pillow and a sleeping bag.
- Rice cookers aren't really crucial honestly. Most Asian markets and electronic stores here sell those, so no worries. In my opinion, I'd rather bring more food than rice cookers... Though the choice is all yours.
- Bring important documents like your school report from 5th to 6th Semester, SIM, KTP, and copies from your AKTE Kelahiran. Bring at least 7 certified copies (re: legalisiran) from your report in Indo and also the translated one. Make a digital copy of it too (re: scan!!)
- Do. not. ever. bring laptops and other electronic devices with fake software (re: bajakan) if you still want to keep your deposit money alive until you need to renew it. In Germany, there is this law that you will be fined for a very big amount if you download bajakan things. You might get caught in the airport too, so just, don't.
- Divide your cash wisely and hide it nicely inside your backpack, handbag, cabin baggage, and even your baggage. Imagine and prepare for the worst case. Not to scare you obviously, but it's good if we have plan A, B and even C. In case you can also bring debit cards from Indonesia. If they have Cirrus, Visa, or Mastercard label on it, you can always take your money in ATMs here. Please note that some banks required certain activation to be used abroad.
I'm a huge believer in the existence of culture shock. I mean, the more you prepare, the better. But in my case, I couldn't ignore that uncomfortable feeling completely. Just get ready before it shoots you right on the head.
(yes this man is culture shock dressing up really well)
As for plane tickets, I flew to Germany with Turkish Airlines from Soekarno Hatta International Airport first to Istanbul and then to Frankfurt. Again, my plane tickets were booked by my study agency, so I don't have to meddle with all these ticket things... But it's not actually a big deal though. I've flown with Emirates too and tbh they have really good movies sense HAHA. If you are looking for affordable tickets, you can actually check Scoot out -- the child of Singapore Airlines. Though I don't really recommend it for your first ever flight, seeing that the maximum luggage is rather lighter than some other airlines. Try Skyscanner to compare flight tickets!
Before you book a non-direct flight, please do consider the amount of time needed for transit. I honestly think two hours transit is a horror (unless you are Usain Bolt). Imagine lining up to that very long immigration, counting the time you need to walk to your gates and security checks. I'd prefer a longer transit time and wait peacefully in the waiting room and window shopping, rather than running an Olympic sprint at the airport. 3-5 hours transit is just fine. Sometimes airlines also provide their passengers with guided tours around the transit city.
Part Six - Get yourself ready
Mentality is so damn crucial. Got yourself together, because, this is just the beginning.
Going abroad with no mentality is like when you know the technique to use a sword but doesn't have the bravery to swing it to your enemy. Useless. At the very least, the feeling of 'trying to be fearless' and 'i'll try my best' should present in the depth of your heart. Ciadaw. Embrace your strength and willpower, never forget what are your reasons behind this big decision. Anxiety might reach one of its highest peaks here, but don't worry. It will all be alright, I promise. You'll get through this.
Before your departure, spend your 'last seconds' with those whom you love. Throw a farewell party if you'd like to. Spend more time with your family, as they are your 'home' wherever you actually are. :)
Part Seven - Last check
Okay. But please, don't ever destroy your plane tickets unless you need to save someone you love being kidnapped. Uh-oh spoiler alert. Sorry, not sorry. Please protect your passport, belongings, and plane tickets just like Gu Seung Jun willing to cost his life for Seo Dan T^T
Checking is important, even the wheels and the health of your baggage. As a matter of fact, my baggage turned out to be broken one day before my flight to Germany. My dad and I rushed to go to Mall Taman Anggrek Jakarta just to buy a new one just a few hours before the flight :') I hope no such thing will happen to you. Keep your wallet and phone close to you. Put luggage tags on all of your belongings. It's good to tie a ribbon on your luggage or have a unique color of luggage so that it could be easily identified as yours.
I really hope pieces of my stories might help you throughout your journey. I'd also like to make solo posts about some parts of this post. If you have any questions or if I made mistakes, please feel free to contact me through the contact form or comment down below! I'd be glad to help too if you face any problem or simply need someone to talk to regarding this matter :)
Please, please don't ever give up on your dreams. You are the only one who is able to make your dreams come true, you are your own fairy godmother! I believe if you put your hardest effort into something you are really passionate about, the light will then show the way. Just like how the sun rays start to show up after a storm. Stay strong.
Love and light,
Sintya.
[p/s:]
For those who are wondering, yes, I certainly have fallen head over heels to the second lead and his partner in crime -- Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan from the drama Crash Landing On You! The drama is just simply indescribable and it's like nothing I've ever watched before. It tells us about the story of a soldier from North Korea and a chaebol from the South. I can't fathom my feeling in words ugh you must watch it for yourself haha.
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