#explorationeight

Travel. Abroad. Exchange. 6 weeks.

These are the phrases that come into mind when I hear the word AIESEC. My friends and I have been planning to go on exchange in Thailand since last year and now we’re on our 2nd week! CRAZY how fast time flies. First thing we know, we’re just undecided on where to go, what to do and how to apply for the docs needed for exchange -- now we’re on it!!!

Tough. As it may seem, the process was tough. I had to persuade my parents to let me go for exchange. My dad didn’t want me to leave the Philippines for 6 weeks because he said it’s too long. But I wanted to make the most out of my last Summer vacation before college graduation. I lived up to my expectations.

Surreal. Describing it in a word, must be surreal. Still I can’t believe that I’m out for exchange. The first week was exhilarating, surprising, yet exciting. I had to represent my country alone while the other delegates have their own buddies.

It’s been a long while! Sawasdee Ka from the Land of Smiles! :)

In partnership with Philippine Airlines, Mabuhay Miles, and AIESEC in the Philippines, I present to you my first ever travel diary!

It was my first time traveling alone and after 11 years of waiting, I finally get to fly with PAL again. Swear, I was giddy and excited when I knew I had to reap the fruit of my labour. Working in AIESEC has been a challenge for me, balancing acads and org work seemed impossible to handle. But that day on Easter Break, my application for the IXP campaign of AIESEC Phes was accepted! Someone contacted me and weeks after, I was asked to create a Mabuhay Miles account.

After that, I knew it was the start of my AIESEC journey. To be honest, I didn’t expect to live in the moment -- I never expected that I would go on exchange this Summer 2017, knowing that going abroad will cost you a lot of money!!! Fortunately, I got free flights from Mabuhay Miles. I was able to redeem 24,000 miles  to be exact; making me have a round-trip ticket from Manila to Bangkok, v.v.

Click HERE to view my FIRST EVER VIDEO!

Enjoy a minute of my PAL experience! Truly unforgettable.

Hello. I’ve applied for an Australian Visa (Tourist Subclass 600) online. You can find the link HERE.

Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for an AUS visa online.

Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount. Fill out necessary information you need. Make sure you have your documents with you. Be honest as possible!

Step 2: Click on the applicable Visa type you’re about to apply for. Note: The Australian embassy of Manila usually gives out visa after 30 days. Lucky enough if you get yours in a span of 15!

Step 3: Let the process begin! The whole Visa application process has about 16 pages as I can remember. Get your original documents and passport pictures ready with your declaration on the back (signature and full name, declaring it’s your own) “This is an original photo of *insert name here*.”

Scan in the original color, if it’s black and white or colored; scan it as it is. Also make sure to get most of your documents notarized by your nearby public notary.

The AUS embassy is strict so if you want to get approved, comply with their rules and regulations!

Step 4: Attach the required documents and files. Note: You have a maximum limit of 60 attachments for the whole process. This includes everything - your birth certificate, passport stamps and bio data, bank certificates and certificate of enrolment (if you’re still a student like me) and so much more.

Step 5: Pay online. Get your receipt from your email and print it for verification. I forgot the payment options though. But I paid through credit card.

AND YOU’RE DONE!

Wait patiently for the Embassy to email you your Visa. If you have not complied with their requirements, they will inform you so don’t you worry! But it’s hassle-free if you pass everything at once.

My visa status: Still on-going. Due to the lack of requirements, I haven’t passed my Parents’ Consent and Form 1221 (this one’s for a minor traveling alone or with a companion). But the waiting game again resumes. Hope’s up! :)

Wishing you a pleasant day ahead, everyone. Paalam!

You’re on exploration eight, a travel blog by a young explorer named Nadine.

Today, I’ve finally decided to start off this blog. I discontinued my previous blog named, The Young Traveller due to my busy and hectic schedule and because I was still in high school back then. Now, I’m an incoming college junior at the University of Santo Tomas, taking up Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies.

I’ve visited places in Southeast Asia my whole existence. My travel life revolved around Asia and hence it was one of the reasons I pursued my course.

Here are some FAQs I may be encountering one of these days:

What can you expect in this blog?

My previous and current travels will be posted here. Destinations I’ve been to and suggestions where to go will come in handy per travel post. :)

Since when have you started traveling and where was your first flight out of the country?

I was seven years old when I went to Bangkok, Thailand. 

With whom do you travel?

My parents. But in my next destination I would be with my sister only.