Another CDFN Life hack by Chris Stewart
We all use tech every single day, and the one thing I’ve learned on post is that you should be prepared before you leave. Depending on the post where you live, you might not have the ability to buy, fix or update some of your devices. I can tell you having lived behind a few firewalls, updates and internet speed can be challenging. So it’s important to do a bit of research on the subject and prepare your tech for your new home before you leave, while you still can.
Off hand, there are two things that can make your life abroad much simpler, a VPN and VoIP. If you’re unfamiliar with any or both of these, don’t be ashamed, both of these tools are not something you often “need” living in Canada. A VPN or Virtual Private Network is an app on your phone, tablet, computer or even your router that gives you an extra level of security while using the internet, and also allows you to appear (from the view of the websites and apps you use) to be in another country. Both of these features can be very important when posted abroad.
Beyond the security aspect, they also allow you to use Canadian features in places like CBC gem, Netflix or any other commonly used online material that might limit or block non-Canadian users. In some countries, including the one I’m currently writing this, a VPN allows you to get around country firewalls and anything that might being stopping people from using certain web tools and websites. There are many VPNs to choose from on the market, so picking one might be a bit challenging for some. There are really two pieces of simple advice I’d give you when selecting a VPN.
The first is pay for your VPN, there are many free VPNs out there and they range from low quality to all out scams, so using a high quality, well known payed VPN is well worth it. The second piece of advice is ask the MCO or IT person on post what they use. Some higher hardship posts might block certain VPNs, making them useless, so finding out what other people use improves your chances of it working on post.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a phone system you can acquire that will allow you to use your computer or cell phone as a virtual Canadian phone. You will be assigned a Canadian phone number and with either a small attachment or an app on your cell phone, you will be able to make and get calls as if you’re actually in Canada. This can save a lot of problems with long distance rates in some countries and it gives your banks a constant number to contact you that isn’t “sketchy”.
Best of all you can keep the number even when you return to Canada, and take it abroad with you when/if you go on another post.
These are just two examples of tech that can help you abroad, but more importantly tech that you should set up before you leave.
At 40, Andrew Elliott packed up his old life as a radio morning man to start a new chapter abroad—without a job, a clear plan, or expectations beyond supporting his family. He quickly learned that life as a diplomatic spouse isn’t all glamor. Somewhere between becoming a hunk, a chunk, or a monk, he found the humor, challenges, and unexpected growth in a role that often goes unspoken.
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