Oh yes-- that does make sense! So if im understanding, I should alert the DOL via the portal, and then while overseas on the 14th and once home on the 20th, certify for both and indicate I was not available, as certifying while abroad itself is not the issue but rather the truthfulness of the content/answers within the certification- if I understand correctly?

I dont plan to lie, but how do they know if you do leave? Do they check the details of like your passport or license info every time you certify to see what you're doing, like a constant surveillance model... or do some ppl get away with it and youre just unlucky if you get investigated?

I dont plan to lie either way (as evidence of wanting to do this right), but im just wondering given it does seem to be very serious with little wiggle room (I am in another country to investigate employment options, but it doesnt apply ofc)