Your first time as an international student may vary from person to person, depending on your school, country and your course.
The thing I love about the Nigerian youth is their yearning for better.
Young Nigerians are almost always interested in a personal refinement that truly inspires.
This is evident in the numbers. Research shows the number of young Nigerians abroad for study have greatly increased.
There’s a young Nigerian as an international student in every school. Believe me.
This is generally because, Nigerian youth have deemed it fit to upgrade theirself in all ramifications especially academically.
I talked with a few of them who share their experiences as international students in different universities.
What school did (do) you attend?
Quam: Coventry University
Gift: The University of Alabama
Odunayo: University of South Wales
Ben: University of Georgia
Osita: University of Huddersfield (UK)
Jennifer: Coventry University
When did you first arrive at your University?
Quam: I arrived the UK in October 2020 and I had to Isolate for 14days.
The weather was so cold. I was new in the city and had no friend at that time. It was very lonely.
Gift: January. It was very cold, but I received a warm reception and was able to settle in nicely.
Odunayo: September 2020, it was lonely cause my family was back in London and I was in wales. So it was difficult adapting.
Wouldn’t leave my room to go out and it was worse because all my classes were online.
Ben: June 2021
Osita: I arrived in October of 2020. My first month was for adapting : adapting to change of weather and a different mode of study. Also finding my way around to get the necessary to settle properly.
Jennifer: I arrived September 2014. My first month at Coventry University was a struggle. Firstly I struggled a lot with coursework/assignment.
Understanding how assignments and exams are done in a foreign land was my biggest struggle.
Secondly, coming from Africa where you literally have to address your lecturers with a title (Mr. Mrs. or Miss), I was perplexed that we could address our lecturers by their first name.
Lastly, the weather was almost the end of me (lol), I struggled to get out of bed for lecturers cause of the cold.
On an average, what’s your tuition and living expense as international students?
Quam: I spent about £25,000
Gift: $50,000 annually
Odunayo: £15000
Ben: $39,800
Osita: Tuition : £15500, Living expense: £900
Jennifer: I spent about £16000
Tell me about a time that was difficult for you
Quam: Schooling and working can be very difficult especially when you have to rely on the money for your upkeep.
Gift: Submitting assignments every week lol. It’s more difficult than it seems.
Odunayo: When I came into the country. That was an especially difficult time for me.
Ben: Settling in is always difficult. But most schools have a structure in place to make things easier
Osita: During my first month I had to nurse a severe migraine. This was due to the weather change. It was more difficult because school was on and migraines sap a lot of motivation out of you.
When it subsided, it was back to business as usual.
Jennifer: I remember preparing for my first exam as an international student. I struggled a lot because I didn’t know what to expect or how things were done.
I had read and as usual left everything in God’s hands. I got to the exam hall and we were given the questions, I immediately blanked out because I wasn’t expecting the questions that was asked .
What’s the best thing about being an international student in your school?
Quam: You know the exact date your course will be ending. You have all the facilities you would be needing.
All classes are recorded, you can always go back to watch. You get your assignment first day of the semester
Gift: The exceptional care you receive.
Odunayo: Everyone being inclusive
Ben: For me it’s the opportunity to come to a new culture entirely different and learning to adapt. So my view of the world will be from a multicultural standpoint.
Osita: There are a lot of programs designed to help an international student settle. You are assigned a personal assistant.
Jennifer: As an international student, there were lots of opportunities.
I remember attending a global leadership Program, which enabled international student travel to other countries to explore and gain insights of other business operations across the globe.
What are your career plans after your study abroad program? Would you return to your home country?
Quam: Lol please. I don’t plan to return except for holidays. Will definitely pursue a career in Psychology here.
Gift: To become a professor in the US.
Odunayo: No, I wouldn’t. Applying for jobs at the moment
Ben: Yes! Most definitely. Nigeria needs young and vibrant scholars who can drive the most needed change.
Osita: Get a good job in data analytics and progress to become a business analyst. As for coming home, I am not sure. I need experience in a field that’s still young in Nigeria.
Jennifer: After my study, I came back to my home country and I’m currently working in the same field that I studied abroad.
One last thing! Tell me something about your school that would surprise me
Quam: We were given free accommodation
Gift: We’re the football champions in the US
Odunayo: It’s was all online
Ben: 1. It’s 87% white, 3% black. And others races to the percentile balance. 2. Campus is so big you may need to take up to 3 buses before you get to class depending on where you get accommodation.
Osita: Patrick Stewart, professor X of Xmen was once its Vice chancellor
Jennifer: The school was very multicultural and accepting.
You may also like: How To Make The Most Of E-Learning
