The visa interview could have been more encouraging. I had all my papers and the letter from my school to back this up, but the visa officer seemed like he could have been more impressed. I had done my due diligence and paid all associated fees, yet this visa officer’s look was not just cool.
Does this story sound familiar? The atypical Japa Syndrome plaguing the average Nigerian young person abi? My story started with a desire to study for my master’s programme in International Relations, Conflict and Security at Northumbria University. It was an exciting opportunity that I just could not pass up. I applied and sourced the funds to go to school. I needed a change of environment and also, to experience something new, so going to study in the UK was a refreshing change.
However, the journey was not as smooth as I had envisaged. It reminded me of a prayer that Tai Solarin often made for his mentees. He usually said to them, “May your road be rough”. A truly discerning person would respond with an Amen to this prayer, but it sounded like a curse to others. However, looking down at some of the rough patches I had experienced, I remembered that smooth seas don’t make great sailors and that anything enduring is usually born in adversity. So when the approval of my visa was delayed, I knew this was just one of those rough patches I had been groomed to overcome.
My admission was deferred till the next session because I got my visa late and arrived the UK later than anticipated, but overall, it was worth the wait. Before I left, people had created a stereotype about British people, saying they were die-hard racists and not accepting of people from other nationalities. Hearing this created a sense of caution within me, and I was not sure what to expect, but being the die-hard optimist that I am, I always believed in giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. So, I kept an open mind and decided that I would not see with the eyes of others but form my own opinions myself.
The trip was terrible and also fun. I flew from Nigeria with AWA airline since I booked my flight with Emirates and they couldn’t fly into Nigeria. So, AWA airlines flew us to Accra to board Emirates, and that was where the issues began. First, I had to wait to get my luggage myself which is unusual because for connecting flights, the airlines handle baggage transfer. But no! My luggage was not even given priority knowing I would have to rush to the next flight. By the time I got in to the check-in counter, I was practically panicking thinking I might have missed the flight. My goods had to be weighed again. Secondly, I was told that I could not carry my raffia weave bag on the flight, so I had to go box it. This meant changing cash to Ghana cedes before proceeding to buy a box. After this, I was asked to pay for my extra luggage and because I had not anticipated these contingencies, I didn’t have any dollars on me, and I was unsettled by all of this. My flight was not a happy experience, and I will rethink recommending this to anyone.
Despite all of this, I still missed my flight, which meant I had to spend extra time at the airport trying to rebook another flight for the next day. After numerous calls, my sister was able to book me in for an Emirates flight for the next day. The next hurdle was where to spend the night, as the hotel prices were just too expensive. Thanks to wonderful friends who knew people in Accra, I was connected to a family with whom I spent the night.
As soon as I left Accra, it was smooth sailing all the way. Even with the stop at Dubai, I did not have to drag my luggage along and was treated with respect all through. I landed at the British airport and breathed the fresh, enlivening Newcastle air. Everything felt different, from the cold winter breeze to the quaint organization of the airport and then the friendly smiles on the faces of the elderly and young. It felt surreal and different.
I settled in and started school. I also got a job, and I became enamored with British hospitality and the pure pleasantness of the people. Everywhere I walked through, people kept doors open for me, Having lived in Warri, Nigeria, almost all my life, I found this act unusual and mind-blowing, but it was a welcome experience.
My experience as a student in the UK has been awesome. People here are always ready to help. And if anything, I wish I had made this move earlier. However, I am glad I took the initiative and immersed myself in this new and exhilarating experience. Best of all, I am glad I had the conviction to not just experience but also see with my own eyes and not with the eyes of others.
Nancy Oneoritsebawo Kporo tells her story from Newcastle, UK.
