Whether you have a dream to study abroad or you have started taking active steps towards a specific destination, here are a few things you need to know about studying outside Nigeria. Here are the things you should know:
One, grading systems are different. Whereas in Nigerian universities, you usually take a mid-term assessment and examinations (apart from the few times when your class attendance or assignments also make up part of your total score); the way students are graded abroad (especially in the UK, US, and Canada) is quite different. For starters, your attendance is very important, as there is a limit you can’t fall below, otherwise, you risk expulsion. Aside from that, things like presentations, research submissions, and regular assessments make up your total grade you may not write exams for all courses, but from the beginning, the breakdown of how your total grade will be awarded will be given to you by your lecturer.
Secondly, as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you’re allowed to work while on a student visa. There is a clear limitation to this, as you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week. However, the opportunity to get some experience working part-time during your studies usually proves invaluable, you could even get work experience with the University directly if you apply in time for it. Note, the money you will get out of the 20-hour work arrangement can in no way finance your studies. It is not to be relied on as a way of finding money for your tuition, at best, it can only help you with some expenses you incur. Some courses have work placement too, these come into play after a set period of study and can last from a few weeks to a year.
Thirdly, studying abroad is expensive. Depending on where you fall on the socioeconomic ladder, it could either be too expensive or affordable for you. If you are sure you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition and handle your living expenses, and you are interested in studying abroad, then you should, because it is an investment that will pay off for you. If you can’t afford the millions it will require, but can secure a fully funded scholarship, then lucky you, take the best advantage of the opportunity. If you are neither able to afford it or secure a fully funded scholarship, then you can consider working for a while to save up for it (However, do note that the longer you delay the more expensive the entire process will be due to countries adjusting their immigration policies and foreign exchange rates). As they say, delay is not denial, and there are specialized programs like a MBA which could help you secure executive positions at work, if you decide to go the third route.
Another thing you will have to take into consideration is culture shock. It is completely normal to change environments and fall sick due to weather or other factors, people usually recover after a short period. The more challenging part is adapting to the people, their culture, and the norms. The good news is that in most universities in the UK, the US and Canada by extension, there is a good presence of African and especially Nigerian students, so you would always find support and a community you can interact with. It gets lonely if you try to handle everything yourself, so make sure to be active in any community you’re interested in. Also, one of the perks of studying abroad is getting to meet people from all around the world. Ensure to build connections, and find things that make you happy.
Finally, contact Narrowhill for any other lingering questions, inquiries, or doubts. We are here to help you all the way to the very end.
Building Gatsby Custom Range Input That Looks Consistent Across All Browsers
