We Were Suffering Abroad: Man Who Returned to Nigeria Shares His Story

We Were Suffering Abroad: Man Who Returned to Nigeria Shares His Story

A Nigerian man has shared his “japa” story on Twitter as he advised Nigerians plan well before embarking on traveling abroad.

In a post he made on his Twitter page, He said he and his wife traveled abroad for greener pastures thinking everything will be well for them there but it seemed to be the other way round.

Narrating the story, he stated him and his wife suffered financial issues and also hectic jobs.

After many years of living life in abroad, they both decided to come back to Nigeria and surprisingly, everything turned out good for the both of them.

In his words; 

“The relocation story you don’t get told. This was us several years back as a young couple looking for better life abroad. The dream was good, the intentions were good and we had enough to start. We just didn’t have enough information of how challenging it would get. We started life in a single room within a shared flat where we even got told when we could use the washing machine or turn on the heater (even in winter).

The jobs were demeaning and always tiring but the poor exchange rate of my home currency gave a false sense of deception that one was earning good but the reality was different. Even with both our incomes, it was difficult to live averagely.

Note: we were way better than others here! At least we were together but extreme work rota meant we barely got to spend time together, marriage strained. Now imagine many had their spouses back home and their marriages went through worse.

Always at the mercy of the home office that was always changing immigration policies, one never truly felt settled. In the end, we returned back home and quietly started over, together. Decades on, everything we sought abroad got handed to us back home! AlhamduliLlaah.

Now imagine many still stuck, illegally living, unable to work for standard rates, unable to even rent a place in their name, unable to open an account, unable to have peace of mind and always apprehensive of law enforcement, unable to grow yet unable to return home! What’s the point? Relocating will test you and your marriage in different ways. Please be sure before you copy anyone and sell all you have to move. However, if you find yourself stuck, have a good exit plan even if it means coming back home to start over. Many people and marriages are breaking due to unplanned pressure. Don’t go this route, do your findings well, your home depends on it.”

Things to do Before you Travel Abroad

Researching before you travel abroad is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct your findings:

• Determine where you want to go based on your interests, budget, and travel preferences. Consider factors such as climate, culture, safety, and visa requirements.
• Check the visa requirements for your destination country. Some countries may require a visa for entry, while others may offer visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival options.
• Visit government websites such as the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Travel Advice to see if there are any travel advisories or warnings for your destination. This can help you assess the safety and security situation.
• Research the culture, customs, and traditions of your destination country to avoid cultural misunderstandings and show respect for the local way of life.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or consult with a healthcare professional to learn about any required or recommended vaccinations, as well as health risks such as diseases or outbreaks in your destination.
• Research accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals in your destination. Consider factors such as location, price, amenities, and reviews from other travelers.
• Research attractions, activities, and landmarks you want to visit at your destination. Create a rough itinerary to help you make the most of your time and prioritize the experiences you don’t want to miss.
• Research transportation options for getting to your destination and for getting around once you’re there. This may include flights, trains, buses, rental cars, or local transportation services.
• Familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rates. Consider exchanging some currency before you travel or withdrawing cash from ATMs upon arrival.
• If you’re traveling to a country where English isn’t widely spoken, consider learning some basic phrases in the local language to help you communicate with locals.
• Research local laws, regulations, and customs to ensure you understand what is acceptable behavior and what may be considered offensive or illegal in your destination.
• Seek out travel blogs, forums, and review websites to get insights and recommendations from other travelers who have visited your destination.

By thoroughly researching and gathering information before you travel abroad, you’ll be better prepared to navigate your destination and have a more enjoyable travel experience.

6 Countries Perfect For Expats To Japa For An Amazing Life

With the situation of the country and how terrible things have gotten in Nigeria, a lot of Nigerians are looking for options of either going to live in other countries for a while or moving permanently and not just wanting to do this alone but with their entire families.

A lot of Nigerians want a country that works, a country where things work, a country where the government cares about the citizens, a country where their children will be able to grow up well and a country where they feel safe, a country where there is job security, a country with a good economy, a country with good healthcare, a country where they stand a chance to actually live a prosperous life.

As a Nigerian looking to move out of the country and become an expat sometime soon, here are some countries that you can move to, depending on what you need and what fits your goals best as an individual.

• Canada
• Portugal
• The Netherlands 
• Indonesia 
• Singapore
• New Zealand

Are you ready to japa and live your best expat life? Read more here.