A new trend is sweeping the country, and while it is technically called migration, every Nigerian calls it the “Japa syndrome.”
It is no secret that Nigeria’s socioeconomic climate is driving thousands of people, particularly young people, to seek better pastures in Western nations such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
While the rising number of individuals leaving the nation continues to raise discussions, it does not necessarily prevent you from heading to an embassy, having a visa interview, and boarding the next plane.
Nevertheless, before you do any of these things, there are a few things you should know.
We’ve compiled a list of five crucial things you should do before leaving Nigeria.
1. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Living onboard is not as glamorous or lavish as social media makes it out to be. Many of us have the impression that once you come in a country like the United States or the United Kingdom, there is a money-growing tree planted on every street.
If you think the hustle in Nigeria is complex, wait till you arrive at a location where you don’t have citizenship. So, getting your brain and thoughts around where you’re heading isn’t going to be easy; there will be hurdles.
2. Acquire Different Skills
We’re unsure who needs to hear this but don’t rely on just one skill. While it is essential to have a specialization, some situations, such as traveling overseas, need gathering additional skills. Having a variety of skills increases your chances of being recruited and does not restrict your job opportunities.
The skills that you believe make you a boss in Nigeria may be outdated in another nation. For example, if you are particularly skilled at sealing a product, you may be surprised to learn that in another nation, they do not use individuals for this task since machines are used instead.
3. Build a Strong Relationship with Family and Friends at Home
Hear this! Not everyone is out to ruin you. Many people make the mistake of not notifying their relatives and friends when they travel outside of the country, simply because they believe “my village people.”
This is reasonable, but it does not excuse you from opening up to those who love and care for you.
Imagine a circumstance in which you encounter problems after notifying no one; you would lack the confidence to reach out to the home and seek assistance. Keep your important family members and friends informed. Who knows, they may even be a springboard for your achievement.
4. Set Your Goals
In the same way that you would not go to the store without a list of things, you should never intend to migrate abroad without first determining your goals.
Goals serve as a roadmap for where you want to end up in life. They assist you stay on track and act as a continual reminder of what has to be done and accomplished.
Other distractions arise with traveling to a new nation, and objectives help you determine whether you let these distractions overwhelm you or if you achieved the necessary progress.
5. Know Someone
No man is an island. Before you go, it would be beneficial to know someone in the country you would be visiting. This individual acts as a type of guide, teaching you how to navigate the seas of the foreign state appropriately.
Keep in mind that a person does not have to be a family member or a friend. It could be a friend of a friend or a trustworthy person you met on social media.