Four years ago, Remi* embarked on her educational journey in the United States, leaving the shores of her home country Nigeria behind. Having faced disruptions to her undergraduate studies at the University of Lagos due to frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Remi and her supportive parents decided it was time for her to seek education in a different country. Following the successful acquisition of a student visa, Remi found herself in the city of New York, commencing a new chapter as an international student.
Masika*, a Kenyan student, has recently secured a scholarship at the University of Toronto and is awaiting his flight date to relocate for his studies. Looking back at his undergraduate days, he thinks about how he made a mistake going through the Kenyan education system for a Bachelor’s degree in Education which he never wanted but was imposed on him by the government. Now, Masika is counting the days left to his flight date, looking forward to starting a new phase in Canada to pursue his true passion for Medicine and fulfill a long-held aspiration.
Stories like those of Remi and Masika persist across different countries in Africa and are fueled by economic and social factors. In Nigeria, for example, the education sector is in a deplorable state characterized by lack of adequate funding, poor infrastructure, incessant strikes at the tertiary level, irregular academic calendars, and so on. These challenges have forced several Nigerians to relocate abroad in search for better educational opportunities. Similarly, African countries like Angola, Kenya, Malawi, and Sudan have recorded a large number of youths who desire to migrate to other countries due to factors such as poverty, insecurity, economic hardship, and poor education systems. Research shows that in Kenya, over one-third of youths consider leaving the country for better job prospects, to escape from poverty, or pursue better educational opportunities.
While studying abroad can be an excellent opportunity for African migrants, they often grapple with several unforeseen challenges in host countries. These challenges range from language barrier and racial discrimination, to homesickness, culture shock, academic and financial constraints. When asked about his experience as an educational migrant in the United Kingdom, Anthony told Diaspora Africa “Missing my family, friends, and life back home hit me hard. It was really difficult trying to adapt to a new country with different cultures, food, and surroundings. I experienced moments of homesickness so many times and I also struggled to make new friends.” Chinedu, another educational migrant, recounted his initial weeks in Canada, stating “Within the first few weeks of moving to Canada, I felt so lonely that I wanted to pack my bags and go back home to Nigeria. It was really scary and I even developed depression because there was no one I could really talk to or connect with.” Nadia shared further insights on the issue when asked about her own experience as an international student in the United States. She said, “I knew racism was a huge deal here, but feeling constantly conscious of my race was unexpected and unsettling. The perpetual reminder of being black doesn’t sit well with me.”
As students of colour and foreigners in their host countries, African migrants experience language barrier, discrimination and racism which take a high toll on their mental health. According to a recent study, there is a profound connection between psychological distresses among international students and racial discrimination. This is exemplified in the different stories of 21 black Africans studying in 10 different universities located in eight English cities, reported by Solomon Zewolde. One student who was interviewed described how she was told to return to Africa during a Christmas job pitch. She said, “I was about to approach this white guy, and he just raised his hand and dismissed me, saying that I ‘should go back to where they brought me from,’ I ‘should go back to Africa where I came from,’ and that I am not needed here.” Another study revealed that graduate students from Sub-Saharan countries face disrespect rooted in neoracist assumptions about national origin and skin colour. The findings emphasized that, instead of feeling integrated into the institution, these students are marginalized and treated as instruments for campus enrichment.
Even during the Russian-Ukraine war, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Somalis and other Africans studying in Ukraine faced discrimination while attempting to escape across the borders. Disturbing reports reveal instances where Ukrainian police and security personnel barred Nigerians from boarding buses and trains headed for the Ukraine-Poland border. Those who successfully escaped the war still face numerous obstacles as they seek to achieve their educational goals. Aljazeera reported the story of Esther Oluwafeyisayo, a 22-year-old Nigerian student, who has lost track of the university applications she submitted after escaping the conflict in Ukraine. Seeking refuge in neighboring Hungary, she now grapples with the challenge of securing a scholarship before her temporary permit to stay expires. The intricate web of European migration laws leaves war-affected African students stranded in uncertainty. Compounded by exorbitant tuition fees in the host countries and a scarcity of scholarships available mostly to Ukrainian students, these students find themselves caught in a difficult predicament.
In light of the many challenges faced by African students abroad, it is imperative for the international community to collaborate with host and home countries to address these issues. Host countries should implement comprehensive cultural orientation programs to help African international students adapt to their customs and social norms. These programs should also provide information about the host university’s academic practices and campus resources, so African students are well-informed and aware of where to seek assistance. It is also essential that vital information be easily available and accessible about scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to ease the financial burden on African students pursuing education abroad. Finally, the host university must make an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking professional help and offer mental health support. Regular check-ins with individuals and the creation of safe spaces for students to express themselves can contribute significantly to helping students cope with the challenges associated with studying in a new country.
Writer: Promise Okezie
Editors: Chimee Adioha, Amaka Obioji