Opportunities to travel abroad can be life-changing, but what happens when they come in the middle of your university studies? If you’re a brilliant Nigerian student, this dilemma can feel overwhelming. Should you take the leap and relocate now, or stay and finish your degree first? This post will walk you through everything you need to consider—academics, career prospects, finances, immigration rules, and personal growth. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your best options, along with a detailed pros and cons list to help you make the right decision. Let’s dive in!
What You Need to Consider
1. Your Academics
- Where do you stand in your studies? If you have excellent grades, you don’t want to throw away all your hard work without a solid plan.
- Can you continue your degree abroad? Check if the university in your destination country allows credit transfers. If not, are you willing to start afresh?
- Would an online or distance learning option work for you? If your school allows remote study, you might be able to complete your degree while abroad.
- Can you defer your admission? If the trip is short-term, deferring might be a good option.
2. Purpose & Length of Your Stay
- Why are you traveling? Is it for school, work, family, or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
- How long will you be away? If it’s a short trip (3-6 months), you might be able to pause school and resume later.
- Is this a temporary or permanent move? If there’s a chance you won’t return soon, your academic and career plans must align with that reality.
3. Career & Future Prospects
- Will moving abroad improve your career chances? Business Administration is a global field—will this move put you in a better position for international opportunities?
- Can you work while studying? Some countries allow it, while others don’t.
- Will your degree from Nigeria still be useful if you relocate? If not, you might need to upskill or even get another degree abroad.
4. Financial Reality
- Can you afford it? Traveling isn’t just about the flight ticket. You need to consider tuition (if applicable), cost of living, accommodation, and other expenses.
- Are you getting financial support? If it’s a scholarship, sponsorship, or family support, great. If not, you’ll need a financial plan.
- Can you earn while abroad? If your visa allows you to work, that’s a plus.
5. Immigration & Legal Matters
- What kind of visa will you get? A student visa, work visa, or dependent visa will determine what you can and cannot do.
- Are there restrictions? Some visas don’t allow you to work while studying.
- Could this be a step toward permanent residency? If you’re considering settling abroad, check the immigration pathways available.
6. Adapting to a New Environment
- How well do you know the country? Language, culture, weather, and way of life will affect your experience.
- Do you have support there? Moving is easier if you have family or friends to help you settle in.
- Is it safe? As a young woman traveling alone, safety should be a top priority.
The Best Decision for You
Option 1: If You Can Transfer Your Studies or Get a Scholarship
- Go for it! If the move will advance your education and career, and you have financial backing, it’s worth considering.
- Research universities that accept your current credits or offer a similar program.
- Secure funding—scholarships, grants, or a work-study program.
Option 2: If You Have to Start Over
- Think carefully. If studying abroad aligns with your career goals and you can afford it, starting fresh might be worth it.
- But if it puts you in financial or academic uncertainty, you may want to complete your degree in Nigeria first.
Option 3: If the Move Isn’t for School
- Consider deferring your studies instead of dropping out.
- If you must drop out, make sure you have a solid alternative career plan abroad.
Option 4: If You’re Torn Between Staying and Going
- Look for short-term programs, internships, or exchange programs that let you experience life abroad before making a permanent move.
- Talk to your lecturers, mentors, and family before deciding.
My Thought
This is your life, and the decision should be one that aligns with your long-term goals. If you need help weighing your options further, I can create a detailed pros and cons list for you. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!
Here’s a detailed pros and cons list to help you decide whether to take the opportunity to travel abroad while in 300L of your B.Sc. Business Administration program.
Option 1: Travel Abroad and Continue Your Studies (Transfer or New Admission)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Global Education Exposure – Studying abroad can offer access to better resources, advanced teaching methods, and international networking opportunities. | Possible Loss of Time – If your credits don’t transfer, you might have to start afresh, extending your graduation timeline. |
| Better Career Prospects – A foreign degree can boost your employability, especially if you plan to work internationally. | Higher Financial Costs – Tuition fees and cost of living abroad are often much higher than in Nigeria. |
| Work and Study Opportunities – Many countries allow students to work part-time, helping with expenses. | Visa Restrictions – Some student visas don’t permit part-time work, limiting financial independence. |
| Access to Scholarships & Grants – Some countries provide funding opportunities that can ease financial burdens. | Competitive Admission Process – Getting into a good university might require extra tests (like TOEFL, IELTS, or GMAT). |
| Permanent Residency Pathways – Some countries offer post-graduation work permits that lead to permanent residency. | Emotional and Cultural Adjustment – You might face culture shock, loneliness, and difficulty adapting to a new system. |
Option 2: Travel Abroad for Work or Other Reasons, Without Completing Your Degree Now
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate Financial Gain – If you secure a good job, you start earning sooner. | No Degree Qualification – Many jobs abroad still require a university degree, limiting your career options. |
| Exposure to International Opportunities – You might gain work experience, business ideas, or networking connections. | Harder to Resume Studies Later – Once you leave, returning to complete your degree might be difficult due to financial or immigration constraints. |
| Immigration Benefits – Some work visas can lead to permanent residency. | Uncertain Job Market – If you don’t secure stable employment, you might struggle financially. |
| Flexibility to Explore Other Career Paths – You might discover better opportunities outside of Business Administration. | Risk of Being Undocumented – If visa issues arise, you might be stuck abroad without legal status. |
| Experience Personal Growth – Living abroad can improve your adaptability, independence, and problem-solving skills. | Social & Emotional Impact – Leaving behind family, friends, and your familiar environment can be mentally challenging. |
Option 3: Stay in Nigeria and Complete Your Degree Before Traveling
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Finish What You Started – You graduate with a degree and a strong academic record. | Missed Immediate Opportunity – If the offer to travel is once-in-a-lifetime, delaying might mean losing it. |
| More Affordable Education – Completing your degree in Nigeria is generally cheaper than studying abroad. | Limited Global Exposure – Staying might mean missing out on international learning and networking opportunities. |
| Better Career Preparation – You enter the job market with a solid qualification before relocating. | Nigeria’s Economic Challenges – The job market might be tougher compared to opportunities abroad. |
| Opportunity to Apply for Scholarships Later – With your degree completed, you can apply for funded postgraduate programs abroad. | Potential Delay in Immigration Plans – If relocation is your long-term goal, waiting might slow things down. |
| Emotional Stability – You stay close to your support system (family, friends, lecturers). | Limited International Work Experience – You won’t gain early global work exposure. |
What’s the Best Decision for You?
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If education is your priority, go only if you can transfer your studies or secure a scholarship.
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If financial security is more important right now, ensure you have a clear job prospect before leaving.
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If you’re unsure, complete your degree first, then plan a well-structured move abroad.
