It has been noted that in the post-COVID-19 era as soon many Africans exporting to other countries especially Europe with the United Kingdom having the highest percentage this pro program is popular in Nigeria and is known as Japan. A lot of Nigerian graduates usually seek scholarship opportunities and employment or work visas to other countries in the West due to the high rate of unemployment in the country. The increased poverty in the country coupled with an alarming inflation rate which has led to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira prompted a lot of youth in Nigeria to seek means of traveling out of the country for greener pastures.
The most common means in Nigerians for traveling out of the country is educational scholarship which could be partly funded or fully funded scholarship for postgraduate or graduate degree programs but not everybody will be lucky to get this scholarship as the scholarship is available to all citizens not just Nigerians. If as a Nigerian you feel like getting a scholarship to travel out of the country these are other means you can explore:
What to do if an international scholarship doesn’t work for your Japa plans
Work and Save
You could work and save money to fund your travels. You might consider finding a job, freelance work, or starting a small business to generate income. You could use your skills and talents to offer freelance services, such as writing, designing, programming, or photography. Alternatively, you could start a small business, such as selling products, offering services, or creating content online.
The benefits of working and saving are that you can earn money at your own pace and schedule and that you can gain valuable experience and skills that can help you in your future career. The drawbacks are that it may take a long time to save enough money and that you may have to balance your work and study commitments.
Study Abroad Programs
Look for study abroad programs that offer financial aid or scholarships specifically for international students. Many universities offer grants and scholarships to international students. Some examples of study abroad programs that offer financial aid or scholarships are the Fulbright Program, the Erasmus+ Program, the Chevening Scholarships, and the DAAD Scholarships. You can also search for scholarships offered by specific universities or countries that match your criteria and interests. The study abroad programs are where you can get a quality education, experience a different culture, and expand your network and opportunities.
Crowdfunding
Consider setting up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for your travels. There are many platforms available for this purpose. You can create a campaign that explains your travel goals, your budget, and your rewards for your backers. You can also promote your campaign through social media, blogs, or podcasts. You can reach a large and diverse audience, and you can offer creative and personalized rewards to your supporters. The drawbacks are that you may have to pay fees to the platform and that you may not reach your funding goal or deliver on your promises.
Financial Aid and Loans
Explore the possibility of getting a personal loan or financial aid to help finance your travels. You can compare the interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria of different options and choose the one that suits you best. You can also look for grants or bursaries offered by organizations or foundations that support your travel purpose or field of study.
The benefits of financial aid and loans are that you can get access to a large amount of money quickly and that you can use it for any travel-related expense. The drawbacks are that you may have to pay high interest rates, fees, or penalties and that you may have to deal with debt and financial stress.
Sponsorship
Look for sponsorship opportunities from companies, organizations, or individuals who may be interested in supporting your travels. Some of the potential sponsors are corporations, non-governmental organizations, media outlets, or celebrities. You can pitch your travel idea to them and explain how it aligns with their goals, values, or interests. You can also offer them some benefits, such as exposure, recognition, or collaboration. Sponsorship programs can help the travel provide the necessary skills and equipment or help with publicity which will eventually lead to the actualization of the travel dream.