Diaspora Diaries: Thriving in Lithuania – A conversation with Taonga Ngoleka on Education, Career and Life Abroad

In this edition of Diaspora Diaries, we take a trip to Lithuania, a European country, to have a conversation with Taonga, who is from Malawi—popularly known as the “Warm Heart of Africa.” Taonga currently works as a CS Partner Specialist in Lithuania and hosts The Hello Friday Podcast. Tao, as she’s fondly called, has lived in the UK, South Africa, and Hungary; she’s always excited about her next travel adventure (Taonga has visited 23 countries and counting!) When I started telling stories, I thought my stories were exclusive to me. This isn’t to say individual experiences aren’t unique, but I quickly realised our stories can resonate with strangers across oceans, connecting hearts across distances and forming friendships through shared narratives. This is the case with Taonga Ngoleka; we connected with each other’s stories on social media. I met Taonga through my podcast partner, and since then, she’s been a great supporter of my journey—even inviting me to her podcast. I love her big heart, I am inspired by her faith, and she constantly insists I should travel the world like she has. I had a conversation with Taonga on living fearlessly, nurturing faith across borders, and living joyfully in every season of life.

Why Did You Decide to Leave Malawi and Move to a Different Country?

I come from a family that travels. Although my family members live in other countries, I’m the only one living in Lithuania. This isn’t the first time I’ve left my home country, but I moved to Lithuania in 2019 for studies. I applied to several European countries and got accepted, but I chose Lithuania because it had low living costs and tuition fees at the time. Some countries had free tuition but a higher cost of living. Lithuania seemed like the best option. Vilnius University, the country’s top university, offered the course I wanted to study. Being part of the Schengen zone was another bonus since it allows visa-free travel across nearly 30 countries. And of course, I love travelling!

What Were Some of the Biggest Cultural Shocks You Experienced in Lithuania, and How Did You Adapt?

The weather was my biggest shock—my first winter was brutal! It was my first time experiencing temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees. Winter here lasts five months, from November to March. I remember wearing four or five layers and struggling to walk in thick snow!

Another challenge is how long it takes for people to warm up to you. The trick is to stay friendly and not let this discourage you from making new friends. The language, while beautiful, isn’t the easiest to learn. Thankfully, my classes were in English. I also found an English-speaking church, Journey Church Vilnius, which I still attend.

How Did You Navigate the Job Market and Education System Moving to Lithuania?

During my studies, which were full-time, I worked part-time during semesters and full-time during the summer to earn extra money. By the last semester of my studies, I started applying for full-time jobs. One unique opportunity for international students here is joining acting agencies. You can work as an extra in commercials, Netflix series, and more. It’s fun—you meet people, eat free food, and learn a lot!

At university, attending the first lecture of every course was key to understanding the expectations. Courses were assessed differently—some had oral exams, others required midterms, papers, group projects, or even acting. Flexibility was important. Sometimes professors assigned groups, while other times we formed our own. Working with new people was a great networking opportunity. To excel in studies, you have to ask questions, answer questions, and make the most of the available times that the professors offer outside of class. It also doesn’t hurt to get acquainted with those who seem to understand the course better or are as invested in it.

Another thing worth mentioning—at least for the university I attended—is that there are incentive scholarships for students in the top 10–20% of the class, which encouraged me to push myself. One thing they do so well is making you understand how achieving each grade works. Here, the scale is 1 to 10; the pass mark is 5, but to qualify for an incentive scholarship, you need to have an average score of 8 and above. Additionally, I got to study abroad in Hungary for a semester under the Erasmus programme, which was a fantastic experience.

What Were the Most Significant Challenges You Faced as a Migrant in Lithuania, and How Did You Overcome Them?

Homesickness is real. I’m very close to my family, so I missed my friends, the weather, and even the food in Malawi. Thankfully, WhatsApp and Facebook helped bridge the gap. As for the food, I missed Malawian street food—chiwaya (fried chips in a special tin), mzinziri (Quails), and kanyenya wa nsomba (fish dipped in flour then fried). Fortunately, I found some African shops where I could get familiar spices and sauces. Staying connected to home, even in small ways, made a big difference.

How Has Moving Countries Affected Your Faith as a Christian?

Moving abroad has strengthened my faith. I’ve had to depend on God more and trust Him in ways I hadn’t before. It’s challenging to stay committed to fellowship when the weather is brutal, but it’s vital for getting through tough seasons. Living in a multicultural environment also tested my faith. I had to create space for quality time with God, especially while living with roommates. Small adjustments, like using headphones to listen to music/sermons or finding quiet places to pray, helped me maintain my spiritual rhythm.

Where Do You Feel Most at Home Currently: Your Country of Origin or Your Adopted Country?

This is a tough question. Home will always be home, but you learn to adapt to new environments. If I could, I would visit not just my country but other African countries at least every few months.

How Do You Define and Maintain Your Identity as an African Living in a Foreign Country?

Being African is part of who I am. It’s reflected in how I express myself, from speaking my language to making certain gestures. Meeting other Malawians and speaking in our vernacular feels special. One of the things I enjoy is praying and singing in my language; it makes me feel so connected to God. I watch a lot of African travel content and stay in the loop on African news, especially via YouTube and Facebook.

Knowing What You Know Now, What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering Moving Abroad?

If you’re planning to move abroad, research as much as possible about the country you’re going to. Watch videos, read blogs, and pack wisely—fewer clothes, more snacks! If the country has another dominant language, learn a few words. Carry your charger and stay close to your boarding gate if you have multiple flight changes!

Do You Think You’ll Ever Return to Malawi or Stay Abroad Full-Time?

Probably a mix of both.

How Have Your Relationships Evolved Since Moving Abroad?

The reality of moving abroad without frequent visits to your home country is that some friendships grew stronger, while others became distant. In-person interactions allow you to hug your friends, meet up for meals, and be there for each other during significant life moments. Without regular visits, you miss key life events—weddings, graduations, funerals—but intentionality helps keep the bond alive. It takes effort from both parties to maintain the friendships, such as sending each other gifts and being intentional about having quality conversations. Above all, being grateful for what was and what is, and wishing each other well, even if you grow apart.

What’s One Thing You’re Proud of Accomplishing Since Migrating?

I graduated with very high grades, and the tuition did not go in vain. By God’s grace, I’ve been able to make and continue making a positive difference in the lives of others.

What’s the Best and Worst Thing About Lithuania ?

The best thing is that Lithuania has 103 cities, so there’s always somewhere to explore despite its small population. The worst thing is the long winter. Over time, though, I’ve learned to enjoy it with warm soups, Vitamin D, and dancing.

What Do You Miss the Most About Malawi, and What Are You Happy to Live Without?

I miss people, places, and foods like chiwaya (fried chicken), mzinziri (roasted maize), and kanyenya wa nsomba (grilled fish). I’m happy to live without some things back home and grateful for what I have now.

What Do You Think is the Worst Misconception People Have About Being an Immigrant?

Some people assume all immigrants are fleeing hardship or seeking asylum. In reality, immigrants move for various reasons, including education, work, and adventure.

Knowing What You Know Now About Moving, Would You Do It Again?

Yes! I love travelling and would love to explore more places in Asia, America, and the Caribbean. I enjoy take-offs and landings too!

I love that Tao insists that being African is a part of her no matter what country she lives in. It can be hard sometimes not to lose your identity as we shift forms with different changes life brings—from career to motherhood—but it is important that you are grounded in knowing who you are no matter what room or country you find yourself in. As someone who started telling stories by writing fun lifestyle pieces, I don’t consider those writings “less important” than my current storytelling projects because they all reflect different paths I’ve taken on my evolution. I hope Tao’s story inspires you to bring a piece of your unique self—from your faith in God like Tao’s to your unique sense of style—wherever your feet touch the earth.

 

The Diaspora Diaries series on Her Green blog features interviews with African women who have relocated to a different country, including those who have returned home from abroad, particularly in light of the “japa” trend in Nigeria.

Japa: A Yoruba word used as a Nigerian slang that means to leave or escape, often used to describe moving abroad for better opportunities.