Diaspora Diaries: Thriving as a Graduate Student in Europe – A Conversation with Sotonye Dere-Biemgbo

The very first instalment in this series of Diaspora Diaries is a conversation with Sotonye Dere-Biemgbo that has been almost two years in the making. I had initially planned to interview Sotonye for a feature on academic excellence for my Twenty Series on the blog, especially since she’s a first-class graduate from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. However, life is about evolving—even if it means creating a different kind of content, like me with this interview, or moving to a different country (Spain), like Sotonye. Evolving means you keep the pieces of yourself that ground you in your identity while giving yourself permission to become something different, birth a new dream, and explore uncharted territories. This requires courage, as in the case of Sotonye, who had to adapt to a different system of education while learning a new language. But there’s also the possibility of growth, forging new friendships, and discovering newfound resilience, as you’ll learn from the interview. 

 

What inspired your decision to leave Nigeria and move abroad?

As an environmentalist, I decided to leave Nigeria to advance my academic profile and gain more practical experience in my field. Europe was an ideal destination because of its advanced environmental practices and research facilities. My long-term goals include inspiring younger Nigerians to pursue environmental careers, helping my community see beyond oil resources, and participating in national boards to strengthen environmental conservation regulations. Gaining international experience is a step toward achieving these ambitions.

What were some of the biggest cultural shocks you experienced as a migrant, and how did you adapt?

I learned that constant apologising isn’t necessary! Another shock was the expectation to actively participate and share opinions in class, which was different from my undergraduate experience in Nigeria.

How did you navigate the education system in your new country? What skills, qualifications, or mindset shifts helped you thrive?

The European education system (in Spain and France) differs significantly from Nigeria’s. My biggest adjustment was unlearning the habit of simply taking notes to study later and focusing instead on understanding concepts during class. Professors here encourage active participation, which was new to me. I’ve learned to:

Focus on in-class understanding rather than just note-taking

Embrace asking questions during lectures

Remind myself that I deserve to be in these academic spaces

What were some of the most significant challenges you faced adjusting to life abroad, and how did you overcome them?

The language barrier has been the most significant challenge in Spanish and French-speaking countries. It’s difficult to express myself fully in public, but I’ve managed by:

Learning basic phrases and sentences

Finding comfort in knowing other international students face similar challenges

Viewing this phase as a growth opportunity

Where do you feel most at home currently: your country of origin or your adopted country?

Nigeria, my home country. Waking up without hearing Pidgin English around me still takes some getting used to. Most of the people who have always been a part of my life live in Nigeria; and as they say, home is where the people are.

How do you define and maintain your identity as an African living in a foreign country?

I embrace my physical African appearance and adhere to our cultural values. I’ve also made it a point to maintain my accent, while adapting my speech pace for clarity. Overall, I’m learning to balance standing out and fitting in.

What advice would you give to someone considering moving to a different country? What do you wish you had known before moving?

Adapt to the host culture while maintaining your core values – find a balance between fitting in and staying true to yourself like the example I have earlier about adapting my speech for better communication with others while maintaining my accent. One thing I wish I had known was how much I would need to adjust my learning style in the European academic system. This knowledge would have helped me adapt faster and saved my grades, especially since class participation is often graded.

Do you think you’ll ever return to your home country or stay abroad full-time?

I plan to return to Nigeria eventually. While I’d enjoy visiting abroad for holidays, my goal is to settle in Nigeria. I’m committed to contributing to environmental conservation and have a strong desire to create meaningful change at home with the knowledge I have acquired.

How have your relationships with friends and family evolved since moving abroad?

My relationships have grown stronger through intentional efforts, like daily texts, regular picture exchanges, and monthly video calls with close friends.

What’s one thing you’re proud of accomplishing since moving to a new country?

Expanding my professional and personal network. I’ve built strong connections in my field and formed meaningful cross-cultural friendships.

What’s the best and worst thing about the country you currently live in?

The best thing is the efficient transportation system and the walking culture that promotes exercise. The worst would be the short summer compared to Nigeria’s longer dry season.

What do you miss the most about Nigeria?

I miss my family and friends the most. On the other hand, I’ve adapted to living without traditional Nigerian foods like garri and soup, which was initially a major concern.

What do you think is the worst misconception people have about being an immigrant in a foreign country?

The worst misconception SOME people have is that all immigrants lived in the worse condition in the home country. This reflects ignorant stereotypes about African living conditions in the broader sense. While we may have our unique challenges which may cause us to migrate in search of a ‘better life’, some of us are mainly inspired by the need for professional growth and access to some of the educational opportunities not available in our home country. This in itself does not imply that its all rosy in these foreign countries. Let me also add that more often than not, we always envision leveraging these knowledge and experiences in improving the socio-economic conditions in our home country.

Knowing what you know now about moving to a different country, would you do it again?

For my purpose of advancing my career as an environmentalist, I would do this all over again. I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by the European Commission, which has exposed me to diverse cultural backgrounds, experts in my field, and advanced research facilities. this has truly given me the opportunity to start on my journey while consciously aiming higher with clear path for the future

Sotonye’s story is a testament to why I started Diaspora Diaries: to share stories that change narratives about the Japa experience. People can find a new home away or choose to come back home—there are no right or wrong choices.

Fun fact: Sotonye is a garden city girl like me, and when she said she was concerned about adapting to new food, I could relate. I’m not adventurous with food – I like my Eba and soup! I hope our conversation inspires you to thrive in new spaces, even when they’re uncomfortable, without losing your identity.

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

Eba: A staple Nigerian dish made from cassava often enjoyed with soup.

Garri: Cassava flakes that can be soaked in water as a snack or cooked into Eba.

Pidgin English: An informal mix of English and local languages, used for easy communication in different parts of Nigeria

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.