Life Outside Nigeria is a content series where we have conversations with Nigerians living in the diaspora around the experience of adjusting to life outside their home country.

For our first article in this series, We chatted with Aabidah, an international student in Mauritius. Among other things, She talks about what it's been like to live in Mauritius, what she misses and doesn't miss about Nigeria.

Hi Aabidah, please tell me about yourself.

Hey! My name is Aabidah Adebomehin. I am a second-year social science student at the African Leadership College in Mauritius. When I am not dying under school pressure, I am working at one of my two jobs or making playlists of songs I think my friends will enjoy.

That's cool (I mean the part about making playlists for your friends). Why did you choose social science as your course of study?

I have always been interested in understanding human behavior on a deeper level — why we do the things we do. Also, I wasn't looking to study anything that would require me to do maths (chuckle)

Haha! Any particular reason why you decided to study in Mauritius?

To be honest, I was primarily looking to japa for my tertiary education. It was less about the country I would be going to and more about leaving Nigeria. I eventually settled on Mauritius because it just seemed like a pretty and chill place to study in.

What's the biggest culture shock you have experienced so far during your stay there?

I first used to find people here rude due to cultural differences. For example, people stare at you a lot if you aren't a Mauritian, which would be considered rude back home.

Another thing I found surprising is how chill the environment is in actuality. I mean, I was expecting it to be chill, but it's just so laid back. There is none of that hustle mentality I am used to being surrounded by in Lagos.

Lagos’s hustle vibe hits different for sure.

You know this.

What has been your favorite thing about living in Mauritius so far?

First off, the food — I love it so much. Then I like that I have my independence and that I get to make new friends from different backgrounds who are pretty much like family to me.

Also, I like how the bus service here is so efficient and fast.

Your least favorite thing about living in Mauritius?

Stores closing very early and opening late, and some light racism here and there.

Sheesh! Sorry about that.

It’s not really a big deal.

Do you miss anything about Nigeria?

Just my friends and family, plus the food as well.

What don't you miss about life in Nigeria?

The stress. Also, the inconsistent power supply.

If you were to rate life in Mauritius on a scale of 1-10. What would you give it?

I'd give it a 7. Yeah, I have my freedom here, and I have made many unforgettable memories, but there's still that element to life in Nigeria that I miss so much (at least for now)

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What living in Mauritius has been like for…