The impact/opportunity cost of studying abroad/ relocating as a single person (man or woman).

Stories like how X and Y met and relocated to the abroad grossly underplay and underestimate the significant challenges faced by single people after moving abroad. I have identified these challenges into three board points. The idea here is to help you prepare better and make an informed decision. Also, whether single or married, neither is better or worse. Both have their Pros and Cons. Let’s begin.

1. Finance: Unless your parents have MAJOR financial muscles, chances are that you will struggle financially. This isn't particularly a bad thing but it means you cannot just vex and come back home to marry w/o significant financial investment or debt. If you are in a good country, no matter how you love the person, y’all will have to wait till you graduate and find a Job or at least find a good to start saving in advance of the wedding (if there is even going to the one). Bottomline? you will have to be extremely patient with yourself and gather money. All that “I must marry before 30” mantra? Just lol!

2. Finding a life partner becomes 2x harder. If Nigerians (men/ women) in Nigeria hear that you are in the abroad, they instantly think you are balling and start demanding for money. It becomes difficult to find someone who likes you for you outside your passport/ residence permit perks. Dont forget, you will have to be flying back and forth to see them. Add that to the bill plus wedding costs & relocating them. Even if you find the partner in the aboard, you have to navigate student loans, plus both of you still need time to raise money to fly back to Nigeria for the wedding. So again, the first point of time plays in again.

3. Your career: What happens when some country suddenly starts paying a lot of money for people in a particular field and you/ your partner decides to chase that money? What happens? You cannot make demands on them sha shey you know? Y’all have to constantly make sacrifices for each other or else it would not work.

For every story you hear about husband/ wife in the aboard who relocates with their Nigerian husband/wife, there are several others who are stuck and still single because these factors can be difficult to contend with.

Above all, it is very important to pray. End.