Boss Abeg give your juniors scholarship links for u.s

chaiks:
First time was October 10, 2022. I was traveling to Japan, Tokyo precisely to do my masters having won the Japanese MEXT scholarship. It was an all-expenses paid trip. I took off from Abuja via Turkish airways by 11 pm in the night direct to Istanbul (about 6:30min) flight. When we were undergoing check at the Abuja airport, it was like as if it's a film. I could remember all the scholarship rejections I have been getting since finishing nysc in 2015, including the construction sites in Onitsha where I used to do labour work despite being the best graduating student of my cohort. Everything seemed like a movie when after the check, we kept on being told to move from one location to another to wait for flight time. While seating down with other travellers, I was full of thanksgiving in my mind, and I knew it was just grace. When I entered the plane, my god, I nearly cried. But the multitude of people coming in made me realise it's a normal thing. I sat beside the window with one guy travelling to Turkey with his father. When the plane moved, I didn't know that it was going up in the air untill the whole buildings begin to look so tiny while I looked down. I said in my mind good bye naija. I remembered my mother, my brother and friends who probably will be waiting for the morning to set out for hustling. As the plane kept on moving, the beautiful air hostess began to move something and my guy told me they will be serving us food. I laughed and was so happy. I ate all the things and said yest when the air hostess asked if I still care for more drink. Suddenly we began to see only clouds. We got to Istanbul very early in the morning. I laid over for 17 hrs before boarding from Istanbul to Tokyo. While in the Turkish airport, I was hopping from one restaurant to another, trying to finish 100usd I brought out from the money with me but it refused to finish. When we finally set off to Tokyo, they served us food twice. It was a long journey and while people beside me slept many times, I was awake and watching the clouds. I saw from the small screen places we have crossed and getting to(Bhutan, Azerbaijan, South Korea, china etc) when we finally landed in Tokyo, I nearly shout seeing the magnificence if the Haneda airport. I began to remember all those who ruled Nigeria and the depth of wickedness in them. At the airport, I also went through thorough check being a Nigerian. They told me to empty all the food stuffs and clothes. I gladly did and was eager to do more for them. They finished their checking and thanked me for cooperating with them. They asked if I want work permit. I said yes and they directed me to an office where I got it immediately. I slept in the airport instead of wasting money lodging hotel since Tokyo is one of the safest cities. In the morning, I asked for direction and followed instructions on how to get to my school via train. I got to my school around 10:30 in the morning. The student exchange division received me and said they have been expecting my arrival. They led me to my room in the school dorm. I began to thank God and remembered all the experiences I went through in Nigeria.
Right now, I am in the process of finishing my masters and have been admitted for PhD in same school and scholarship. Also, I got another masters admission and scholarship in California and now, am confused as to which choice to follow.
May God bless the effort of every Nigerian trying to become better in life.

All of you are lucky , Okada Aircrafts are no longer operating, those Aircrafts were Coffins, they were Molue in the Air, they were Dirty, Rickety and Tokunbos. hardly will they fly without one issue or the other. It was always the persengers prayers that lands the Aircrafts safely not the dexterity of the Pilots.

Hisimperialmaje:
Boss Abeg give your juniors scholarship links for u.s

bro, there is nothing like link to scholarship in USA. Just search for schools offering your course and mail the cordinator of the department straight.

My first flight... I sat near the windows and I kept staring out of the windows all flight.... Because I HAVE BALLS OF STEEL.

the only challenge I had was buckling the belt and I later figured it out.

May my own international tour experience come sooner than I thought in Jesus Name

I have never had a flight experience since my entire life

I have only been to the airport twice that was Akanu Ibiam Airport and Murtala Mohammed airport in Lagos and it was in 2006

That was 18 years ago

Honestly I will like to enter flight someday from down here maybe to Lagos or Abuja then if I don't have money to board another flight back home, I go use leg trek from Lagos or Abuja to here

My first flight was in early 2023, I was going to embark on an international trip for the first time later in the year but because I have not been on a plane before I was told to do test run on how it is to be on a plane. I did airpeace from lagos to owerri and back, it was pretty regular for me except when it took off from the ground where my ears were stuffed but I kept opening my mouth to yarn to clear my stuffed my ears and I sat by the window side so I can see the clouds and take pictures cause it was a morning flight. My second trip was my first international flight with a fresh passport with no travel history, a non stop flight from lagos to Washington DC which was at midnight, I had the window seat and it was a 3 person per role seat, the third person of the middle seat was not available so I had enough space, normal as the first flight but a bigger plane with lots of seats and better service. I slept through the flight of 12hrs and only wake up to eat which we are served 3 times for the duration of the trip, got to my destination in the morning and everything went smooth. I continued to my next flight which was 4hrs before I got to my destination.

Wow very insightful experiences and thank you all for sharing. Pls any useful tips for someone planning to travel out for the 1st time, a novice(haven't even been to the airport)?

dawnomike:
DM me... will fly one of the top monickers that commented above for the first time just for the experience...

baba come fly me o

it was summer/evening takeoff,even tho,hmm i was really scared,i just kept repeating Allah's name throughout lol! but now its normal sha no more fear(giggles)

chaiks:
First time was October 10, 2022. I was traveling to Japan, Tokyo precisely to do my masters having won the Japanese MEXT scholarship. It was an all-expenses paid trip. I took off from Abuja via Turkish airways by 11 pm in the night direct to Istanbul (about 6:30min) flight. When we were undergoing check at the Abuja airport, it was like as if it's a film. I could remember all the scholarship rejections I have been getting since finishing nysc in 2015, including the construction sites in Onitsha where I used to do labour work despite being the best graduating student of my cohort. Everything seemed like a movie when after the check, we kept on being told to move from one location to another to wait for flight time. While seating down with other travellers, I was full of thanksgiving in my mind, and I knew it was just grace. When I entered the plane, my god, I nearly cried. But the multitude of people coming in made me realise it's a normal thing. I sat beside the window with one guy travelling to Turkey with his father. When the plane moved, I didn't know that it was going up in the air untill the whole buildings begin to look so tiny while I looked down. I said in my mind good bye naija. I remembered my mother, my brother and friends who probably will be waiting for the morning to set out for hustling. As the plane kept on moving, the beautiful air hostess began to move something and my guy told me they will be serving us food. I laughed and was so happy. I ate all the things and said yest when the air hostess asked if I still care for more drink. Suddenly we began to see only clouds. We got to Istanbul very early in the morning. I laid over for 17 hrs before boarding from Istanbul to Tokyo. While in the Turkish airport, I was hopping from one restaurant to another, trying to finish 100usd I brought out from the money with me but it refused to finish. When we finally set off to Tokyo, they served us food twice. It was a long journey and while people beside me slept many times, I was awake and watching the clouds. I saw from the small screen places we have crossed and getting to(Bhutan, Azerbaijan, South Korea, china etc) when we finally landed in Tokyo, I nearly shout seeing the magnificence if the Haneda airport. I began to remember all those who ruled Nigeria and the depth of wickedness in them. At the airport, I also went through thorough check being a Nigerian. They told me to empty all the food stuffs and clothes. I gladly did and was eager to do more for them. They finished their checking and thanked me for cooperating with them. They asked if I want work permit. I said yes and they directed me to an office where I got it immediately. I slept in the airport instead of wasting money lodging hotel since Tokyo is one of the safest cities. In the morning, I asked for direction and followed instructions on how to get to my school via train. I got to my school around 10:30 in the morning. The student exchange division received me and said they have been expecting my arrival. They led me to my room in the school dorm. I began to thank God and remembered all the experiences I went through in Nigeria.
Right now, I am in the process of finishing my masters and have been admitted for PhD in same school and scholarship. Also, I got another masters admission and scholarship in California and now, am confused as to which choice to follow.
May God bless the effort of every Nigerian trying to become better in life.

bro how did you apply for the mext scholarship

dawnomike:
DM me... will fly one of the top monickers that commented above for the first time just for the experience...

You never stop this your philanthropic lifestyle?

Love to see it boss, more blessings sir.

Lawsaite:


You never stop this your philanthropic lifestyle?

Love to see it boss, more blessings sir.

Thanks so much my brother...

Just trying to impact lives in my own little way.

Cheers!!!

Donbisco2010:
My first trip was international flight from Nigeria(MMIA) to Dominican Republic ( Las America International Airport). Well, as a young and aspiring man I was so restless on the flight due to the rumor of deportation at each point of entry. I think we had 3 lay overs. And almost on air for 2 straight days. The play was huge and had a lot of leg room and food where served at intervals and we are entitled to make request on whatever we cared for.. Turkish airline, I arrived the country with a reddish eyes and a blocked ear lol afters days on flight. Had lay over at Turkey, Columbia and Panama before touching down in Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. Let's I forget I almost missed my flight at Instabul because I don't know the gate to board my flight. It was an experience...

That's quite an impressive odyssey... Three layovers!

How long in terms of years has this Dominican Republic trip by Turkish Airlines been?

Second, did you go as a solo traveler or was it in a tour group?

Lastly, how was it coping with speaking Dominican Spanish since not many folks speak fluent English on the street level?

All the best.

Slytiger:
The first time was okay. it was Bellview air (owned by Tunde Yusuf) from Lagos to London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic, virgin Nigeria and the others were too expensive. Aside the turbulence, it was all okay with Jollof rice and chicken served onboard.

Lots of turbulence on this flight and the couple beside me almost had hypertension. They were first time flyers as well and they kept praying in tongues. Out of fear, at some point the husband mistakenly grabbed my hand thinking it was that of his wife sat beside him.

That's interesting... With the many air turbulences and the in-flight drama from the elderly couple. This must have been in the early 2000s.

My 1st local flight was from Lagos-Port Harcourt. I have had so many local flights since then....
My 1st international flight was Lagos - Edmonton.

ibawon:
Till date, my ear still pops. I hate it. However, the taxing and take off is very trilling because of the speed.

sucking on sweets or chewing gum helps.

Irupetepete:
baba come fly me o

Seconded

tranxo:
sucking on sweets or chewing gum helps.

Or the simple vasalva maneuver

tranxo:
sucking on sweets or chewing gum helps.

I chop gum my jaw won drop.

Konquest:

That's quite an impressive odyssey... Three layovers!

How long in terms of years has this Dominican Republic trip by Turkish Airlines been?

Second, did you go as a solo traveler or was it in a tour group?

Lastly, how was it coping with speaking Dominican Spanish since not many folks speak fluent English on the street level?

All the best.

Sincerely, I don't understand your first question. Secondly, I went as a solo traveler on tourist visa. Lastly, it was difficult for me at first learning Spanish, couldn't do without Google translator at the earlier stage. And besides as a linguist it helps alot in the learning process on the street. Was always on the street selling merchandise in my store. So I have a lot of customers to relate with. I spent 3 years before relocating to the States. I'll say my Spanish is good on communication level. Thanks.

Donbisco2010:
Sincerely, I don't understand your first question. Secondly, I went as a solo traveler on tourist visa. Lastly, it was difficult for me at first learning Spanish, couldn't do without Google translator at the earlier stage. And besides as a linguist it helps alot in the learning process on the street. Was always on the street selling merchandise in my store. So I have a lot of customers to relate with. I spent 3 years before relocating to the States. I'll say my Spanish is good on communication level. Thanks.

@Donbisco2010,

Thanks for the insightful feedback. It shows that you are a self-motivated person which is a major key for anybody who is gonna be truly successful in life! To put it succinctly, I wanted to know in the first question "the YEAR" you first made that solo travel journey to the Dominican Republic.

Indeed, aside from Santo Domingo, the main capital of the Dominican Republic where you can still find folks who speak some English, other areas would require a knowledge of spoken Spanish. The use of portable language translation devices, (or Google Translate like you earlier stated) are very important if one is to make a major headway with folks on the "street level" in those French, Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. I particularly find it a bit distasteful that someone would go to another country as a solo traveler (or part of a group) and start speaking only English to people who CANNOT speak English... At least getting familiar with Google Translate would have helped to avoid being dismissed or waived off like I saw in a couple of travel videos. Former President Barack Obama's first daughter right from high school speaks very fluent Spanish and this came in very handy during some of her Latin-American trips with her family and the folks there naturally gravitated towards her. Those of us who are multilinguists are able to break down a lot of barriers.

Last but not least, there's a Dominican female travel entrepreneur and YouTuber that I've been following for some years now by the name of "Norberis R." She moved back to DR two years ago from Florida with her African-American spouse after living in the United States for 14 years. You can type out "Norberis R" in the YouTube search box and watch some or all of her videos on the Dominican Republic to gain some more insights on life there since you left.

Your story is truly inspiring for anyone who knows the power of being intentional. Thanks for the feedback.

Cheers.

Konquest:

@Donbisco2010,

Thanks for the insightful feedback. It shows that you are a self-motivated person which is a major key for anybody who is gonna be truly successful in life! To put it succinctly, I wanted to know in the first question "the YEAR" you first made that solo travel journey to the Dominican Republic.

Indeed, aside from Santo Domingo, the main capital of the Dominican Republic where you can still find folks who speak some English, other areas would require a knowledge of spoken Spanish. The use of portable language translation devices, (or Google Translate like you earlier stated) are very important if one is to make a major headway with folks on the "street level" in those French, Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries. I particularly find it a bit distasteful that someone would go to another country as a solo traveler (or part of a group) and start speaking only English to people who CANNOT speak English... At least getting familiar with Google Translate would have helped to avoid being dismissed or waived off like I saw in a couple of travel videos. Former President Barack Obama's first daughter right from high school speaks very fluent Spanish and this came in very handy during some of her Latin-American trips with her family and the folks there naturally gravitated towards her. Those of us who are multilinguists are able to break down a lot of barriers.

Last but not least, there's a Dominican female travel entrepreneur and YouTuber that I've been following for some years now by the name of "Norberis R." She moved back to DR two years ago from Florida with her African-American spouse after living in the United States for 14 years. You can type out "Norberis R" in the YouTube search box and watch some or all of her videos on the Dominican Republic to gain some more insights on life there since you left.

Your story is truly inspiring for anyone who knows the power of being intentional. Thanks for the feedback.

Cheers.

I really appreciate your right up and this can as well past for publishable article in a reputable magazine. I left Nigeria May 2021, to search for greener pasture, though with a well planned business waiting for me in the DR. Now, Dominican Republic is a pure Spanish speaking country though with little variant but no much difference just the street slang.

Barely you find Dominicans with English knowledge but most of them try learning due to the influx of tourist in the country and the boost of hospitality industry. So most of them go to learn English to be able to get a befitting job in the hotels or call center job. If you as a foreigner you are good with teaching English you will be sought after by schools and private tutoring. For me, I had students back then I tutor but couldn't get a job in any established schools due to absence of work permit. I had no document to help me push for mouth watering job out there.

Santo Domingo is the capital but not a tourist area. Places like punta cana, Puerto plata, Sosua, La Romania, Boca Chica are hot spot for tourism so you can easily stumble on some natives who can just exchange pleasantries in English.

Dominicans are friendly but have an undertone of racism in their garment. Bro, there are more to say on this..lol but if I start typing...

Concerning Obama's Daughter, I'm proud of her and it's possible for her to speak because I can categorically tell you Spanish is the second language here in the US. A lot of Mexicans lives out here and Latinos and Spanish is thought in schools here. I bet they will be able to hire the best tutor to teach their daughters at home. Spanish is romantic and interesting..

I speak French and Spanish as at today. Learnt French in Nigeria before I left, then top it up with Spanish in Dominican Republic.

You know a lot about the DR, I hope you visit someday for vacation and see wonders lol

My name is Don. Nice to meet you.

Donbisco2010:
I really appreciate your right up and this can as well past for publishable article in a reputable magazine. I left Nigeria May 2021, to search for greener pasture, though with a well planned business waiting for me in the DR. Now, Dominican Republic is a pure Spanish speaking country though with little variant but no much difference just the street slang.

Barely you find Dominicans with English knowledge but most of them try learning due to the influx of tourist in the country and the boost of hospitality industry. So most of them go to learn English to be able to get a befitting job in the hotels or call center job. If you as a foreigner you are good with teaching English you will be sought after by schools and private tutoring. For me, I had students back then I tutor but couldn't get a job in any established schools due to absence of work permit. I had no document to help me push for mouth watering job out there.

Santo Domingo is the capital but not a tourist area. Places like punta cana, Puerto plata, Sosua, La Romania, Boca Chica are hot spot for tourism so you can easily stumble on some natives who can just exchange pleasantries in English.

Dominicans are friendly but have an undertone of racism in their garment. Bro, there are more to say on this..lol but if I start typing...

Concerning Obama's Daughter, I'm proud of her and it's possible for her to speak because I can categorically tell you Spanish is the second language here in the US. A lot of Mexicans lives out here and Latinos and Spanish is thought in schools here. I bet they will be able to hire the best tutor to teach their daughters at home. Spanish is romantic and interesting..

I speak French and Spanish as at today. Learnt French in Nigeria before I left, then top it up with Spanish in Dominican Republic.

You know a lot about the DR, I hope you visit someday for vacation and see wonders lol

My name is Don. Nice to meet you.

That's awesome Don! You did maximum justice to this. That Sosua is very popular with African-American male travelers looking for some fun and the girls there speak halting English.

I'll definitely visit DR soon. It's a lovely place but you are spot on about the racism there especially towards Haitians. Even before the year that you arrived in the DR, Haitians who had been living in DR from childhood had their citizenships reversed and were told to reapply for residency while many were deported to Haiti without being allowed to take most of their home and work place items.

There's another favorite male African-American travel YouTuber that I've followed for some years now called "Czech in Effect" who had been to DR in January of 2022 and his video on YouTube was titled: "The Part of Dominican Republic You Don't See" and you can Google the YouTube title to watch the video, and the video showed other areas of DR outside the posh areas that had motorcycles for public transportation (Okada) like they do in Nigeria or Benin Republic. That 'hood felt very much like somewhere in Nigeria. The handsome "Czech in Effect" speaks good Spanish and Portuguese which I heard him speak on his visit to Brazil since Spanish and Portuguese are a bit similar.

It's good to know you're multilingual too in addition to your spoken Nigerian language. You'll do very well in an international business career, a sailor, an academic, or a diplomatic career path as a French and Spanish speaker.
I enjoyed having this convo with you and I'll keep in touch.

Thanks again.

[quote author=Konquest post=130896717]
That's awesome Don! You did maximum justice to this. That Sosua is very popular with African-American male travelers looking for some fun and the girls there speak halting English.

I'll definitely visit DR soon. It's a lovely place but you are spot on about the racism there especially towards Haitians. Even before the year that you arrived in the DR, Haitians who had been living in DR from childhood had their citizenships reversed and were told to reapply for residency while many were deported to Haiti without being allowed to take most of their home and work place items.

There's another favorite male African-American travel YouTuber that I've followed for some years now called "Czech in Effect" who had been to DR in January of 2022 and his video on YouTube was titled: "The Part of Dominican Republic You Don't See" and you can Google the YouTube title to watch the video, and the video showed other areas of DR outside the posh areas that had motorcycles for public transportation (Okada) like they do in Nigeria or Benin Republic. That 'hood felt very much like somewhere in Nigeria. The handsome "Czech in Effect" speaks good Spanish and Portuguese which I heard him speak on his visit to Brazil since Spanish and Portuguese are a bit similar.

It's good to know you're multilingual too in addition to your spoken Nigerian language. You'll do very well in an international business career, a sailor, an academic, or a diplomatic career path as a French and Spanish speaker.
I enjoyed having this convo with you and I'll keep in touch.

Thanks again.




[/quote You are right in some total about the Haitian and the Dominican differences. Once you are dark and not fluent in Spanish assume you are Haitian and there by giving cold treatment. Deportation still exist today till this moment.

For real Sosua and mostly places i mentioned earlier are hot spot for tourist and most tourist visit for pleasure and relaxation. I mean sexcation if such word exist for some folks. No doubt Dominican girls are beautiful and endowed.

And for the means of transportation, every nooks and crannies has Okada even the tourist areas. I mean every highbrow area has slum in the DR and they make use of Okay almost everywhere even in Santo Domingo( the capital ).

You seems to know a lot about DR, but you never admit you visited lol.]

Donbisco2010:

You are right in some total about the Haitian and the Dominican differences. Once you are dark and not fluent in Spanish assume you are Haitian and there by giving cold treatment. Deportation still exist today till this moment.

For real Sosua and mostly places i mentioned earlier are hot spot for tourist and most tourist visit for pleasure and relaxation. I mean sexcation if such word exist for some folks. No doubt Dominican girls are beautiful and endowed.

And for the means of transportation, every nooks and crannies has Okada even the tourist areas. I mean every highbrow area has slum in the DR and they make use of Okay almost everywhere even in Santo Domingo(the capital ).

You seems to know a lot about DR, but you never admit you visited lol.

@Donbisco2010,

Yes, I found the video link for you from Czech in Effect showing the motor bikes. Here it is BELOW:

"The Part of Dominican Republic You Don't See"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iew-CynCHo
Czech in Effect - January 2022

Sexcation... That sounds mad cool. "Sex + Vacation" or "Sex Tourism" is another way to say it.



Aha! I found two recent and impressive videos of Tayo Aina's visit to DR in April 2024 as well right BELOW:

"The Dominican Republic They Don't Want You To See"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg0SbifdqaY?si=QDBOv7pNWPWCwqja
Tayo Aina - April 28, 2024


"I Spent a Day in Dominican Republic's Most Dangerous Slum"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJOb9Ju66ZA?si=XaLtEr6eeE0Zkj8q
Tayo Aina - May 31, 2024


Don, I just watched the two awesome videos above from Tayo that made me appreciate the essence of DR the more... Enjoy!

[quote author=Konquest post=130897581]
@Donbisco2010,

Yes, I found the video link for you from Czech in Effect showing the motor bikes. Here it is BELOW:

"The Part of Dominican Republic You Don't See"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iew-CynCHo
Czech in Effect - January 2022

Sexcation... That sounds mad cool. "Sex + Vacation" or "Sex Tourism" is another way to say it.



Aha! I found two recent and impressive videos of Tayo Aina's visit to DR in April 2024 as well right BELOW:

"The Dominican Republic They Don't Want You To See"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg0SbifdqaY?si=QDBOv7pNWPWCwqja
Tayo Aina - April 28, 2024


"I Spent a Day in Dominican Republic's Most Dangerous Slum"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJOb9Ju66ZA?si=XaLtEr6eeE0Zkj8q
Tayo Aina - May 31, 2024


Don, I just watched the two awesome videos above from Tayo that made me appreciate the essence of DR the more... Enjoy!


[/quote Thanks for this video from Tayo. Bro i really enjoyed it and i stayed in boca chica back then. This made me want to return lol]

Donbisco2010:
Thanks for this video from Tayo. Bro i really enjoyed it and i stayed in boca chica back then. This made me want to return lol

You're welcome Don, anytime. Indeed, you should return to the DR as it's also the most visited of all the Carribean Islands every year by tourists on vacation. Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great week ahead.

[quote author=Konquest post=130953384]
You're welcome Don, anytime. Indeed, you should return to the DR as it's also the most visited of all the Carribean Islands every year by tourists on vacation. Enjoy the rest of your day and have a great week ahead.



[/quote Muchisimagracias hermano. Dios te bendiga]