Studying abroad from the perspective of a Nigerian international student who is also a parent in Australia

Studying abroad can be a fulfilling adventure for African students who have never left their comfort zone to explore unfamiliar climes. There can be days of sheer delight and joy at accomplishing tasks but also days of total frustration and helplessness in the face of disappointments and unpleasant circumstances. These mixed experiences require addressing many issues when embarking on an academic journey in a foreign land. The chapter will explore my experiences as a Nigerian woman and a parent, navigating the Australian education system to pursue a master's degree in social work. I will discuss my coping mechanism with the culture shocks and how I harnessed the positives of cultural diversity. It will also discuss my goals and milestones, family dynamics and finding a balance, financial considerations, and plans. The purpose is to help prospective students studying abroad prepare for the challenges while harnessing the enormous opportunities.