Bio
Musa Ajibola Tajudeen, a native of Kwara, was born and raised in Lagos. He is currently a student of Theology at Ankara University, Türkiye, studying Arabic and Linguistics at International Open University, and International Relations at Anadolu University. A modern Arabic poet, he has authored a Dīwān titled Wayyun Minna L’Ādam. In addition to being a writer and speaker, he is a dedicated tutor of Islamic and Arabic knowledge. He speaks Yoruba, English, Arabic, and Turkish.
INTRODUCTION
It was almost a comedic scene—my mother and others shedding tears at the airport as I departed for Türkiye. I found it hilarious because I had spent countless nights in fervent prayer, seeking the very scholarship that had now placed me on the verge of departure. It puzzled me; why should the fulfillment of one’s aspirations evoke such sorrow?
However, within two weeks of my arrival, I began to grasp the depth of those tears. The first challenge presented itself immediately upon landing—navigating the airport with less than zero Turkish proficiency. For nearly an hour, I wandered aimlessly trying to retrieve my luggage, struggling to communicate, until fortune intervened in the form of another African student facing the same predicament. Together, we tackled the obstacles before us, affirming the age-old adage: a problem shared is a problem halved.
Yet, the challenges did not end there. Adjusting to Turkish cuisine, securing a residence permit, opening a bank account, and obtaining a local SIM card all demanded patience, resilience, and adaptability. Each task, seemingly routine in one’s home country, became a hurdle in an unfamiliar environment.
Then came a moment, an obstacle, that no shared experience could mitigate. However, Allah came to my rescue. It was in that solitude that I truly understood the dual lessons that studying abroad imparts: the necessity of independence and the inevitability of homesickness.
COPING WITH HOMESICKNESS AND LEARNING INDEPENDENCE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN TURKEY
It has been just over a year and four months since I arrived in Türkiye. While I certainly miss home, I’ve also cultivated a sense of belonging here that developed much faster than I had anticipated. As an engaged reader, you might be wondering: how do I manage the complexities of homesickness and the demands of newfound independence? Allow me to share the strategies I’ve developed to navigate these challenges.
Seeking Guidance from the Experienced:
There’s a Yoruba saying: “Aberee ona ki i şina,” which means, “He who asks for directions rarely gets lost.” I understand the depth of this proverb and have adopted it as my first approach whenever I find myself in a situation I can’t handle alone. I’m fortunate to have brothers like Alli Fahd—the current president of ANSSA, who’s from my neighborhood in Lagos—and a fellow Nigerian master’s student in my dormitory. With their help, I solved problems that would take other new international students a month to tackle, within a week.
Building a Routine:
One of the cornerstones of my daily life is a well-structured routine. I establish clear objectives each day, ensuring that I allocate time for reading, exercising, socializing, and more. This sense of organization helps me stay focused and motivated, allowing me to remain productive despite the occasional distractions of being in an unfamiliar environment.
Creating a Home Away from Home:
I engage with other international students, especially Nigerians, and participate in cultural activities that evoke the feeling of home. I make it a point to attend occasions to “Ganusi,” where I can enjoy Nigerian cuisine—since such opportunities are rare, I can’t afford to miss them.
Joining Social Groups:
While it’s important to be cautious about the groups and associations you join, I also understand the value they offer. Problems are often easier to solve as a group than when handled alone. For this reason, as a Nigerian student in Ankara, I highly recommend ANSSA. It’s an association that’s here to stay, providing a network for years to come.
Maintaining Emotional Connection with Family:
Staying emotionally connected to family plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of homesickness. Group chats and video calls, especially during moments of leisure, help maintain strong familial bonds, offering a comforting reminder of home despite the physical distance.
Learning the Turkish Language:
As an international student in Turkey, you must abide by two rules to have a successful stay:
1 Learn Turkish proficiently.
2 Take Rule #1 seriously—even if you are studying in English.
Living in Turkey with zero Turkish proficiency is like watching a movie in a language you don’t understand, without subtitles. No matter how well you try to play along, some scenes will inevitably leave you frustrated. You’ll only have some study people’s gestures in some gatherings. You’ll laugh when everyone laughs, but deep down, you have no clue of what’s going on.
In conclusion, studying abroad is a transformative experience filled with both challenges and opportunities. However, with the right strategies, you can navigate it successfully. Homesickness? Manageable. Independence? A learning curve that requires patience and dedication. The secret? Join a community like ANSSA—you’ll benefit in more ways than you can imagine. And if you think you can survive in Turkey without learning Turkish, think again! In the end, balancing independence with a strong support system turns every challenge into a victory.
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One response
This is overwhelming!
As someone who can relate to literally everything stated here, especially the family part , it is highly needed for emotional support – I thank you for bringing this out here.