We Move Smart‪!‬ Ruona Meyer

Germany is the most popular non-English speaking host country for international students; there are almost 400,000 international students here in Deutschland. The main attraction is that in most German states, tuition fees are free. Students get quality education in world-class cities, that costs a lot less.

Therefore, Nigerian students join their peers from other nations to seek study opportunities in Germany.

But this year, thanks to the pandemic and a lack of information, Nigerian students are having a rough deal – to put it mildly, most may not make it here in time to resume for the winter semester.  On this episode, I spoke to Emmanuel Fadipe, president of the Nigeria Scholars in Germany and he spoke on the association’s efforts to assist incoming students.

You'll also hear from Rebecca Osinloye, a prospective student who joined other Nigerians in a Twitter protest of sorts. They are all seeking visa appointments from the German embassy in Nigeria. Rebecca is based in Lagos and has been pursuing a visa appointment for five months.

She’s also had to delay her school resumption date, twice. To hear her full story, just skip to around the 23-minute mark of the podcast. 

The sad reality is that students are turning to their peers on social networking site Nairaland for information, which is all based on anecdotal evidence, word-of-mouth and is therefore prone to misinformation and disinformation. 

I also tried to speak to the German embassy in Nigeria but after a week of one email, repeat calls that went mostly unanswered and one tweet, a representative said the embassy is currently unable to grant interview requests.

In that email response, the German embassy in Nigeria did add that any news and updates would be on their social media accounts. If anyone wants to keep updated, you can find them here on: Facebook, Twitter and their website. 

Good luck, and don"t forget to leave me a voice-note on the page with your thoughts, concerns or topics you want me to focus on. 


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wemovesmartpodcast/message

The Nigeria Embassy in Berlin is reopening next week, there will be new measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while Germany has a dedicated hotline whee you can just call and have targeted information on how to move to, and start a job search in Germany. 

If you are in Germany, the hotline will also assist you with all matters related to integration. 

I spoke exclusively to a government official Bettina Mueller, who is the Head of Germany’s Migration Information Service.  She’ll give us details on how to use the Working and Living in Germany helpline…that is the official helpdesk in Germany where anyone can call and have all their immigration, education and job-related questions answered for free.

Peter Lambat, who’s the Minister in charge of Information, Culture and Education at the Embassy of Nigeria, Berlin, also revealed the new structures in place at the embassy and yes, he confirms there are passport booklets - note that you must go to the website of the embassy to book a spot.

And the first voice you'll hear is that of Margaret Torkura, a Youtube content creator whose channel is a bible of sorts of what to expect when you make that smart move to Germany. 


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wemovesmartpodcast/message

I'm Ruona Meyer, a journalist, researcher and media trainer...as well as your host on We Move Smart!

We Move Smart! is a podcast for smart Nigerians wanting to make a move…preferably to Germany.
It bridges the information and cultural gap zwischen meinen beiden Ländern!

I can just hear you ask, why would you have a podcast about Nigeria and Germany? Well, because I’m a dual citizen of both beloved countries,

We Move Smart will usually start with a segment called Firsthand - an interview with a Nigerian who has moved to Germany and will give us a first-hand glimpse, into life in Germany.
Next, we’ll hear from the authorities and notable entities in Germany and Nigeria that are concerned with life in Deutschland.

For example, on Episode 1, I’m featuring a Nigerian who moved to Germany six years ago, and then I also spoke exclusively to the Head of Germany’s Migration Information Service, about how Nigerians can call Germany’s dedicated hotline from anywhere in the world, and get direct information on their unique circumstances. Yes, you heard right – Germany has a dedicated telephone and email service to help you with immigration questions, whether you are in Germany already, or in Nigeria.

This podcast will also have a floating segment called “Inside Nigeria House,” where you'll get up-to-date information from the Nigerian embassy in Germany. I’m calling it a floating segment because Inside Nigeria House will happen at least once a month


Got questions, comments or tips on what you want to hear? Leave me a voice-note on this page, or tweet at me: @RGAMeyer


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wemovesmartpodcast/message