Thousands of foreign students are studying in Kharkov. They are mostly the people from Turkmenistan, China and Africa. The residents of Kharkov have long been accustomed to young people on the streets with extravagant hairstyles and other attributes that are not characteristic for the culture of our country, they willingly rent them an apartment and do not get scared in the hospital, where foreign doctors undertake an internship. But we know little about where they live, what they think, what satisfies or dissatisfies young people who have come for studying. The “Inter Study Consulting” interviewed a student of Kharkov National University of Radio Electronics – a Nigerian Daniel Nkvonta and asked him to compare the studies and life in Ukraine and Nigeria.

Daniel Craig Nkvonta, 22 years old. He was born in the Nigerian city of Lagos. He graduated from the master course of Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics, faculty of computer engineering.

– I appeared in Ukraine not entirely accidentally. I wanted to go to the Nigerian university, but at that time university strikes appeared in the country. This happened not for the first time – teachers go outside, assert their rights, demand higher wages. Such strikes may continue for six months, so the quality of education is falling, and the periods of studying grow – instead of four years, you can study six. At that time my cousin studied at Simferopol Medical Institute. He advised me to refer to a Ukrainian agent. The latter said that in Ukraine, you can study to be a computer engineer for four years and for very little money. The possibility of strikes was minimal here.

I know that Ukraine was close to Europe, and thought it was the right way, because the Ukrainian diploma would have a greater value than the Nigerian one. So I became a student of the first course of KNURE.

About teachers

Of course, there were teachers, whom I really liked. They are teachers who know what they are doing. They were strict and demanding and clearly let you understand that you would certainly fail the exam, if you missed the classes. So all of us understood the value of this profession and began to treat their studies seriously.

About opportunities

– Arrival here opened for me an entirely new life with a variety of opportunities. Ukraine provided me with the benefits that my compatriots had never had. Free access to the internet, for example. You have got used to the fact that everyone has it at home and, that you have free access to the educational resources and so on. Do not think that there is no Internet in Nigeria. No, everything is there, it is just very expensive. Unlimited access to the web is at least $ 400 per month. Usually, we buy only a certain amount of traffic, for example, three gigabytes, which will cost about $ 100. Why is it so? Everything is sad and simple – Internet providers cash in on us.

About dormitories

– Do you complain of the 2-seat living in a room? In Nigeria, from 20 to 40 students can live in the same room. Obviously, it’s very uncomfortable. And in the dormitory where I lived the commander was a wonderful person who was always ready to help and support. Everyone lived in peace. In addition, it was possible to move into a room with all conveniences – just pay a little more.

About transport

– I like the transportation system in Ukraine. It is cheap and comfortable to travel. There are express trains, coupe, night trains … Of course, there is such a thing as economy class (laughs). But in general, everything is figured out to the last detail. Transport moves along the clear route and schedule. If it is said that the train departs at six, it will depart at six. Everything is different in Nigeria. Even planes fly as pleased. If the first flight is scheduled for six in the morning, you will depart at nine, not earlier.

About freedom

– What I like in Ukraine is freedom … and I know what I am talking about, I know what the current situation is. You are free, as well as your country. You are peaceful. You can easily go for a walk at night, and the rich ride bikes in broad daylight. Everything is different in our country. It is dangerous at night, and wealthy people believe that their status does not allow them to use anything but the elite class of the car. All these nuances are due to the mentality of Nigerians. And you are free.