This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a successful teen coach and counselor based in Atlanta, U.S. Business Insider Africa has verified his professional background.
- The author shares his journey from teaching in Nigeria to becoming a successful teen coach and counselor in the U.S.
- He highlights the improved financial opportunities and infrastructure available in the U.S. that motivated his decision to stay.
- He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for those considering emigration, particularly in fields like healthcare, tech, and education.
When I first considered leaving Nigeria for the United States, I knew it wouldn’t be a straightforward journey, especially with a degree from a Nigerian university.
- The shift into counseling stemmed from a passion for supporting immigrant and Black youth.
- Teaching in the US offered better financial opportunities and professional growth compared to Nigeria.
- While returning to Africa is considered, systemic challenges with credential recognition and mental health infrastructure remain.
I studied Education and English at the University of Uyo, and while I was proud of my training and my years of teaching in Akwa Ibom, I also knew that the global job market wouldn’t automatically see my degree the way I did.
The first hurdle was evaluation. I had to get my transcript assessed by a credential evaluation agency here in the U.S., and even though it was eventually recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, the process was both expensive and frustrating.
Between gathering documents from my alma mater (with the usual delays), paying the evaluation fees, and navigating visa requirements, I can say that the emotional stress was as real as the financial cost.
Coming to the U.S., what helped me was the discipline and patience I’d built over the years back in Nigeria.
Classroom management is a universal language, and whether you’re in Ikot Ekpene or Atlanta, children need structure, attention, and a sense of safety.
Financial breakthrough
Financially, the difference was almost like night and day.
As a teacher in Nigeria, even with over a decade of experience, my salary could barely sustain a modest lifestyle.
In the U.S., once I got certified, the starting salary was almost triple what I earned back home. Of course, the cost of living is higher, and bills pile up quickly here, but even with that, the opportunity to save, invest, and build credit made the move worthwhile.
The salary was definitely a major factor in my decision to stay—it gave me the breathing room to support my family back home and plan long-term for my own children’s future.
Transitioning from teaching to counseling
Transitioning into counseling came naturally. As a teacher, I always gravitated toward the emotional and psychological well-being of my students.
I saw the need, especially among immigrant children and Black youth. I went back to school and acquired more training in counselling, which gave me greater leverage in advancing my career.
Would I consider returning to Africa to work in a similar capacity? Yes, and no. Yes, because the need is great, especially in terms of mental health awareness and support systems for young people.
But I know the reality—most African systems don’t yet recognize U.S. counseling credentials without jumping through hoops.
I’d likely need to do a local conversion program or pass certain licensure exams. Also, infrastructure and funding for such roles back home are still catching up. So, while I may consult or volunteer from time to time, I haven’t fully committed to returning just yet.
What intending migrants should know
When it comes to African emigration, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I believe it’s a viable and often necessary route for personal and professional growth—especially when systems at home don’t provide fair reward for talent or effort.
But I also worry about brain drain and the slow decay of essential services in our countries when the best minds leave.
My advice to those considering emigration is simple: come with a plan. Don’t come on vibes. Evaluate your credentials, research your field, and have both short-term survival goals and long-term career goals. It’s not easy, and it’s not always rosy, but it can be worth it if you approach it with intention and discipline.
In terms of qualifications that travel well, healthcare remains number one—nurses, doctors, physical therapists, and lab scientists are always in demand.
Tech, of course, is booming—whether it’s data science, cybersecurity, or software development. Education is also valuable, especially special education and STEM teaching roles.
Looking back, I’d say it was definitely easier to move when I did. The immigration climate has become more restrictive, and visa approval is more uncertain now.
Policies shift quickly, especially depending on who’s in power, and the scrutiny has increased. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible now—it just means you have to be more strategic than ever.
