What does it feel like to arrive in Australia for the first time?

June 1st, 2019 was my very first time of leaving the shores of Nigeria, I arrived Brisbane, a city in Queensland, Australia for the first time in June 2019. This was the first time EVER, I had been outside my country Nigeria.

The experience was like a dream to me, because it's something I never ever imagined could ever happen following my background. I grew up thinking and believing that traveling/moving overseas was only attainable to a select few elite people. But here I am, debunking my own belief!

I arrived MMA and faced all the anticipated ritual I had read about -the bribery that goes on there. I was determined to scale through without dropping any form of bribe to anybody. I no kuku get shishi. Almost everyone at the Airport feels u are rich and wants a piece of cake from you for doing their job. To stamp your passport, to check ur visa, to scan your bag, etc officers would want you to tip them. But then, they don't know warris going on. I insisted I don't have a dime with me, I remember telling one of the immigration officer that my mother borrowed money to buy my flight ticket.lol. That was how I was able to manoeuvre my way without giving a dime to anyone at the airport.

My flight had 3stops, Lagos-Cairo(5hrs:30mins), Cairo to Abu Dhabi(3hrs 45mins) then Abu Dhabi to Brisbane (13.5hrs). After I boarded the plan headed to Cairo, I couldn't just believe that I am leaving the shores of Nigeria, right there I thanked God in my heart like never before, tears uncontrollably dropping from my eyes, it was like a dream in reality and I can't just explain how God made this awkward dream of mine come to pass.

The journey was smooth and sweet and 34hrs latter I was already on Arrival at the International wing of Brisbane Airport, Immigration officers were totally different from what I saw in Nigeria, they are friendly and thorough. They helped me out with the formalities when I told them it was my first time abroad, and I was a bit scared.

A friend of mine came to pick me up at the airport, once I exited the airport and got into his car, I began to douse in Australia in all its glory. Wider and better roads (compared to what I am used to, in Nigeria), motorists following traffic rules (again, not common in Nigeria), everything so orderly, zero potholes on roads, taller buildings etc. And of course, it was the first time I had been in contact with large number of non-Nigerian in my life.

I got the next big surprise when I got to my friend's house. I never knew that tap water in Australia was fit for drinking, without purifying it first! As in, just open the tap from the wash basin and drink. Even the Airport and public places like library, parks, church, etc had water taps constructed in such a way that you don't need cup to drink from it, you just press a knob and drink directly from it and it's free to everyone..

Australia is unique in the sense that people of different political views can stand in the same queue without fear of violence. Politicians, leaders of businesses, religious leaders and the like do not need to be protected with escorts to the extent that is required in Nigeria.

Since I came here I have never seen any soldier patroling the street only the police. Siren is exclusively reserved for ambulance, fire fighters and the police only when there is an emergency. For the first time in my life I saw a pet ambulance, I saw dog school (yes, a school u take ur pets too for training/learning).


So much more happened in the following days, which I can't really describe here without writing a novel! Getting to understand the terrain, using the public transportation, getting a job, flowing with the ascent,etc. Needless to say, I am still in Australia, and absolutely loving it here!. This is a country that works. Health care is absolutely free for citizens and permanent residents,even if they remove your head and heart and replace with another, u pay $0 for such health service. People with disablity are loved and well cared for, they get support funds from government, nursing mothers and people who are unable to work due to one illness or any other good reason gets stipend from the government . Looking at all these makes me pity for my country. Can we ever get it right in Nigeria?

Chai

AUSTRALIA My Dream country, it will br my first time too... It will be a dream come true.. happy for you bro.. no wonder our people go travel them no go like come back

My brother If you've never travelled out of Naija, you wouldn't know there is another life elsewhere like heaven

Nice, pictures will be great.

I'm very happy you left this shithole bro. Remember "Nobody is rich enough to buy yesterday but IF YOU HUSTLE HARD, TOMORROW MAY BE YOURS."

Pictures please

Mailthaddeus:
What does it feel like to arrive in Australia for the first time?

June 1st, 2019 was my very first time of leaving the shores of Nigeria, I arrived Brisbane, a city in Queensland, Australia for the first time in June 2019. This was the first time EVER, I had been outside my country Nigeria.

The experience was like a dream to me, because it's something I never ever imagined could ever happen following my background. I grew up thinking and believing that traveling/moving overseas was only attainable to a select few elite people. But here I am, debunking my own belief!

I arrived MMA and faced all the anticipated ritual I had read about -the bribery that goes on there. I was determined to scale through without dropping any form of bribe to anybody. I no kuku get shishi. Almost everyone at the Airport feels u are rich and wants a piece of cake from you for doing their job. To stamp your passport, to check ur visa, to scan your bag, etc officers would want you to tip them. But then, they don't know warris going on. I insisted I don't have a dime with me, I remember telling one of the immigration officer that my mother borrowed money to buy my flight ticket.lol. That was how I was able to manoeuvre my way without giving a dime to anyone at the airport.

My flight had 3stops, Lagos-Cairo(5hrs:30mins), Cairo to Abu Dhabi(3hrs 45mins) then Abu Dhabi to Brisbane (13.5hrs). After I boarded the plan headed to Cairo, I couldn't just believe that I am leaving the shores of Nigeria, right there I thanked God in my heart like never before, tears uncontrollably dropping from my eyes, it was like a dream in reality and I can't just explain how God made this awkward dream of mine come to pass.

The journey was smooth and sweet and 34hrs latter I was already on Arrival at the International wing of Brisbane Airport, Immigration officers were totally different from what I saw in Nigeria, they are friendly and thorough. They helped me out with the formalities when I told them it was my first time abroad, and I was a bit scared.

A friend of mine came to pick me up at the airport, once I exited the airport and got into his car, I began to douse in Australia in all its glory. Wider and better roads (compared to what I am used to, in Nigeria), motorists following traffic rules (again, not common in Nigeria), everything so orderly, zero potholes on roads, taller buildings etc. And of course, it was the first time I had been in contact with large number of non-Nigerian in my life.

I got the next big surprise when I got to my friend's house. I never knew that tap water in Australia was fit for drinking, without purifying it first! As in, just open the tap from the wash basin and drink. Even the Airport and public places like library, parks, church, etc had water taps constructed in such a way that you don't need cup to drink from it, you just press a knob and drink directly from it and it's free to everyone..

Australia is unique in the sense that people of different political views can stand in the same queue without fear of violence. Politicians, leaders of businesses, religious leaders and the like do not need to be protected with escorts to the extent that is required in Nigeria.

Since I came here I have never seen any soldier patroling the street only the police. Siren is exclusively reserved for ambulance, fire fighters and the police only when there is an emergency. For the first time in my life I saw a pet ambulance, I saw dog school (yes, a school u take ur pets too for training/learning).


So much more happened in the following days, which I can't really describe here without writing a novel! Getting to understand the terrain, using the public transportation, getting a job, flowing with the ascent,etc. Needless to say, I am still in Australia, and absolutely loving it here!. This is a country that works. Health care is absolutely free for citizens and permanent residents,even if they remove your head and heart and replace with another, u pay $0 for such health service. People with disablity are loved and well cared for, they get support funds from government, nursing mothers and people who are unable to work due to one illness or any other good reason gets stipend from the government . Looking at all these makes me pity for my country. Can we ever get it right in Nigeria?

Men I feel u. me I just arrived skovde, Sweden 5 days ago. e be like say I day heaven. only its very hard to see Nigerians here and the cold is too much. I can't stay outside for more than 20minutes.

Congrats dude. Wishing you all the best.
We hope our dear Nigeria will get it right someday; it's only a matter of time

Mailthaddeus:
Can we ever get it right in Nigeria?

Hahahaha

Pourple77:
Nice, pictures will be great.

I had plenty pictures but I lost all when my naija infinix phone feel and got a cracked screen and stopped working and I tried to fix it, unfortunately they have never seen such phone before and the parts is on E bay. I will send in some pictures during the day.

I love that country

Congratulations on your new journey, reality will soon set in, you are less than a year when you discover that your skin color places you at a big disadvantage eye go clear . Enjoy yourself bro

Mizwisdom:
Congratulations on your new journey, reality will soon set in, you are less than a year when you discover that your skin color places you at a big disadvantage eye go clear . Enjoy yourself bro

They no dey tell person, only time will tell.

Bro. This Australia is a dream destination o.
How did you get it all worked up? I'ma sign your signature.

Mizwisdom:
Congratulations on your new journey, reality will soon set in, you are less than a year when you discover that your skin color places you at a big disadvantage eye go clear . Enjoy yourself bro

Life is never a bed of roses anywhere in the world, what ever u have, u work hard for it. My issue is that here is a country where leaders are responsible for the citizens, they are not perfect, but they make consistent effort to ensure good quality of life, and this is scarce in Nigeria.

And I was able to get a factory job within 3weeks of coming and then proceeded to get a much more better paying Job in less than 2months. God has been Faithful to me as He has shown my path with His light. People marvel when I tell them I had been here for only 7months. It's all about God. I have seen the worst of reality and it can only get better.

The "free health care" fund is gotten from the health insurance paid by International students. The fee ranges from $1000 to $5000 (if living with family). The money is pumped into their "free health care" for their citizens. I do not blame them, they are smart. Country works.

Mailthaddeus:
What does it feel like to arrive in Australia for the first time?

June 1st, 2019 was my very first time of leaving the shores of Nigeria, I arrived Brisbane, a city in Queensland, Australia for the first time in June 2019. This was the first time EVER, I had been outside my country Nigeria.

The experience was like a dream to me, because it's something I never ever imagined could ever happen following my background. I grew up thinking and believing that traveling/moving overseas was only attainable to a select few elite people. But here I am, debunking my own belief!

I arrived MMA and faced all the anticipated ritual I had read about -the bribery that goes on there. I was determined to scale through without dropping any form of bribe to anybody. I no kuku get shishi. Almost everyone at the Airport feels u are rich and wants a piece of cake from you for doing their job. To stamp your passport, to check ur visa, to scan your bag, etc officers would want you to tip them. But then, they don't know warris going on. I insisted I don't have a dime with me, I remember telling one of the immigration officer that my mother borrowed money to buy my flight ticket.lol. That was how I was able to manoeuvre my way without giving a dime to anyone at the airport.

My flight had 3stops, Lagos-Cairo(5hrs:30mins), Cairo to Abu Dhabi(3hrs 45mins) then Abu Dhabi to Brisbane (13.5hrs). After I boarded the plan headed to Cairo, I couldn't just believe that I am leaving the shores of Nigeria, right there I thanked God in my heart like never before, tears uncontrollably dropping from my eyes, it was like a dream in reality and I can't just explain how God made this awkward dream of mine come to pass.

The journey was smooth and sweet and 34hrs latter I was already on Arrival at the International wing of Brisbane Airport, Immigration officers were totally different from what I saw in Nigeria, they are friendly and thorough. They helped me out with the formalities when I told them it was my first time abroad, and I was a bit scared.

A friend of mine came to pick me up at the airport, once I exited the airport and got into his car, I began to douse in Australia in all its glory. Wider and better roads (compared to what I am used to, in Nigeria), motorists following traffic rules (again, not common in Nigeria), everything so orderly, zero potholes on roads, taller buildings etc. And of course, it was the first time I had been in contact with large number of non-Nigerian in my life.

I got the next big surprise when I got to my friend's house. I never knew that tap water in Australia was fit for drinking, without purifying it first! As in, just open the tap from the wash basin and drink. Even the Airport and public places like library, parks, church, etc had water taps constructed in such a way that you don't need cup to drink from it, you just press a knob and drink directly from it and it's free to everyone..

Australia is unique in the sense that people of different political views can stand in the same queue without fear of violence. Politicians, leaders of businesses, religious leaders and the like do not need to be protected with escorts to the extent that is required in Nigeria.

Since I came here I have never seen any soldier patroling the street only the police. Siren is exclusively reserved for ambulance, fire fighters and the police only when there is an emergency. For the first time in my life I saw a pet ambulance, I saw dog school (yes, a school u take ur pets too for training/learning).


So much more happened in the following days, which I can't really describe here without writing a novel! Getting to understand the terrain, using the public transportation, getting a job, flowing with the ascent,etc. Needless to say, I am still in Australia, and absolutely loving it here!. This is a country that works. Health care is absolutely free for citizens and permanent residents,even if they remove your head and heart and replace with another, u pay $0 for such health service. People with disablity are loved and well cared for, they get support funds from government, nursing mothers and people who are unable to work due to one illness or any other good reason gets stipend from the government . Looking at all these makes me pity for my country. Can we ever get it right in Nigeria?

flyingdutchman:
The "free health care" fund is gotten from the health insurance paid by International students. The fee ranges from $1000 to $5000 (if living with family). The money is pumped into their "free health care" for their citizens. I do not blame them, they are smart. Country works.

It would be wrong to say this as citizens pay tax. And private sector handles insurance businesses which at the end is not compulsory.

Awon thread derailers will soon arrive. a.k.a those who think Nigeria is best place to be. Those who will claim they have been to Australia since 80s. Those who will be asking OP questions upon questions about how he got his visa

I welcome you all in advance

Mailthaddeus:


It would be wrong to say this as citizens pay tax. And private sector handles insurance businesses which at the end is not compulsory.

You are partly correct and at the same time, you missed a little detail. Indeed, Tax also contributes to their funding. Once again, this is a country that works. However, HEALTH INSURANCE for oversea students or international students is COMPULSORY. And the charges for Services rendered is crazy.
Example: If you get taken to the hospital by the ambulance, your insurance credit is reduced by ~$800.
Emergency treatment bill is $1,225 flat rate.
Other specialist treatment and equipment would be charged item by item. Example, Xray would be $300. etc.

Check out!

Quick one, I just booked flight for my parents Nigeria to Australia. I want clarify if they need a transit visa in Kuala Lumpur. They are just changing terminal and airline from Emirates to Air Asia. Less than 7hours in the same airport. Any idea if they will be needing a transit visa. Pls help. URGENT.

bytehead333:


Men I feel u. me I just arrived skovde, Sweden 5 days ago. e be like say I day heaven. only its very hard to see Nigerians here and the cold is too much. I can't stay outside for more than 20minutes.

On which visa bro?

eb001:


Quick one, I just booked flight for my parents Nigeria to Australia. I want clarify if they need a transit visa in Kuala Lumpur. They are just changing terminal and airline from Emirates to Air Asia. Less than 7hours in the same airport. Any idea if they will be needing a transit visa. Pls help. URGENT.

So long as u remain at the airport, u don't need a transit visa. Just locate where ur next flight terminal is and wait there.

Philzzzy:


On which visa bro?

Swedish residence permit. I applied as a student. with this permit i can enter any schengen country and stay up to 90 days visa free.
like this I dey Stockholm now waiting to catch a train back home to skovde.
see confirmed Benz that they are using for taxi

eb001:


Quick one, I just booked flight for my parents Nigeria to Australia. I want clarify if they need a transit visa in Kuala Lumpur. They are just changing terminal and airline from Emirates to Air Asia. Less than 7hours in the same airport. Any idea if they will be needing a transit visa. Pls help. URGENT.

it depends. if it is a single ticket with different airlines , u don't need transit visa but if it is more than one ticket u will need transit visa. find out from Emirates.
meanwhile Emirates fucckd me up when I was travelling. my ticket was from Lagos to Gothenburg, Sweden via Dubai and Oslo. only for me to get to Gothenburg and I found out that that left one of my bags in Dubai. d thing pain me die. but they sent it to my address in Sweden d next day. so be careful with them and ask questions so u won't have any problems.

Mailthaddeus:
What does it feel like to arrive in Australia for the first time?

June 1st, 2019 was my very first time of leaving the shores of Nigeria, I arrived Brisbane, a city in Queensland, Australia for the first time in June 2019. This was the first time EVER, I had been outside my country Nigeria.

The experience was like a dream to me, because it's something I never ever imagined could ever happen following my background. I grew up thinking and believing that traveling/moving overseas was only attainable to a select few elite people. But here I am, debunking my own belief!

I arrived MMA and faced all the anticipated ritual I had read about -the bribery that goes on there. I was determined to scale through without dropping any form of bribe to anybody. I no kuku get shishi. Almost everyone at the Airport feels u are rich and wants a piece of cake from you for doing their job. To stamp your passport, to check ur visa, to scan your bag, etc officers would want you to tip them. But then, they don't know warris going on. I insisted I don't have a dime with me, I remember telling one of the immigration officer that my mother borrowed money to buy my flight ticket.lol. That was how I was able to manoeuvre my way without giving a dime to anyone at the airport.

My flight had 3stops, Lagos-Cairo(5hrs:30mins), Cairo to Abu Dhabi(3hrs 45mins) then Abu Dhabi to Brisbane (13.5hrs). After I boarded the plan headed to Cairo, I couldn't just believe that I am leaving the shores of Nigeria, right there I thanked God in my heart like never before, tears uncontrollably dropping from my eyes, it was like a dream in reality and I can't just explain how God made this awkward dream of mine come to pass.

The journey was smooth and sweet and 34hrs latter I was already on Arrival at the International wing of Brisbane Airport, Immigration officers were totally different from what I saw in Nigeria, they are friendly and thorough. They helped me out with the formalities when I told them it was my first time abroad, and I was a bit scared.

A friend of mine came to pick me up at the airport, once I exited the airport and got into his car, I began to douse in Australia in all its glory. Wider and better roads (compared to what I am used to, in Nigeria), motorists following traffic rules (again, not common in Nigeria), everything so orderly, zero potholes on roads, taller buildings etc. And of course, it was the first time I had been in contact with large number of non-Nigerian in my life.

I got the next big surprise when I got to my friend's house. I never knew that tap water in Australia was fit for drinking, without purifying it first! As in, just open the tap from the wash basin and drink. Even the Airport and public places like library, parks, church, etc had water taps constructed in such a way that you don't need cup to drink from it, you just press a knob and drink directly from it and it's free to everyone..

Australia is unique in the sense that people of different political views can stand in the same queue without fear of violence. Politicians, leaders of businesses, religious leaders and the like do not need to be protected with escorts to the extent that is required in Nigeria.

Since I came here I have never seen any soldier patroling the street only the police. Siren is exclusively reserved for ambulance, fire fighters and the police only when there is an emergency. For the first time in my life I saw a pet ambulance, I saw dog school (yes, a school u take ur pets too for training/learning).


So much more happened in the following days, which I can't really describe here without writing a novel! Getting to understand the terrain, using the public transportation, getting a job, flowing with the ascent,etc. Needless to say, I am still in Australia, and absolutely loving it here!. This is a country that works. Health care is absolutely free for citizens and permanent residents,even if they remove your head and heart and replace with another, u pay $0 for such health service. People with disablity are loved and well cared for, they get support funds from government, nursing mothers and people who are unable to work due to one illness or any other good reason gets stipend from the government . Looking at all these makes me pity for my country. Can we ever get it right in Nigeria?

Enjoy your time in Australia. Remember where you came from so you do not allow the allurement of Australia to sweep you off your feet. Hustle with clean hands so that God blessings will never depart from you. Remember there's no El Dorado on earth so expect some ugly moments in Australia such as someone being covertly or overtly racist towards you. Take such moments with a pinch of salt and carry on with your business. While there if you see one Aussie pikin u sincerely gbadun, guy run marry her ooo. No time!

Wow

Do you know if they take 2.2 for masters?

bytehead333:


Swedish residence permit. I applied as a student. with this permit i can enter any schengen country and stay up to 90 days visa free.
like this I dey Stockholm now waiting to catch a train back home to skovde.
see confirmed Benz that they are using for taxi

If one hasn't left Nigeria, one would not know how shamefully twisted Nigeria is; how evil the ruling classes had/have been.

Philzzzy:
Wow

Do you know if they take 2.2 for masters?

depends on the course and school u are applying to. but I think they will take it. 2.2 is not a bad grade

bytehead333:


Swedish residence permit. I applied as a student. with this permit i can enter any schengen country and stay up to 90 days visa free.
like this I dey Stockholm now waiting to catch a train back home to skovde.
see confirmed Benz that they are using for taxi

I know I'll be going to Stockholm and Luxembourg for vacation. Alone.