You have probably already run into several of the international students at the university. But do you know where they come from? Do you have an idea about what their home country is like? Can you imagine how they cope with the cultural differences?
Molonge Abawah Ivo, Tourism and catering bachelor student from Cameroon shared with us his experiences.
Why did you choose to come to study in Hungary?
I choose to study in Hungary because Hungary is located in the Western World and the certificates of the Western World are highly recognized in Africa and the job allocation will be highly paid.
What did you find the most difficult in this new culture?
The most difficult cultural difference here is the non familiarized attitude of the people (people like to live their private life without the influence of other people), in Africa, everyone is a family to all. Also the religious background of the people is not well placed and I could not find where to worship so easily. Furthermore, clubbing here is very popular and its fun here too, I like it.
Which is your favourite subject and why?
My favourite subject is Economics because I like it from birth and want to become an economic analyst. I could have a problem just maybe because of the examination system which is not so familiar with that of my former educational system. Also the manner with which the course was allocated, normally in economics, it has to be Micro Economics before Macro and is making other students to be so afraid of the course. I would say economics is very good for anyone who could be patient to study it, you will be all round needed in the job market.
What do you miss the most from your home country?
I miss my family and African friends, I miss African dishes, I miss playing soccer and also sitting in parks with my friends to listen to cool music. Life in Africa is so fun, I wish you go and experienced it with someone who is fun oriented. Beautiful beach and zoo with all species of animals, good waterfalls and antique lifestyle in the interior.
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to become a self employed someone with a good business plan. Having a 5 star hotel is my dream and going into real estate business or banking hoping to become an African Billionaire. For the moment, getting an education background is my prior ambition.
Please share an interesting fact about your country, one that you think most Hungarians don’t know.
Regarding life in Cameroon, I will say it’s so fun to be there; they say Cameroon is Africa in miniature (what you can find in any African country, it is in Cameroon). Cameroon is blessed with fertile soil excellent in agriculture, plantation agriculture is the main source of income, oil refinery is also good, petroleum extraction is good, electricity supply is the best. Politically, I have grown to know just 1 National President from Birth (Paul Biya). So far, Cameroon has been govern by 2 Presidents after Independence. This is the country with the highest number of Ministers who have the most beautiful and expensive cars in the world. Cameroon has 10 regions and 2 languages are spoken nationwide (French and English).
Did you know that all taxi in Cameroon have the same color painting (yellow) and you can enter into a taxi at any point, no taxi number to call… 🙂