From Google Search To Masters In Italy: Japa Tales

[justseyi]

How an Accidental Google Search Took Arike From Nigeria to a Fully Funded Master’s in Italy

In a country where “Japa” stories are as common as traffic in Lagos, each journey is unique — and sometimes, the path to greener pastures is anything but straightforward.

For Arike, the dream was simple: study in the United States. But after multiple rejections, unanswered emails, and a pandemic that froze opportunities, that dream dissolved.

Yet, what felt like a dead end turned into a door — one that opened all the way to Italy on a full scholarship.

The Dream That Almost Died

Arike’s passion for studying abroad started in her final year at the University of Ilorin. Determined to secure a place in an American graduate program, she spent months researching schools, preparing applications, and chasing funding.

In 2020, she found hope in an American professor willing to supervise her. But then COVID-19 struck. Emails stopped. The opportunity vanished.

By 2021, she was still fixated on the U.S. — until a random Google search introduced her to the University of Padua in Italy.

“They didn’t have the exact course I wanted, but a related program caught my interest,” she said. “I liked their requirements and decided to give it a shot.”

The Application That Changed Everything
Arike handled her application without an agent. She gathered the essentials: statement of purpose, CV, international passport, and academic documents. Within 24 hours of submitting online, she passed the first evaluation stage.

Five weeks later, she received her admission letter — along with a surprise: the International Excellence Scholarship.

“It was a full tuition waiver plus €8,000 for living expenses. All I had to cover was my flight and some initial costs.”

Studying in Italy: Cheaper Than You Think
While Arike’s tuition was fully covered, she’s quick to point out that studying in Italy can be affordable even without a scholarship.

University of Padua: €2,700–€3,000 per year
University of Pisa: Some programs as low as €300 per year

The Visa Maze
Getting a student visa to Italy from Nigeria isn’t “hard,” Arike says — it’s “not straightforward.”

Applicants must show proof of funds: about €6,000–€7,000 for a one-year program, and €14,000 for a two-year master’s. The source of funds is scrutinised, and only parents or spouses are generally accepted as primary sponsors.

The process also involves pre-enrolling on Universitaly, authenticating and translating documents into Italian, and legalising them at the Italian consulate. Visa processing can take up to 90 days.

Life in Italy: Language, Community, and Travel
Although her program is taught in English, Arike faced a language barrier outside class.

“Even people who speak English will tell you they don’t,” she laughed. “If you plan to stay, learn Italian — it makes finding jobs much easier.”

Thankfully, she found community in the Nigerian Scholars in Italy group, which supports new arrivals. And with a student permit, she’s been able to explore Europe without needing flights for every trip.

The Bigger Picture

Today, Arike is settled in Italy, with no rush to move to the U.S. anymore.

“Living here changed my perspective. I’ve travelled, gained work experience, and seen that Europe offers more than I expected.”

On a happiness scale, she gives Italy an 8/10 — docking points only for the language barrier.

Her advice to other Nigerians dreaming of Japa?

“Don’t get stuck on one country. Keep an open mind — your yes might be waiting somewhere you least expect.”

[Daramola Deborah]

me, i need an agent o!

[Shekinah Brama]

The Village does Study Abroad stuff though

[Author]

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