Topic
Japa and moving abroad
These articles cover japa and moving abroad: the stress of leaving, settling in, long-distance love, leaving parents behind, and coming home again.
Japa, Nigerian slang for leaving the country for work, study or safety, is a loss as well as a gain, for those who go and those who stay. The move takes away family, friends, church or mosque, familiar food and language all at once. Many people also carry their relatives' hopes and money expectations, with little room to admit they're struggling. Coming back has its own shock.
Start with japa stress, then settling in abroad. If you're moving back, read coming home after you japa back.
Feeling low or lost after a move is common, and it's worth talking about. Mytherapist.ng sessions happen by video, voice or chat, so you can keep the same licensed Nigerian therapist before and after you move.
Leaving Your Parents Behind When You Japa
Guilty about leaving your parents behind when you japa? How to set up care before you go, stay close from abroad, share the load with siblings, and cope.
Long-Distance Love After Japa
One of you has japa’d and the other is still in Nigeria. How to keep a long-distance relationship going: a shared timeline, time zones, money and trust.
Coming Home: Life After You Japa Back
Nobody warns you that returning is harder than leaving. Reverse culture shock, the shame of coming back, and how to rebuild a life in Nigeria again.
Japa Stress: The Mental Health Toll of Relocating Abroad (and How to Cope)
Relocating abroad — japa — is exciting, but it can quietly take a toll on your mental health. Here’s how to spot japa stress and cope, before and after you move.
Settling In Abroad: Life After You Japa
The hardest part of japa often begins after you land. Here’s how to cope with homesickness, isolation and culture shock while building a new life.
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