I was so happy with the feedback I got from my previous blog. I guess once in our lives we get to experience the language barrier. If you haven’t checked out my previous blog posts yet, I suggest you do so here before going any further. Trust me, you will thank me later. So, after a few months of attending the English classes, I finally got my certificate and went straight to Campus. In my journey joining campus, I encountered more challenges. However, you know the good thing about challenges is that you get to learn something from them and better yourself afterward. Here are some other challenges and benefits I got from them.
Challenges
- Individualism: This is another culture shock I experienced when I got here. In Kenya, people tend to be more individualistic than social compared to where I come from. This means whenever you encounter a problem, it is your own struggle and you have to deal with it on your own. Not all the time but in most cases. I noticed this especially in my first year of University, where after classes everyone would go to their homes and that was it
- Weather: Kenya is still part of Africa, right? So, you may wonder what she is talking about as if she is from Europe. Well, Kenyan weather is so unpredictable. At times it can be frustrating. It can be cold or rainy one minute, and the next the sun is out blazing. You be like, what is this? Well, I never understand this phenomenon because not only me but also my Kenyan friends haven’t got used to it despite being born here.
- Food: For those who know me, I am a food lover, but I have to control my intake of food because my body is not my best friend. It responds to it the minute I swallow something ( Some girls can relate to this). In as much as in Africa we have almost similar types of food, I was shocked when I got here, the way of preparing food is so different, so is the taste. There is a way here in Kenya, they only eat some portions of food, which is vastly different to how we do it. For instance, you’ll find someone here eating fries only, as a whole meal! Back home, that is not enough. People will even look at you in a weird way. The norm is that there has to be rice on the side, meat, vegetables, peas or beans for it to be a proper meal for us.
Benefits
- New language: I mentioned that English was my enemy when I got here but look at me now blogging in English. Isn’t it so cool? I got the opportunity to learn a new language, which is a plus for me because I also speak French. So, your girl can go anywhere in this world and still manage to survive, right? Though I still have a long way to go.
- Friendships: I met some amazing people from all over the world (China, Chile, Benin, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, India and of course Kenya…) that I never regret meeting. And this helped me open my mind and got to know more about their lifestyles. And guess what, I also learned a bit of Spanish from my Chilean friends. Look who is a polyglot now haha Just kidding.
- New places: I also got to discover new beautiful places here and I was so surprised how in Africa, especially in Kenya, we have plenty of stunning places (Giraffe center, Mamba center, Two rivers mall, Garden City, Naivasha, Mombasa, Uhuru gardens, Nanyuki and many others) one may visit. Kenya exceeded my expectations in terms of how developed it is. So, that being said if you haven’t been to Kenya yet, you may consider putting it on your bucket list.
Despite all this, I have had an amazing experience since I got here and I am loving the journey that I started . I would like to hear what other challenges you met along the new journey or what did you benefit from them. Please share with me in the comments section.
Have a productive week ahead,
Sending sunshine ion your way
Carny's Chronicles 
Just by reading this, am thinking of my first journey from Congo to Kenya. At first I was excited because I was going to visit a new place but later, just few weeks after I had a culture shock because I missed everything about home especially food, my family and friends. The language barrier was my biggest challenge but, Here I am four years later and am kinda used to everything here because my goals keep on motivating me each and everyday.
And thanks to God for letting me meet awesome friends from different places, like you Carelle.
Miss youuu and good job
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Exactly, we are at a better place now and I am sure this will enable us to get to what we want to achieve in life. Thank you so Much Rachel for being a good friend and for your support. Bzu Bzu
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Another great post, looks like there’s been many challenges you’ve had to face but you’ve gotten the hang of them so that’s pretty good! I can’t imagine just have fries as a meal.. that’s so odd! It’s so lovely that you’ve been able to meet new people too and create new friendships 🙂
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
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Hahaha I know but that is the beauty of culture and definitely I met so many beautiful souls. Thank you so much Chloe for stopping by. Xoxo
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amazing what you give us
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Thank you Eloge.
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I wanna go ! I wanna go!
As you said, Enjoy the journey! Studying abroad is hard but so worth it! My university days are some of my best memories. I studied abroad and what got me through was friendships! Form lasting bonds and you’ll be okay.
Network , network , network (carefully of course ).
All the best!
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What you are saying here is true. i don’t know if I would have survived without friends around me. Thank you so much for stopping by. bzu bzu
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What an experience! You are incredibly brave to do it and I’m so glad you are enjoying it. 🙂 xx
https://www.chloexlizabeth.com/
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Thank you Chloe for stopping by. Indeed It has. xoxo
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The struggle with food is real no matter where you go. It’s like it’s not that different but it is😭 no one back home understands
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Hahaha exactly, I can relate so much. Thank you for stopping by bzu bzu
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Reading this was so interesting. As a Kenyan, I do not consider my country ‘abroad’ because it is obviously not abroad to me bit as someone who has studied abroad for a while, I totally understand the challenges that comes with. I’m happy you’ve been able to get by swimmingly despite the challenges. And I’m impressed you were able to pick up a new language and even blog in it that fast! That’s quite a feat! Congrats!
Yvonne Wabai | yvonnewairimuwabai.weebly.com
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Indeed, It was quite challenging but came out better. Thank you a lot Yvonne for stopping by. xoxo
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Gotta love studying abroad. Many challenges, but definitely a great and fun experience that will shape an individual to adulthood. I came to study in the UK and ended up living here after my studies. Great post Vida. It was nice connecting with you on twitter today.
Have a blessed week ahead. 🙂
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
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Exactly, It is so much fun and it helps you grow as an individual. Thank you so much for stopping by and It was lovely to get to know you. Xoxo
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