Hello, I'm Chizobam Ezechukwu, but you can call me Chizi, like cheese, as I often joke. My journey as an international student started in Nigeria, where I was living a pretty comfortable life, surrounded by a loving family, with a successful career in Finance.
However, I felt a deep desire for change which led me to a bold decision: to study abroad. I chose to return to my original passion: so I applied for a Master’s degree in Environmental Management at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. To fund my studies, I used my own savings and financial support from my family, so being one of the lucky winners of the EUR1000 Studyportals Grant in 2023 was a very nice surprise and extra help in fulfilling my dream.
How I discovered my passion for Environmental Management
Living in the Niger Delta region in an oil-producing country, I saw the harsh realities of environmental degradation - lack of clean water and prevalent health issues due to unsanitary conditions. What’s more, despite having laws to protect the environment, their enforcement was lacking.
A quote that deeply resonates with me is: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” When I heard it the first time, it made me see things differently. I realised I have a responsibility to educate others about how important it is to care for the environment.
Why I chose the UK to study abroad?
I did a lot of research and chose the UK for its reputation in higher education in general and the fact that the UK is one of the top countries for Environmental studies.
In my research, I also discovered that many universities which teach Environmental Management are not accredited by the professional bodies that govern Environmental Management, such as CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) or IEMA (the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment). That’s one of the main reasons I chose the University of Hertfordshire: because it was one of the few accredited schools. The second reason was its proximity to London, which offers a lot of work opportunities.
How is my international experience so far?
The transition to life in the UK has been a mix of challenges and rewards. Although I miss my family and the familiar warmth of Nigeria, I have found solace in music (I love country music), cooking for my friends, and reading, which keep me connected to my roots. The international experience has been transformative, broadening my understanding of different cultures and education systems.
What challenges were there, and how I overcame them?
Moving away from my family was tough, and adapting to the cultural differences and cold British winters added to the challenge. Some days it's still challenging. But what I quickly realised, maybe not quickly enough, was that it's OK to ask for help.
The fact that a significant number of classes were taught online was also a surprise for me and added to this feeling of isolation. At the same time, the transition from undergraduate to Master's level education was another challenge because it meant adapting to a more self-directed style of learning, requiring extensive research and initiative, a contrast to the more structured approach of undergraduate studies. However, holding on to the little things that made me happy like music and cooking, I learned to adapt – one day at a time.
All I have to do is just be willing to ask for help when I need it. If you don't ask for help, nobody will know.
What are my plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my goal is to build a meaningful career in Environmental Management. I plan to gain practical experience in the UK before potentially returning to Nigeria to contribute to environmental initiatives. This journey is not just about academic growth but personal evolution in understanding the importance of environmental care and making connections with people from other cultures.
