Joseph, a Ghanaian residing in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has lived in the country for nearly eight years since moving there in 2016. Initially, he attended a minor seminary in Ghana and aspired to become a priest. However, his career path took a different turn. After completing his secondary education in Cape Coast, he pursued further studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and later taught at Mankessim Senior High School.
Joseph originally intended to travel to China but lacked connections abroad. Despite seeking help from family members, they were unwilling to assist him. Determined to travel, he began researching visa opportunities online. Joseph in an interview with Dj Nyaami on Svtv Africa’s Daily Hustle worldwide show revealed that He first applied for a business visa, but his application was denied. Undeterred, he took matters into his own hands, exploring study programs in various countries, including the USA, Cyprus, New Zealand, the UK, and Russia. Ultimately, Russia became his preferred destination due to its lower tuition fees at the time—approximately 7,000 GHC in 2016.
His parents were not happy about his decision to travel, but he remained determined. His journey to Russia took two days, and he even celebrated his birthday on the flight. Upon arrival, he first settled in Siberia, where he faced harsh cold weather but found the locals to be friendly and hospitable.
In Ghana, Joseph had been a teacher, but upon leaving, his name was removed from the teachers’ association. In Russia, he pursued a master’s degree in Banking and Finance, studying in an English-medium program. He met fellow Ghanaians, including one who studied oil and gas, and they became friends.
During his studies, Joseph sought financial support from a teacher who connected him with job opportunities. After completing his program, he initially had to leave the country before being eligible to stay. He applied for a PhD in Cyprus and was granted a 50% scholarship.
Joseph traveled to North Cyprus but found life there more difficult than in Russia. With limited financial resources, he struggled to pay his $2,500 tuition fees and even sought employment as a hotel cleaner. He regretted moving to Cyprus and wouldn’t recommend it to others. After three months, he decided to return to either Ghana or Russia. With financial support from his family, he purchased a plane ticket and moved back to Russia.
Joseph applied to study the Russian language and later pursued a PhD while continuing to teach. Before returning to Russia, he secured a job and a work visa. Upon arrival, he started teaching in 2019 and has since had to renew his visa annually, including medical check-ups. In 2021, he was eligible for a Russian permanent residence permit due to earning a “red diploma” (a high academic distinction).
Now based in Yekaterinburg, Joseph is pursuing his PhD while teaching at both university and secondary school levels. He notes that teaching English is a lucrative business in Russia, where many locals are eager to learn the language. Although he sees many Black people in Russia, he mentions that job opportunities in construction and warehouses are mostly taken by workers from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Joseph remains single and is still searching for a partner. He advises those considering moving abroad to plan well, as financial stability and responsibilities in Ghana can affect their success overseas. Despite past setbacks, he is thriving in Russia and continues to advance in his career as an educator.
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