Otis Jnr is a Ghanaian professional teacher based in New Brunswick, Canada, where he has lived for the past two years. Originally from Bantama, Otis studied Mathematics at Valley View University and UCC, and taught in the Volta Region for four years before receiving a visa and relocating abroad.
Married since 2015, Otis and his wife—who now lives in the UK—both began their careers in education after meeting in teacher training college. While teaching in Ghana, Otis also worked in a pharmacy and invested his allowances in a taxi business. His wife was a filling station manager, and the couple supported each other through their early careers and transitions abroad.
Otis initially assisted others with visa applications and Statements of Purpose (SOPs), before receiving an unexpected opportunity to move to Canada. He studied Human Services in Toronto, focusing on autism, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and mental health, and now works in the field. He notes that although the UK may offer faster money, long-term growth and peace of mind can be found in Canada.
While Toronto offered social life and fun, Otis now appreciates the affordability and calm of New Brunswick. He highlights the importance of gaining skills—like his forklift training in Ghana, which helped him land his first job in Canada. He urges newcomers to develop themselves, be strategic, and avoid relying only on friends or factory work.
Despite demands from Ghana, he remains focused. “Real fun is in Ghana,” he says, “but you must focus on your purpose abroad.”
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