By our Roving Reporter……..
A few weeks ago I met a sweet young man helping us in our Music on Fire event. We struck up a conversation and I began asking questions like a mother would. Here is what I learned from our visit and truly thought Cypriots and local businesses and institutions should know about our wonderful students from abroad.
Emmanuel thank you so much for sharing a part of your life with us.
Dr. Demetra Mustafaoğlu
Q What’s your full name?
A Emmanuel Oshogwe Akpeokhai
Q Where and when were you born?
A Benin City, Nigeria. DOB: September 18th, 1985
Q When did you arrive in Cyprus for school?
A March 13, 2015
Q Where did you live during school? How did you find your housing? Internet, school, newspaper or friend?
A I stayed in a rented apartment outside the school in Karakum Environs because it was cheaper and more comfortable compared to the hostels provided by the school. The internet service is a little bit reliable and fast depending on the service provider you choose.
Q What was your degree in? Did you finish?
A Masters in Business Administration (Management Information Systems Concentration) and yes I completed the Program in Summer Semester 2016.
Q Were your professors hard enough?
A Yes they were good enough, I really appreciate their effort and the knowledge they impacted in me. I learned a lot from them. Some of them were so patient and friendly with me because they noticed I was so eager to learn.
Q Did you gain the knowledge and tools to be able to work here or at home? Any idea to start your own business? What kind?
A Yes I did gain some knowledge about entrepreneurial skills (Business). I took 6 business courses and 6 IT courses. Some of the business courses I really enjoyed were Marketing Management, Financial Management, Strategic Management and Organi
zation Theory. Before coming for the masters program I already had a background in IT so gaining more knowledge in this business gave me an added advantage.
Q How did you find the people at the university? The other students? The Turkish Cypriots?
A The people I met at the university were friendly. During my registration and trying to find my way around, most of the people I came across knew I was a new student so that gave me preference. I met other international students and they were friendly as well. The Turkish Cypriots were also friendly. What I noticed was that if you are friendly, smart and intelligent you will have lots of friends.
Q Are you Moslem? Christian? Something else?
A I am a Christian
Q Where is your favorite place here in Cyprus?
A The Kyrenia Harbour (City Centre)
Q Is there a gathering spot for students on campus?
A Yes there are different spots, meeting points in campus, where students can meet to discuss, study, do group assignments or projects and also a place to play different types of games during leisure time.
Q What is your favorite food here? Dessert! Unfavorites?
A My favourite food is Chicken Donner Kebap and my favourite Dessert is Baklava. My unfavourite is Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun)
Q What did you like most about North Cyprus? Least about it?
A The Peaceful Environment with low crime rate, The people around are so friendly, and also the sunny weather which I enjoy during summer (visiting all the beautiful beaches).
Q What would you like to see changed here for students?
A Cost of living seems to be on the high side, accommodation is paid in pounds, fees in Euros.
Q Tell us what you would do when you got homesick?
A I always call my family and friends either on video call so I call to see them or I just place a call through to their number.
Q Would you like to see a yearly festival of food, music, art for students at the university?
A Yes, so the international students will enjoying their stay, learn different type of culture, food, music, and art.
Q What would you present to N. Cypriots to show your best gifts from home?
A Dashiki (A dashiki is a loose-fitting, pullover shirt usually sewn from colorful, African-inspired cotton prints or from solid colour fabrics, often with patch pockets and embroidery at the neckline and cuffs.)
Q Would you choose this island again for school or recommend to others from home?
A Yes I will.
Q What would you tell them to expect?
A If I know anyone that wants to study here I would advise the person to be ready for the best and be ready to bring out the best in him or herself if they want to excel. I would also say that the road is tough, we all know nothing good comes so easy but when you put in your best you will get all you want.
Q Who do you miss most and why?
A My Mother. I miss her because I am close to her.
