From Nigeria to Germany: An Irregular Migration Story - The Dangerous Journey Through the Balkans

In this powerful episode, Mike from IHG interviews Chika, a Nigerian plumber who shares his harrowing irregular migration journey from Nigeria to Germany through the Balkan route. This raw, unfiltered account reveals the extreme dangers of irregular migration and serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to human determination.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains detailed accounts of dangerous border crossings, life-threatening situations, and the harsh realities of irregular migration.

What You'll Learn:

• The stark reality of irregular migration through the Balkans
• 27-hour non-stop walking through dangerous wilderness
• Border crossing experiences and asylum-seeking process
• The role of "crossers" in human smuggling operations
• Why legal migration pathways are always safer
• Life-threatening challenges faced by irregular migrants

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Opening: Taxi driver's warning in Macedonia
• 00:38 - Introduction and content warning
• 01:09 - Meet Chika: Nigerian plumber's background
• 01:36 - Comparing plumbing work: Nigeria vs Germany
• 02:07 - Setlinn.com sponsor message on safe migration
• 02:41 - Why Chika left Nigeria for Europe
• 03:27 - Arrival in Macedonia: First shock
• 04:23 - Searching for other Africans in Macedonia
• 05:05 - Meeting the Cameroonian "connector"
• 06:55 - The €250 deal for transport to Germany
• 08:22 - First border attempt: Serbia rejection
• 09:17 - Abandoned in the wilderness
• 10:26 - Phone dies, navigation becomes impossible
• 11:13 - Following instincts through dangerous terrain
• 12:05 - Discovering human remains in the forest
• 12:16 - The 27-hour non-stop walk to Serbia
• 13:41 - Extreme cold and sleeping rough
• 14:23 - Reaching Serbia: Not the end goal
• 15:11 - Bosnia to Croatia: The most dangerous crossing
• 16:10 - Meeting the Turkish "crossers"
• 16:54 - Pregnant woman on the dangerous journey
• 17:39 - Group dynamics: 20+ people crossing together
• 18:21 - Border police encounters and asylum requests
• 19:34 - Advice against irregular migration
• 21:03 - Final thoughts on determination vs. risk
• 22:36 - Closing and promise of continuation

Key Locations Mentioned:

• Nigeria (origin country)
• Macedonia (first European destination)
• Serbia (border crossing point)
• Bosnia (transit country)
• Croatia (Schengen entry point)
• Germany (final destination)

Resources for Safe Migration:

• Setlinn.com - Safe migration information platform
• Legal visa application processes
• Professional migration consultancy services

Connect with Immigrant Hub Germany:

• Subscribe for more real migration stories
• Access safe migration resources and guidance
• Join our community for legal pathway information

This is Part 1 of Chika's story. The continuation will cover his experiences after reaching Germany, integration challenges, and his current life.

Study in Germany from Tanzania: Visa Process, Culture Shock & Real Student Experience

Join host Mike from Immigrant Hub Germany as he interviews Abroln Lupala, a Tanzanian student who recently moved to Germany for university studies. Discover the real experience of studying in Germany, from visa applications to cultural adjustments, accommodation hunting, and settling into German life.

What You'll Learn:

• Complete visa application process from Tanzania to Germany (3-week timeline)
• Why public universities are better than private ones for African students
• Real accommodation hunting strategies and WhatsApp groups
• Culture shock moments and language barriers in Germany
• Cost comparison: blocked account vs. tuition fees
• Integration tips for East African students in Germany

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction and visa restrictions explained
• 01:12 - Meet Abram Lupala from Tanzania
• 01:28 - Biggest culture shock: Germans don't speak English
• 02:20 - Expectations vs. reality about Germany
• 03:36 - Tanzanian perceptions of moving to Germany
• 04:52 - Why Germany isn't as hard to reach as people think
• 06:31 - Abram's journey from high school to German university
• 07:37 - Setlinn.com sponsor message
• 08:22 - Visa application timeline: 3 weeks from Tanzania
• 09:32 - Airport experience and document checks
• 10:47 - First days in Germany: hotel stays and kindness of locals
• 11:32 - Accommodation hunting strategies and websites
• 13:41 - Why switch from private to public university
• 16:27 - Accommodation finding through WhatsApp groups
• 18:25 - Settling in: weather, food, and people after 4 weeks
• 20:25 - Need for more Tanzanian students in Germany
• 21:40 - Message in Swahili encouraging East Africans
• 23:27 - Long-term planning and language learning importance
• 25:17 - Goethe University Tanzania recommendation
• 25:35 - Final thoughts and encouragement

Key Resources Mentioned:

• Setlinn.com - Digital migration companion
• Japa.Travels - Study abroad agency

Perfect for: Prospective students from Tanzania and East Africa, anyone considering German universities, immigration to Germany, student visa applications, and the African diaspora in Europe.

Connect with Immigrant Hub Germany:

• Subscribe for more real immigration stories
• Join our community for study abroad guidance
• Get personalized support for your Germany journey

This episode features honest insights about studying in Germany, debunking common myths about racism, language barriers, and visa difficulties. Abram's experience shows that with proper preparation and the right guidance, moving from Tanzania to Germany for education is more achievable than many believe.

Tags: Germany immigration, Tanzania to Germany, student visa Germany, African students Europe, study abroad Germany, German universities, immigration stories, visa application process, cultural integration, East Africa diaspora

In this insightful live session recording, we talked about 5 legal and realistic ways Africans can move abroad, without risking their lives through deserts, dangerous seas, or smugglers.

We break down key migration paths:

• • ✅ Academic (scholarships, studies, research)
  • ✅ Professional (skilled work, health care, IT, etc.)
  • ✅ Business (startup, entrepreneurship visas)
  • ✅ Vocational (training, like Ausbildung in Germany)
  • ✅ Tourism & Others (short-stay, medical, asylum, etc.)

Many people don’t know they qualify for at least one of these, that is why they go through illegal means.

We also expose the heartbreaking truth about illegal migration routes, and why knowing your options could save your life and set you up for long-term success in Europe. Don’t move in fear. Move in truth.

Stay connected with our community at setlinn.com to access updated opportunities, application tips, and migration advice.

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Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode and on the Immigrant Hub Germany YouTube channel is only from personal experiences and may not apply to you. Immigrant Hub Germany and the legal representatives are not in any way authorized consultants for any of the subjects discussed in the episodes. Hence, they are not liable for loss associated with the use of information shared in the episode and on this channel.

Please note that you have to research and find out the precise, relevant, and accurate information for yourself and to apply it accordingly.