When Onyinye introduced herself as a marine engineer in the Nigerian Military, I knew we were in for an exciting conversation. But beyond her profession, it was her clarity, drive, and willingness to chase a future that aligned with her goals that made her story unforgettable.
We sat down to talk about her upcoming move to Hungary, her decision to study mechatronics in Hungary, and how Purplebook helped her every step of the way.
Hi Onyinye. Tell me a bit about yourself and what sparked your interest in moving to Hungary.
Hi! I’m Onyinye, a marine engineer currently serving in the Nigerian Military. I’ve been interested in mechatronics for a while, especially because of how it can help in the Military, such as, supporting divers, maintaining boats and energy systems, and monitoring equipment without always needing to be in the control room. That’s the kind of solution I was looking for.
Honestly, I didn’t even bother checking if any Nigerian universities offered the course. My mind was already set on studying abroad. At first, I was leaning towards Germany. But then Tammy introduced me to Hungary and the schools there, and everything just clicked.
The school I eventually chose has a 60% practical and 40% theoretical approach, which fits my learning style perfectly. Studying abroad also means I’ll get to collaborate with other engineers, gain hands-on experience, and explore perspectives I might never get back home.
Before we go into the next question; your job is honestly so cool and I’m rooting for you! Now, tell me, how did Purplebook come into the picture?
Thank you so much! I actually found out about Purplebook through my friend Prisca. She recommended them to me. Her testimonial is even on their website and I really trusted her judgment. That trust made it easy for me to take the leap.
Before Purplebook, I had worked with another educational consultant and the experience was… not great. Communication was poor, and I always had to follow up for updates. It felt like I was navigating blindly. But with Purplebook, everything was different. The process was organized, transparent, and I always knew what to expect and when.
Tammy especially went the extra mile. She made sure I had multiple school options, and if she wasn’t going to be available, she told me ahead of time. If anything urgent came up, she responded immediately. I really appreciated that.
Was there any part of the process that stood out, maybe something that went smoother than expected or a challenge Purplebook helped you through?
Yes, definitely. At one point, I was supposed to go through VFS for school verification for an Austrian university, but the appointment kept getting pushed back. It was getting stressful. Time was running out.
Tammy stepped in right away. She found two other schools in Hungary that matched what I was looking for and helped me apply quickly. That kind of quick thinking and support really made a difference.
My brother is currently in the process with Purplebook as well, and Tammy’s been just as helpful with him. The entire experience has been so smooth.
That’s incredible. Did you ever have any doubts that it would all work out?
Honestly, no. From the very beginning, everything felt solid. The referral from my friend, the clarity of Purplebook’s website, and how professional everything seemed. I just had a good feeling about everything.
Maybe the only thing that gave me pause was the cost. It felt like a lot at first, but in the end, the stress I was spared made it totally worth it.
That’s wonderful to hear. How are you feeling now that the move is getting closer? Excited? Nervous? A bit of both?
Definitely a bit of both! I’m really excited, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Especially with the visa approval still pending. But I’m hopeful for a positive response.
I hope it works out perfectly, too. So, what are you most looking forward to once you arrive in Hungary?
So many things, to be honest. I’ve already planned to get involved in school activities, and I also want to improve my swimming, which is part of my Military training. I’m excited to take more photos, dance, and travel to other European cities. Hungary is so beautiful, and I can’t wait to capture the scenery.
That sounds amazing. What would you tell someone who’s thinking about relocating but is scared to take the leap?
My advice to anyone considering relocation is to start the process as soon as possible. Even though I have a stable job, I know how hard it is to find good opportunities in Nigeria. Yes, it’s not easy. But good jobs are hard to find in Nigeria. Things are expensive, and safety isn’t what it used to be.
I’ll definitely keep that in mind too, haha. Is there anything you wish people knew before starting the process?
Yes. A lot of people wait too long, hoping they’ll get a scholarship. And while that’s great, there are schools out there with affordable tuition. If you can sort out your proof of funds, don’t wait. Start your process immediately.
And also, have a clear plan. Ask yourself: Do I just want to study? Do I want to settle? What’s the economy like in the country I’m going to? Is it easy to move from there to somewhere else later? These are important questions to consider before you start.
Such solid advice. How did your family and friends react when you told them you were relocating?
My friends and siblings have been super supportive. As for my parent, I haven’t told them yet. I want it to be a surprise.
That’s so lovely! I’m genuinely so excited for you. Finally, would you recommend Purplebook to others?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a team that will take their time, be transparent with you, and help you find options that align with your goals, then Purplebook is the answer. I just want to say a big thank you to the team. I had an amazing experience.
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