The countdown is almost complete: only two more days until I am off to sunny Nigeria to begin my internship with WOCON. I’m ready, I’m excited and I just can’t wait to get out of here. I have just recently started my graduate studies in economic development and international migration so I truly look forward to experiencing first hand some of the concepts I have only learned in the classroom.

However, in the mist of all this excitement, I can’t help but feel a bit of pre-departure jitters. After all, the Nigerian professional scene is still uncharted territory for me. I have lived in Nigeria for five years but I have never actually worked with Nigerians in a formal office setting. I anticipate that making the transition from a more casual Western/American work atmosphere will sometimes be tricky.

For instance, I know that deference and respect are crucial elements of the Nigerian inter-generational dynamic. This is something that I will have to keep in mind, being a young person working with older and more experienced women. Fortunately, I have already met with Bisi and some of my other future coworkers. They were all perfectly lovely and I am sure that we will get along just fine.

Only two more days! I already have my sunglasses and mosquito repellent all packed in my bag. So goodbye America…I’ll be back in September. In the mean time, please tune in next week to read up on the start of my new adventures.