"They threw me out like a dirty dog." How a BSUIR student from Cameroon fell in love with Belarus but couldn't finish his studies
How a Cameroonian managed to get into BSUIR, how Minsk and Belarus remained in his memory, and why he never managed to get a diploma, writes Devby.io.
Jean lives in Douala, the largest city and economic capital of Cameroon. He currently works as a supervisor in the supply department of a small Cameroonian company related to the oil and gas industry. But in 2017, he had completely different plans: he wanted to become an IT specialist and enrolled in the main IT university of distant Belarus.
"Oh, Minsk! I adored it!"
— In 2017, I was already studying for a master's degree at the Higher Technical School at the University of Douala. I decided to continue my education in one of the European countries and paid attention to BSUIR. I knew it was one of the best universities in Belarus. And about Belarus itself, I then knew that it was a small, quiet country with hardworking residents.
I applied to study the "IT Project Management" specialty, and since I was already pursuing a master's degree, I was accepted. However, to submit documents for a visa, I had to travel to neighboring Nigeria [in this country, unlike Cameroon, there is a Belarusian embassy]. After several days in Nigeria, I received a visa. I don't know about now, but at that time, a Cameroonian with a Belarusian student visa was a great rarity.
Jean was probably one of BSUIR's first Cameroonian students. A publication in the university newspaper "Impuls" from 2017 mentions that "citizens from 45 countries study at the university, and the geography is constantly expanding. This year, representatives from Chad and Cameroon begin their studies. Negotiations are underway regarding the education of Saudi Arabian citizens."
After returning to Cameroon, I packed my bags and embarked on a five-day journey to Belarus.
Upon my first arrival in Minsk, I was captivated by the charm of this city. Before that, I had never been to a European country, let alone such a beautiful, lovely city, clean and peaceful. I felt like I was in another world and thought: "This is exactly the country where I want to stay to live and develop."
Oh, Minsk! I adored it. I fell in love with this wonderful city. I liked its supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes; I liked the food and drinks (especially since the food wasn't particularly expensive). I clearly remember the Niamiha district — so lively, with its restaurants and the river nearby. It was full of smiling, cheerful young people, and I felt very free there.
Very quickly, I got acquainted with various districts of Minsk, where I came to relax and walk around. I felt very comfortable. It was especially cozy for me in libraries.
"I never felt xenophobia in Belarus"
— In Cameroon, there are two official languages, English and French, and I know both. The studies at BSUIR were conducted in Russian, but that wasn't a problem either. I understood that I had to study diligently, and I immediately set about learning the new language. I remember that already on the third day of my studies, I took my first small test in Russian, completed it quickly and without mistakes, which made me very happy. In Minsk, I visited at least three libraries, and I had no problems with that.
My stay in Minsk was not particularly long, less than a year (why that happened, I will tell you a bit later). But I still remember that communication with most Belarusians I met was pleasant. I was always well-received. Many asked how I learned Russian so quickly; some suspected that I started learning it back in Cameroon — but that's not true, I acquired all my knowledge already in Belarus. I wanted to learn it — and partly for that reason, I wasn't shy about meeting people. I attended conferences, forums, and events in libraries where I made useful acquaintances.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Among the quite close acquaintances I made during that time, I can recall a student named Natalia. Our relationship was purely professional, but she taught me a lot. Thanks to her, I understood that Belarusians are very kind people. Often they might seem cautious and conservative, but if you have a good command of the Russian language, they become open.
I never experienced xenophobia in Belarus; I was never insulted. In your country, I felt safe and comfortable — except for the day when the immigration service, I believe, made a mistake concerning me.
Fatal Friday
— I don't remember any particular difficulties with adaptation. I had no problems with people or with perceiving local food. I quickly settled in Belarus; I had nothing to fear there: the country turned out to be clean, peaceful, and well-organized. And all the necessary documents I had were in order. So I studied for almost a year.
But one day… On that fatal Friday in March 2018, I was in class for language lessons. My teacher, Mrs. Iryna, approached me and said that the administration wanted to see me. I went there to find out what had happened — and to my great surprise, I was told that I had to return home to Cameroon.
The sky suddenly darkened. I understood nothing: as it turned out, the immigration service simply canceled my visa without any explanation. I thought I was missing some important details and even invited a friend who spoke Russian more fluently. But even with him, the situation didn't become clear.
I had committed no offenses, was clean before the law, followed all rules, paid my rent on time, fully paid for my tuition (over $2000), purchased the necessary insurance, and was healthy. I also studied well, people around me liked me, and I had no problems with anyone in Minsk. Nevertheless, my visa was simply canceled, without any explanation of the reasons. I was given no explanations, shown no documents, no proof of any possible wrongdoing on my part.
After this, I called my family to inform them of the bad news. My relatives were shocked. My life was turned upside down. Buying plane tickets, paying tuition, and living expenses "ate up" most of our savings. In Belarus, I was completely alone, and I had no one to turn to for help.
The country I loved and wanted to stay in threw me out like a dirty dog. It was especially hurtful because it was Belarus — a country about which I had told my family only good things. I had so many plans associated with it… I wanted to be a connecting link between Belarus and other Cameroonian students, but my dreams crumbled.
The immigration authorities gave me no time. The university also couldn't do anything; in fact, it abandoned me. I had to return to Cameroon and start all over again. It was very difficult. At that very time, my father passed away, and there was no one left to help me.
Today, I don't regret anything: since it happened that way, it was God's will. But if I had the opportunity to visit Minsk and live there, I would do it again. Because I know: Belarus is a good, wonderful country with many opportunities. Opportunities I would like to have and use.
"I still miss Minsk"
After leaving Belarus, my contacts with your country were cut off. In my phone's address book, I had the numbers of my teacher, Mrs. Iryna, and some students. But I lost that phone.
Douala, photo Wikimedia Commons
I probably still dream of returning to Belarus and finishing my studies at BSUIR. I would like to become an ambassador for this university and promote it in Africa. That is why I offer Russian language lessons to young Cameroonians here in Cameroon. And I urge youth from West, East, and Central Africa to study in Belarus and Russia. For this, they even call me "Russian" in Cameroon.
I would add that in Belarus, I like the opportunities for education. Your country is well-developed in the field of information technologies, has a developed automotive industry and research centers, and the residents of Belarus are hardworking and attentive to details. I would have liked to succeed in Belarus. Unfortunately, I still miss Minsk.