Everyone Talks About Visas and Jackets. No One Talks About This Part.

So, while you’re planning your exit, here are five handy, hustle-ready survival skills that will help you settle, save money, and even earn some. Relocating abroad is probably one of the biggest Plan Bs for many Nigerian youth.

Life overseas demands independence, street smarts, and practical hands-on skills; they can also become side hustles or even full-time income streams.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories 1. Driving (and basic car maintenance)

One of the first cultural shocks most experience is how much it costs to move around. Relocating abroad means rethinking mobility. Public transport is great, but not always convenient, especially if you live in the suburbs or work late hours. Learning how to drive gives you freedom, flexibility, and job opportunities.

Whether it’s food delivery, ride-share apps like Uber or Bolt, or warehouse driving gigs, having a driving license can easily open up multiple income streams abroad.

Register for a comprehensive and professional driving experience at A1 Driving School. But don’t stop at steering wheels; learn basic car maintenance too. Know how to:

• Check oil and coolant levels

• Change a flat tyre

• Jump-start a car

• Recognise dashboard warning lights

Many countries mandate both a practical and theoretical driving test before granting a driver’s license. This applies to places like the UK, Canada, Australia, several European nations, the United States (especially states in the Northeast and California), as well as Egypt, Switzerland, Mexico, and Uganda.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories 2. Basic Home Repairs (Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical Fixes)

DIY culture is serious abroad. You’ll rarely see neighbours calling an electrician for every fuse that trips or a carpenter to hang a curtain rod. People fix their own homes. Why? Because labour is expensive.

Fixing that broken drawer, leaking tap, or sparking socket yourself could save you hundreds of dollars.

Here are some small but mighty skills you should pick up:

• How to use a power drill and screwdriver

• Fixing leaky taps and changing washers

• Unclogging sinks and toilets

• Replacing broken tiles or patching up drywall

• Fixing or assembling furniture

Even better, if you get good at it, you could make decent money doing small home fixes for others in your community.

Pro Tip: Start watching DIY YouTube channels like Home Repair Tutor, DIY Creators, or Ultimate Handyman now.

Read Also; Build Your CV & Start Earning By Learning Any of These 9 Skills This Holiday

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories 3. Hairdressing & Grooming (Braids, Wigs, Haircuts)

Hairdressing and grooming are super lucrative abroad, especially for Black people. Afro hair salons aren’t always nearby, and when you find them, the prices will send you straight to your prayer closet.

Imagine earning £100–£150 per client for braiding, loc retwists, or wig installations, and doing 3 clients a weekend. That’s clean side cash.

If you can:

• Braid (knotless, box, twists)

• Make and install wigs

• Cut and shape beards/hairlines

• Handle natural hair care

…then you’ve got a golden goose on your hands.

Don’t forget to learn basic hygiene, scalp care, and styling techniques. Abroad, clients value professionalism, neatness, and sanitation, not just talent. Lush Hair Professional School is committed to nurturing world-class hairstyles through hands-on training, modern techniques, and expert mentorship.

Pro Tip: Practice on friends and offer discounted services to build your portfolio before your trip.

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories 4. Catering

Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School is a culinary institution that is known for innovation, creativity, and mastery in the kitchen. Learn from top chefs, explore diverse cuisines, and master the art of cooking. 

When you leave, you’ll miss your favourite Nigerian delicacies. A plate of nkwobi or ogbono soup becomes a premium commodity. The good news? If you can cook well, people will pay for your skills.

Start with:

• Nigerian staples (soups, stews, rice dishes)

• Pastries (meat pies, puff puff, chin chin)

• Healthy/vegan options (abroad loves “plant-based”)

Home-cooked meals are a source of comfort for many immigrants, and an opportunity to run a thriving “kitchen side hustle.” Don’t want to go full-on caterer? Even selling a few dishes every weekend or offering meal preps can stack your savings.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your food, build a small food page on Instagram, and learn basic food safety practices.

Read Also: These Are 6 Cheap Platforms Nigerians Use to Upskill

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories 5. Sewing & Alteration Skills

Even just basic repair skills, like fixing zippers, hemming trousers, or taking in a dress, can earn you cash. Register at Kiki Fashion School and learn tailoring, cutting, sewing & other fashion designing skills.

Sewing and tailoring a hidden gem skills that can save you money and also make you money.With sewing skills, you can:

• Adjust clothes for the cold (add linings, resize jackets)

• Help fellow immigrants with fittings

• Start a mini fashion business

Pro Tip: Invest in a portable sewing machine and practice regularly. People love skilled but affordable alteration services.

It’s easy to get caught up in the euphoria of visa approvals and relocation plans. But once you land, reality sets in. So while you’re getting your passport ready and hustling for flight deals, ask yourself: what can my hands do that can keep me afloat when push comes to shove?

These five skills can help you save money, build community, and create income opportunities even when things get tough. You don’t have to master all of them. Just pick one, take a course, practice often, and build confidence now.

Because when the heater breaks or you need extra cash for rent, you’ll be glad you packed more than just vibes.