Coffee Cup Conversations
Posted: Tue 29 Dec 2015 5:40 am
I have often written about the many interesting foreign students who have chosen North
Cyprus as the location to further their education. They come from far and wide, but the ones I have
met are mainly of African origin. Whilst studying at a local university here, away from family and
friends, many occupy themselves with a variety of activities that help them develop as individuals. I
have spoken with Internet bloggers, musicians, designers and most recently, authors.
I am always in awe of how respectful and polite these youngsters are. Manners is
something that is viewed by many as 'old-school' nowadays; yet it's refreshing to see young men
and women showing respect to others. Sean Emmanual Notu is currently in the final year of his
International Relations degree at Cyprus International University. Chipo Faith-Grace Biti is also in
the final year of her course, but she is studying Computer Engineering at Eastern Mediterranean
University. Both are originally from Zimbabwe and are happy to be living in North Cyprus.
Sean reveals to me that he has conducted research into how some people are successful,
whilst others aren't. He has travelled as far as China to conduct interviews and collect information
with many people who are at the top of their careers. With all the material he has gathered he has
been able to put pen to paper and he is in the process of publishing a book, hopefully in February
2016. It will be a sort of guide, a reference book to becoming the best you can be. Sean has given
a few public talks and sees himself as a life coach in the making: a profession that is becoming
increasingly popular back in his homeland.
Chipo has also written a book, but hers is more fiction than fact. Combining her passion for
literature with her technical knowledge of the computer and World Wide Web, Chipo has
completed a novel that is set in North Cyprus and tells the story of African students at university.
Her book 'Orchestrated' tackles many issues, including friendship, death, sexuality and even AIDS.
Heavy subjects for one so young, yet she is wise beyond her years. Chipo's book is only available
online, and she can print copies for anyone who wants to read her work.
Both Sean and Chipo are grateful to be studying in the TRNC, believing that our small
island has helped them to write their books. Incredibly Chipo turned down going to study in
America and the U.K. in favour of coming to North Cyprus as she felt she wasn't ready to travel to
such distant countries. Happy now in our country, she has turned her artistic and literary dreams
into reality. Any free time she has she spends it writing. She has a couple of blogs, but her novel is
something more substantial. Sean also admits that he was inspired to write due to living in such a
relaxed and slow paced country. Had they both been studying in other parts of the world they may
not have had the time, opportunity or inclination to sit at a desk and write.
My chat with Sean and Chipo left me thinking about the strong African community
developing here in North Cyprus. The students I have met are proud, hardworking and very
sincere. To see the world through their eyes is both a privilege and a pleasure.
Cyprus as the location to further their education. They come from far and wide, but the ones I have
met are mainly of African origin. Whilst studying at a local university here, away from family and
friends, many occupy themselves with a variety of activities that help them develop as individuals. I
have spoken with Internet bloggers, musicians, designers and most recently, authors.
I am always in awe of how respectful and polite these youngsters are. Manners is
something that is viewed by many as 'old-school' nowadays; yet it's refreshing to see young men
and women showing respect to others. Sean Emmanual Notu is currently in the final year of his
International Relations degree at Cyprus International University. Chipo Faith-Grace Biti is also in
the final year of her course, but she is studying Computer Engineering at Eastern Mediterranean
University. Both are originally from Zimbabwe and are happy to be living in North Cyprus.
Sean reveals to me that he has conducted research into how some people are successful,
whilst others aren't. He has travelled as far as China to conduct interviews and collect information
with many people who are at the top of their careers. With all the material he has gathered he has
been able to put pen to paper and he is in the process of publishing a book, hopefully in February
2016. It will be a sort of guide, a reference book to becoming the best you can be. Sean has given
a few public talks and sees himself as a life coach in the making: a profession that is becoming
increasingly popular back in his homeland.
Chipo has also written a book, but hers is more fiction than fact. Combining her passion for
literature with her technical knowledge of the computer and World Wide Web, Chipo has
completed a novel that is set in North Cyprus and tells the story of African students at university.
Her book 'Orchestrated' tackles many issues, including friendship, death, sexuality and even AIDS.
Heavy subjects for one so young, yet she is wise beyond her years. Chipo's book is only available
online, and she can print copies for anyone who wants to read her work.
Both Sean and Chipo are grateful to be studying in the TRNC, believing that our small
island has helped them to write their books. Incredibly Chipo turned down going to study in
America and the U.K. in favour of coming to North Cyprus as she felt she wasn't ready to travel to
such distant countries. Happy now in our country, she has turned her artistic and literary dreams
into reality. Any free time she has she spends it writing. She has a couple of blogs, but her novel is
something more substantial. Sean also admits that he was inspired to write due to living in such a
relaxed and slow paced country. Had they both been studying in other parts of the world they may
not have had the time, opportunity or inclination to sit at a desk and write.
My chat with Sean and Chipo left me thinking about the strong African community
developing here in North Cyprus. The students I have met are proud, hardworking and very
sincere. To see the world through their eyes is both a privilege and a pleasure.