Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / NewStats: 3,195,037 members, 7,956,844 topics. Date: Monday, 23 September 2024 at 08:28 PM |
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Travel / Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America (81269 Views)
How To Make It As A Nigerian In America In 2014 / Ask Any Questions About China, Taiwan , Hongkong Etc / I Am A U.S. Consular Officer: Ask Me Your Visa Questions. (2) (3) (4)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) ... (34) (Reply) (Go Down)
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 8:52pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
ty osho: God bless you Na today? 1 Like |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 9:00pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
darocha1: @op as an immigrant coming into the US,what state would you advice the person to settle in for a start Most people start off going to where they have a relative or close friend that will house them for a while There are pluses and minuses for all the locations if you could take your pick,I will advice you to go to one of the southern cities and states like Atlanta Georgia,Raleigh North Carolina ,Dallas or Houston Texas etc The big advantage in those places is cost They are some of the cheapest places to live in the USA The big disadvantage in some like Houston and Dallas is lack of public transportation so your host will be saddled with driving you around. NY,Boston,DC area and atlanta have good public transport system for the most part and you can get around and also walk to areas but those places except atlanta have higher cost of living. A two bedroom apartment in an OK area of atlanta metro area could cost you $700 a month ,in Boston,the same apartment will be $2000. If you hate the snow,that is another reason to go to the south. If you had a green card and decided to migrate to the USA,I would advice you to go to a city in the south because of cost. Most Nigerians live in the south also. To give you an idea,we rented a condo in Cambridge Massachusetts and paid $1800-$2200 a month from mid 90's to 2002 We moved to the south and paid 600 less in mortgage for a 5 bedroom house. 10 Likes |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 9:36pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Husmern: @babyosisi, i'l b headin 2 U.S in d nxt few weeks as an imigrant visa holder wit jst ND in computa sc...wht advice can u giv me to further my study as an undagraduate in US? whc scul do u tink is best suite me as part time studnt? Jst 2 b able 2 b workin & sculin in order 2 b sponsorin mysef..or i'l nid 2 hustle 4 sm times to gt fund? i'l b headin 2 Vegas...Thanks Congratulations Coming in with an immigrant visa gives you an edge over many of us that came in with student or visitors visa. Las Vegas Oh lala Sin city. I guess that is where you have relatives The dream of going to school should be foremost in your plan I wish you told me your age too,married?,single? Let me tell you what I would tell my own brother in the same situation. First of all make sure you get an international driver license from Nigeria You can legally drive with it here for at least 6 months. Also get a sealed copy or two of your transcripts from the polytechnic you attended. 1. As soon as you Come in,you go and apply for a social security number The card takes a few weeks to arrive but about the next day after you apply you can go back to the SS office and they will give you the number which will be on that card. 2. Go to Bank of America or Wells Fargo and open a bank account and put the required minimum in it. I recommended those two because they have branches all over the USA. Why do you need a bank account soon? When eventually you go to get a drivers license,they ask for 2 proofs of address in your name and a bank statement is usually one since the bills in the house will bear your host's name. The letter from the social security office will be your second proof . 3.make a resume in the format used here in the USA 4. Go to the nearest community college and make inquiries about the course you want to study. The good thing here is that you can get loans and some grants because of your immigrant status.Community colleges are flexible ,most people there take classes and also work. You can take classes to upgrade to the associate degree there and then transfer to a 4 year college for the remaining two years. If you ask me to suggest a course of study,I will say Pharmacy Tech. It takes about 12 months and you can continue and work your way to a pharmacy school eventually. People have done it and so can you. Let me let out another thing I just learned recently and I know someone doing it so I am speaking fact here Another good field to get into for those who are more handy and not into bookuru is truck and tractor driving There are truck driving schools and some that have accommodation for the length of training,usually about 2 months. Truck drivers can make as much as $40 an hour Starting salary about $25/ hr And it is not just cross country driving,some drive locally,some in oil fields Not an easy job but you can make a good living doing it Lastly please lose that way of writing It will do you no good here Spell out your words properly and spell check your resume especially I wish you the best when you arrive the USA Stay focused and you will make it!! 27 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by xp17(m): 9:45pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
ozo_emeka: no one is "scaring" anyone. Grown men and women should not be "scared" by a thread they read. Which is why I provide REFERENCES. Research and disprove my claims if I lay any false fact.the truth is mostly unacceptable. frm my day 2 day observations; I have come to a reasonable conclusion that there re more homeless folks in the US than It's in Nigeria . In Nigeria, only lunatics roam homeless on the streets ,but in US sane folks re more on the streets homeless than the lunatics.no matter how jobless u re in Nigeria, a shelter is for sure, either frm friends or close relatives. Not applicable in highly rated US. On the contrary , only willingness can make u in the US, but in Nigeria even if u re willing, where re the jobs?. My buddy, if u lament like the book of lamentation 5 vs 4 while based in a God owned country, that mean the smell of Nigeria alone would kill u. On the last note, racism is not ur limitation over there, u seem to be low self esteemed. Rip in advance, 11 Likes |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 9:47pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
xp17: ma'am, its like u ain't got no clue of what immigrant means wen it comes to US immigration services. Go and check up the meaning of immigrant I didn't say immigrant status An immigrant is one who migrates to another country You understand clearly that in the context of that response the word immigrant refers to someone here with hopes of remaining here regardless of what is stamped on their passport. The person I responded to understood me Stop being silly and stop splitting hairs If the advise is not for you move on 5 Likes |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 9:51pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam when are you moving to Charlotte North Carolina? |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by xp17(m): 9:56pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi:ma'am, if u do understood privacy, u should have not quoted me. Nothing spoil. Frm u comments u said immigrants can't get loans and grants. Btw that includes both of family based and lottery winners. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 9:57pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi: Afam when are you moving to Charlotte North Carolina?I've not made up my mind about Charllote yet. It's just one of the places that i'm considering. I also have Houston, Dallas and Boston on my mind. I'm also considering the Lagos of America(New York). But by default, i'll settle in Baltimore because that's where my family is based. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:01pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam4eva: Better go to Baltimore then You have to start off where your support system is then move wherever you please Which is usually dictated by where you get a better job Don't get me started on NY The first time I went there,At night on Times Square I was like a kid again NY is beautiful but too expensive I like to visit ,wouldn't wanna live there 1 Like |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:02pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi:From what i've read and heard about the place, i'm not really a fan. Do you know that blacks account for over 60% in that city? I want a city with the right mix. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:07pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam4eva: I did my citizenship interview and swearing in as an American in Baltimore You couldn't pay me to live in that city It is a very unattractive place The worst downtown area I have seen so far in the USA and I have been to quite A few cities Very high crime city too I am sure your relatives will live in the suburban areas of Baltimore which will be better The only thing I liked about Baltimore was the harbor 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:12pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi:I have done some research and Baltimore is one of the last places i'll like to live. I'd rather live in Minnesota if not for the snow. Boston is also a great city with little crime rate and a higher standard of living but then the snow is a turn off. I like Houston too and parts of Texas because of the space. I noticed they have a lot of spaces and the rent is not as high as eastern cities. But at the end of the day, i may start from Baltimore and branch out much later. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:14pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi:Yeah, they live on the outskirts but i think the city should be as good. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:21pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam4eva: Wow. I never knew who were this serious about moving to America. If you eventually do go, which kind of job will you be doing ? Work in the IT sector ? |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:24pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
adaobi123:I intend starting my own IT firm but first, it won't be a bad idea to work for some company for some time. I'm leaving Nigeria to put mind and sould together and then return much later. If i remain in Nigeria, i might join Ogboni. My head wan scatter for here. 6 Likes |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:28pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam, come join me in San Diego county; or Ogugua in Sacramento |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:28pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
ozo_emeka: Listen to the trash you are offering. He should marry someone for a green card? Somebody deleted my prompt response to this trash and I wonder what that person's motive was Anyone interested can read my exact post on the first page I never advocate sham marriages and never promoted here So this person's attempt to misrepresent my stand falls flat on it's face I repeat A visitor to America can find a single lady,fall in love,marry them and get their papers legally It happens everyday There are many single ladies looking for husbands A win win situation IMHO And it is perfectly allowed by law 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:30pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
CFCfan: Afam, come join me in San Diego county; or Ogugua in Sacramento How far apart are the two counties ? |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:31pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
CFCfan: Afam, come join me in San Diego county; or Ogugua in SacramentoFor some reason, Nigerians based abroad don't talk about places in California much for whatever reason. Initially Los Angeles was on my radar but i went to Skyscrapercity and some people especially from the east coast were bad mouthing the place. The place i'm really impressed with in Cali and that's rated very highly is San Francisco. People always have nice things to say about the place. Btw, how big is the Nigerian community where you live. Is there really a Nigerian community? |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:32pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Btw, is San Diego not the place that shares border with Mexico? |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by xp17(m): 10:36pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Afam4eva: Btw, is San Diego not the place that shares border with Mexico?el Paso, in Texas. @cfc fan, u near Mexico?, if so inbox me burritos. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 10:38pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
xp17: el Paso, in Texas.I know El paso shares a border with Mexico but there's a city in california that shares a border with them too. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by kunlebal(m): 10:46pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
babyosisi:Have been admitted already, going for F1 visa interview very soon. My question is securing a job afterwards in the state. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 10:56pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
CFCfan: Afam, come join me in San Diego county; or Ogugua in Sacramento Why are you giving our brother bad advice? He touch your sister? Lol. Afam4eva: For some reason, Nigerians based abroad don't talk about places in California much for whatever reason. Initially Los Angeles was on my radar but i went to Skyscrapercity and some people especially from the east coast were bad mouthing the place. The place i'm really impressed with in Cali and that's rated very highly is San Francisco. People always have nice things to say about the place. Btw, how big is the Nigerian community where you live. Is there really a Nigerian community? There are Nigerians in California, but as you can see, we're a very large (long) state. Los Angeles is 6-8 hours away from both San Francisco and Sacramento. If you're coming from San Diego, add another 2-3 hours. The east badmouth us and we badmouth them. Baltimore is crap (but your family must be doing okay for them to still live there lol). I hate Texas (suya shops at every corner and a lot of them there are WAY too chummy with rogue politicians and businessmen in Nigeria; I don't trust them). The Nigerians I've met in Georgia aren't bad at all, same goes for New York, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. Different locations attract different people at the end of the day. I don't care too much for Los Angeles myself, yet I would choose Los Angeles over the central/east any day. San Francisco is divine. I'm there almost on a monthly basis. It's only good for visiting though, unless you have (a lot of) money. A small studio (one room) apartment is at least $1800/month. If you want an apartment with a proper bedroom and such, at least $2500/month on average. They have amazing public transportation like the east coast, but in terms of finances, you're much better off in the east. California and New York are two states I rule out for anyone coming, most especially if they don't have anywhere to stay. Hypothetically, if you were to stay with me (Ada no vex) or in my town, you wouldn't be able to survive without a car. I've only been to San Diego once (2008), so CFCbobo could tell you more. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 11:05pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
Issokay ogugua. I trust you. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Afam4eva(m): 11:08pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
ogugua88:This is really incisive. Thanks. At the end of the day it's difficult for a new comer to survive without having someone to squat with for some time. I would have really fancied SF or NYC(as per big city things) if not for the cost. But somehow i'll end up in these expensive cities. I no go go Wyoming or North Dakota because i wan live for America. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Nobody: 11:21pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
adaobi123: Issokay ogugua. I trust you. Lol. Afam4eva: This is really incisive. Thanks. At the end of the day it's difficult for a new comer to survive without having someone to squat with for some time. I would have really fancied SF or NYC(as per big city things) if not for the cost. But somehow i'll end up in these expensive cities. I no go go Wyoming or North Dakota because i wan live for America. You're welcome. If squatting wasn't an issue, I'd recommend Arizona, Colorado, Utah. You may not get the glamour or dropping jaws when you tell folks where you live (or maybe you will cos all na Amelika), but at the end of the day, that's not why you're coming here. They're cheap, have diverse big cities in (Phoenix, Denver and Aspen, and Salt Lake City), and much better than Wyoming or ND lol. As far as I'm concerned, NY and CA are the best the USA has to offer, as long as ego di. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by texanomaly(f): 11:47pm On Oct 06, 2013 |
ozo_emeka: Reading is fundamental, if you could read you would see the PLETHORA of facts. Not this magic wonderland you are spewing on this thread.People like you, who go on and on about past racism, are why we may never get past it. You spew your racial hate. Yes I said it. You are the racist here. I have never owned a slave. No one has for over two hundred years in the Unites States. I'm sick and tired of people like you who try to spread hate and keep the hate legacy alive. I have never, I repeat, never discriminated against anyone because of their race, creed, color or religion. All Americans are not racist. If you want to fight racism, start with yourself. Don't try to bring the rest of us down to your level. 6 Likes |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by texanomaly(f): 12:06am On Oct 07, 2013 |
Afam4eva:Come to Lubbock, TX. Lubbock Independent School District is looking for IT personnel. They got a federal grant to upgrade all technology in the entire school district. Lots of technology, no one that knows what to do with it. It is also a great city for starting a business. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by fckyourman: 12:07am On Oct 07, 2013 |
Why are American unis more expensive than uk. Imagine 34kusd to 50kusd per year for Uni in the us, how do you survive while uk is around 7,000£ to 13,000£. Do they give you scholarship for international student or anyone is granted financial aids. |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by Originalsly: 12:46am On Oct 07, 2013 |
babyosisi:Hey!...he would get the right mix in NY! Besides being expensive....everything else would be at his fingertips. No need for car....public transportation available 24/7...meet uour people..find your foods...your place of worship..the city never sleeps. If from Lagos you will feel at home. But...if you want peace and quiet...well ehmm..it is very peaceful for a large city...but if you want quiet, and you like to take things easy...laid back...walk slow...exchange courtesies....hello how are you today and the family and bla bla bla.....and kinda nosey....scratch New York City off your list! 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Ask Me Any Questions About America,straight Talk from a Nigerian in America by strangest(m): 1:20am On Oct 07, 2013 |
Am hoping to move soon with my fiancee to America and still needs some advice. She is an American citizen though she's been in Nigeria for the past 30 years without a SSN. Passport has also been renewed. As a citizen, how easy will it be for her to get a loan,grant or scholarship to study nursing (or a two year course that will lead to a nursing degree). Also advise if OHIO will be convinient for her, thank you 1 Like |
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) ... (34) (Reply)
Onitsha Lockdown Relaxation: What Upper Iweka Looks Like- Pictures / The Isolated Marquesas Islands In The South Pacific (Pictures) / 2 Corpers Die In Road Accident Along Ajeokuta-Lokoja Expressway (Disturbing Pix)
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 87 |