Medlabgirl:
Justwise thank you for this excellent and informative post. I cannot help but comment on it.

For all those who are asking people to avoid homestays, I have to tell you that you are wrong!!! What you should say instead is choose your homestay very carefully. Yes we see a lot of African students get placed with Caucasian and even Chinese and East Indian families, and it’s quite a horrid experience for them. I am not saying that the families are bad, no, they are different from what we as Nigerians know. For example, a chicken salad (no not with all the orishirishi of a Naija salad, just a few bits of chicken in a lot of lettuce, with or without some dressing on it) is considered a perfectly normal lunch, whereas, you might be expecting Eba and Okra soup. Soup and sandwich, yes, a bowl of thin watery soup, (think meat stock in Naija) plus a sandwich (one half of two pcs of bread, with a slice of ham, and some lettuce for e.g.) is also considered a perfectly normal dinner, while you fresh from naija, are thinking Rice n Stew. Perspective is everything.

I have a very good friend who has in the last year or so started a settlement program for new families in British Columbia. She has now added a homestay component, and I will be joining her in this venture.

A homestay is crucial for a newcomer to Canada. When I first got here all those years ago, (I came as a landed immigrant, not as a student) even though I arrived Canada with over $12,000USD, I stayed with a Pastor and his family for four months, until I got my bearings.

The homestay we are offering costs only $650 a month. This includes a stay with a Nigerian family, offering Nigerian home cooked meals.  You also have your own room, Internet access 24hrs a day, access to a land line, which once you start to buy phone cards will make perfect sense to you, laundry and cable TV. Most homestays have a computer available for the student as well, as well as TV's in their rooms.

I challenge anybody to try to find anything as affordable as this.

Compared to shared accommodations for e.g., first of all, let’s say you are very lucky and find a good roomie to share with, trust me this is not as easy as people think, your rent for your one room is say $350. You still have to buy a bed, blankets, pillows, a dresser, you need to buy kitchen utensils to cook, you need a microwave, you will also need a desk and a chair to study on, you will need a computer if you don’t already have one, you may also need a printer for all those assignments you will have to hand in, if your instructor doesn’t accept Emailed ones. You will need to buy a television as well.
You will of course also need to pay your bills monthly. Cable TV is at least $50 a month; internet is at least $40 a month. You will need to do your laundry at a Laundromat for about $20-30 a month, as most suites do not offer laundry. Then you will need to buy food and spend time to cook and store it. If you share a suite, most times you will also be fighting with a roomie about things like 'Did you eat my food in the fridge?" or How come you used all my toothpaste? If you get an apartment, instead of a basement suite, then plan to pay at least $450 a month for rent, plus all the other expenses listed above. You will also need to pay for your hydro bills, about $50 a month if you're good, and also gas bills, again about another $50 a month, so you are already looking at $700 a month, and you haven’t even bought food. All these only since you're sharing. Double or more that if you don't share.

I can tell you right now that one of the most critical things for you, arriving straight from home is going to be,  who to pick you up from the airport when you first arrive, and who will have that first hot bath and warm meal as well as a comfortable place to stay when you arrive? Who will take you around and show you how things are done? Please your best bet is a homestay.

So please my friends, don't be too quick to knock that homestay. One dear girl who attends Simon Fraser University has been in a homestay now for 3 years, and she loves it. Her host family, yes Naija family, got her a job, and she's really happy.

The newest homestay who will be arriving in April requested a receipt for her payment (she paid for 6months) to be sent to the Canadian High Commission, as well as a letter saying that she had the homestay arranged, and that she would be picked up from the airport etc. This was done and she said she was asked about the homestay during her interview.

This homestay is fantastic for students and all newcomers to British Columbia, so if you are a student, or a new immigrant, send an email and I will be happy to set you up with a homestay. I look forward to hearing from you.

medlabgirl@live.com. Please put Homestay in the subject of your email.

Again thanks Justwise for putting this up. I think I will start up a new thread later this week, advertising the homestay and settlement for New families.

Hi @ MELABGIRL. Thanks and God bless you for your insightful posts. Please check your email. From debcookey@yahoo.com

Hi everyone,
please how can I get e- transcript from Uniport. Its really urgent.
I tried the online portal but its not functional.
Thanks for helping a sister

@ogedanny and ogogorofreak,

Pls do you know of anyone who has had any experience with investdataonline consulting? I need a reputable stock consulting firm to handle my investments. Thank you for your advice.

Hello all,
I am so glad i stumbled on this thread. Pls has anyone had any experience with investdataonline consulting? I need a reputable stock consulting firm to handle my investments. Thanks for your advice.

[center][/center]

Yvete: Up for the challenge.

My hair is past shoulder length, very coarse yaki-like texture (4c) and very black (color 1). I have good hair
I'm about 3 months post relaxer and did a 6 months stretch sometime last year. Now that's one horrible experience that I will NEVER repeat. I think 3 months stretch is perfect for starters anyways. I wear my hair in a ponytail with edge control and wear half wigs as well.

My regimen:
Jamaican Black Castor Oil mixed with Organic Coconut Oil (for scalp),
Wash hair every sunday night with Elasta QP Creme conditioning Shampoo,
Aphogee 2min reconstructor (with shower cap for 5 minutes),
Moisturing Conditioner + Raw Honey + Egg yolk + coconut Oil (leave in for 45 minutes then wash)
No heat ... No blowdryers I use the T-shirt method
Neutrogena leave-in creme or Wave Nouveau Moisturizing lotion for everyday use.

Shikena ... My hair has been growing like a weed. I may upload pictures since I started all over in 2011... if I find a way to hide my face.

I have a lot to learn from you yvete and i would sure need plenty of good advice. I texturized my hair after 3 years if being natural(type 4c). Thereafter my hair has gone awry....always dry even after moisturizing, always breaking..u wont believe the amount of hair i lose after just finger combing(i gave up on using combs). I regretted texturizing in the first instance , thought i shoulda gotten a full perm instead.
Well i eventually got a full perm 2 months ago but the breakage is still on. Unfortunately i cant do weaves of any sort cos of my weak and thin edges. I don't like wigs much so i have to wear my hair. Its frustrating to say the least. Don't have the nerve to do a big chop( my hair is shoulder length) Could we correspond via email pls? Would really love to glean from ur experience. Mine is debcookey@yahoo.com.

@sissie, how can i purchase these essential oils from you? Someone recommended 'YOUNG LIVING' essential oil brand. Do you sell this too?
I also need original cold-pressed virgin coconut oil.

[/b][b][center][/center]Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals, accounting for about 30% of the protein content of the human body.it gives the skin its appearance of smoothness and youth. It works like netting that holds skin together. This miracle protein is continually produced in the body, but as we grow older, that production begins to slow down.Studies have shown that the body's production of this protein slows by 50% from the age of 25. As production slows and the collagen net begins to break down, the skin is one of the first areas we notice it in, with wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Lack of collagen in the body causes osteoporosis, painful joints, cellulite, pain, wrinkles, stretch marks, eyebags, dark inner thighs and a host of other systemic problems.
The good news is that most of these problems can be overcome by using pure marine collagen supplements. The best form is collagen derived from seaweed. It has been the age-defying secret of the Asians for centuries.

Dear nairalanders, this is the knowledge i wish to share with you, but the question is: how and where can one get 100% seaweed collagen in Nigeria( and NAFDAC certified if possible)?
Do help your sister in need.....it just might prove useful to you someday soon.....we all age as the clock ticks...........

Hi Jovi.

Pls provide details about the price range for the jewelry and where i can get them. Im resident in Lagos.
Would love to have your email ad if you don't mind. Thanks.

@fhemmy

Surething! I can wean myself off it. It's just a good tasting fruit.
But the question remains unanswered- is it carcinogenic i.e can it predispose to cancer?

@all in the house,

Pls is it true that Cotonou pineapple causes cancer?
Need to confirm this 'cos i'm hooked on it ( its really delicious).
Thanks y'all.

@ all in the house,
kindly give me the folowing tips if u can-
where to buy good fashion jewelry @ the best price in Lagos
where to buy original coral beads and gold jewelry at @ the best price also in lagos.
Thx a zillion.

I am new on the sunglasses bandwagon. Any tips on getting great looking ones
at affordable prices? As in good shops in Lagos where i won't get ripped off?!!
Thx ladies.

@ all in the house
How good is the montessouri teaching method for kids? I have a three year old precious princess and i want the very best for her.

@ aieromon
Please do you have any idea or links on the conversion program for licensing medical doctors in Canada?
Thanks.

Thanks Justwise. Will do.

@justwise
what do you think? Could this be a scam?

@ everyone in the house
I am a medical doctor in the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada and I engaged the services of an immigration firm- Abrams and Krochak for this purpose.
I learnt recently though, that my qualifications are not recognized by the Canadian Medical Board.
This means i have no way of getting a wellpaying job to care for my family when we become landed immigrants.
I am in a fix now and i've had to temporarily suspend my application. Are there any Nigerian doctors in Canada who've walked this path? I really need your advice.

Delta007, you are doing a great job helping out nairalanders, do you know any Nigerian trained doctors in Canada who'd be willing to share their experience?
I don't mind undertaking a short specialist course in Canada before continuing with my immigration application if this would improve my chances of obtaining a good employment. Pls how feasible is this? Thx 4 helping out.

Hi there, are u really for REAL?
Dear Nairalanders, anyone done a check on shaye007? Please share ur experiences.

Hi bizdoc'
Would like to know the criteria used in determining these Top 10.
I think University of Calabar should be on that list. At least it is listed in the International Medical Schools Directory (IMSA). Port-Harcourt medical school is not listed in IMSA. You could do a double check and let me know. Thx.

Hi guys i just got a mail from the school i am applying to for msc. They sent me this link for international grade conversion in case anyone is confused about what his/her graqde will look like in U|S or Canada. http://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide  hope we will find it useful.

Hi Benom, i am a 1995 medical graduate of the University of Port-Harcourt. My application to WES was cancelled last year because Uniport degrees are not being accepted for evaluation. Please can u advise on any alternative evaluating bodies? I am in dire need of an evaluation for Postgraduate studies in USA or Canada.
Plenty of thanks for your help.