₦airaland Forum

Interview Transcript, 31.07.2019

Slept 12, woke 3.

*Movement* : I left Ajah where I spent the night in a friend's place at 4:15, got to Obalende around 5:10. I was kinda scared it's gonna rain, cuz it started drizzling before I got to Obalande. Anyways, got to the embassy around 5:35...see hustlers everywhere: "Bros, welcome, German, Italian, US embassy; have you made your photocopies, printed your application forms, passport photograph, courier envelope...?" Guyman sha dey nod spoil dem joy. Well, I had to take another photograph for 1k (8 copies) cause I was scared the one I'd on me isnt according to the required specifications (everybody Sha dey carry big big passport, and my own na the small normal passport. I been join guys at the German embassy around 6 (met a guy from NL, can't rem his username, cool dude, he was the first on the q), gisted till Pauli showed up and called us.

*Paulinus* : Don't even know how to describe him. Not as bad as people had portrayed him, ain't cool either. I was the second on the q. When I got to where Oga Pauli talk make I stay, dropped my file on the sit to get some stuffs in my pocket...naxo Oga shout, yelled he's going to send me back. Reason: I dropped my file on the sit when he's not instructed me to do so. I just comot eyes, said sorry. So, when he finally told us to drop our documents on the chair, I reached for the passport I just took, to remove the required three from the set of 8. Small time, Oga Paulinus saw the passports in my hand and he yelled again..."Young man, have I told you to bring out your passport, why can't you follow my simple instructions....bla bla bla?" I sha open mouth, comot eyes, no fit dey talk sorry again for wetn anono. Naxo Pauli be like, in fact go to the back...you're not fast enough, you can't work with me, you'd delay me. Oga! In short, naxo second turn last. I was so pissed...Sha packed my stuffs go rejoin q. I was the last student to be attended to but when he got to me again, after like 2+ hours, Pauli be like sorry sorry.

I was let into the embassy around 9: 30...met two other guys inside.

*Interview Proper* :

At 10:10, the light in room three came up, the security guy told me to go in. I was interviewed by one pretty but blunt lady, very nice too. And yea, i met the guy before me inside solving maths and panting. Lol.

(I did biometrics, paid for the Visa, confirmed my info, gave me a form to fill and told me send the confirmation of my BA to an email when it comes. Then she said, okay, I see you have an MA already, let's quickly do this.)


V.O - What are you applying for?
Me - Student Visa
V.O - Are you married, your BA programme and where?
Me - No, single. English and UI
V.O - Degree level
Me - MA (I replied Masters of Art when she asked MA or MSC)
V.O - What school and programme?
Me - UniBayreuth, AVVA MA. (She added that I got the spelling right).
V.O - What state in Germany is your school?
Me - The Free State of Bavaria
V.O - Correct, but since you have an MA already, why not PhD?
Me - Told her I'm trying to diversify and deepen my knowledge about the new but related field.
V.O - Why UniBayreuth, I know the programme is available in Nigeria, so you can't tell me it's not?
Me - Yes, it is. But not as standard and comprehensive as that of UniBayreuth, the school has a strong reputation for having one of the best curriculum in African Studies in the world, perhaps the best.
V.O - (she nodded). Said Yes, that's true...I've been there several times and it's a nice institution.
V.O - (I figured she Google searches the programme) Are you specializing in Literature, Media or Language?
Me - Literature
V.O - Do you know any popular literary icon from Germany?
Me - Yes, Thomas Mann, regarded as one of the brightest modernist writer. Won the Noble Prize in 1929. Also, Beltolt Brecht. Popular for his plays, also a poet though - he wrote The Caucasian Circle, The Good Woman of Setzuan (the most popular of his works, I think). He popularised the Epic Theatre and Defamiliarization aesthetics in drama. (Meanwhile, she's not typing, just listening to what I've to say and told me to explain what those concepts are).
V.O - That's good, so what's your plan after your MA, would you like to stay back for your PhD?
Me - (Before nko) Definitely, as a matter or fact my PhD thesis has already been accepted and I have a supervisor already...same Bayreuth. And of course, I'd definitely be coming back to input whatever I've garnered at a tertiary institution in Nigeria here, and start a publishing house.
V.O - That's good. Same faculty, and what's the name of your supervisor? What's your proposed thesis all about? Publishing, how? When you come back, do you have a particular school in mind?
Me - Gave her the profs name. Tried explaining my thesis (she's just nodding), then I figured I should simplify and when I did she started typing. Told her my alma mater, maybe. Told her I run a literary journal and I've been working in/with a publishing press since I left school in different capacities.
V.0 - That's lovely, what's your BA Thesis, Title and explain...?
V.O - Why Germany, not Nigeria, UK or US?
Me - Standard of education, free tuition policy and specifically because of the school's reputation in that field.
V.0 - I think US would offer you same tuition free policy for the programme?
Me - No, unless you're talking about the fullbright programme, which is actually a fellowship and not a degree program.
V.0 - So, T...tell me what you know about Germany, like three things - maybe, geographically, economically or politically.
Me - told her the location of Germany in Europe, land area, population, the nations bordering Germany, the largest river; named the chancellor, her deputy, the president and their parties; told her Germany has the strongest economy in Europe, fourth in the world, the EU and German financial capital are in Frankfurth, the biggest bank, biggest company. (Then she cuts in, said that's okay)
V.O: All things being equal, you should get your Visum soon enough, so try to fund on time (cuts in, told I've funded just awaiting confirmation) so it doesn't get delayed. Wishing you the very best.
Me - I'd as soon as I get the confirmation. Thanks, and do have a nice day (she made a cute smile and said bye).

_I left the room around 10:50_

Thanks to everyone. Wishing everyone success!

pompido:
Update on the 10k BA issue...

It has started already..

They are not waiting till September....

Get informed people!

In addition to @dukeokafor's observation, the new required amount is 10, 236 and the monthly fee is 853 from 720 and not what is stated in the mail.

It doesn't add up.

https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/sperrkonto/388600

oluwafemi88:
Pls what's d cost of a pre paid envelope and which courier service is d best for me to use, my interview is next week

Hey,

I got mine around Ogba in Lagos today at a DHL office for 1,300. Other DHL centres that I called stated the same amount.

Good luck!

These are the phone...

A UK Used Grey IPhone 6s 128gb and neatly used Infinix Hot 4 are available for sale, both phones have body and screen guards.

Prices:

IPhone 6s - 110k
Infinix Hot 4 - 25k

Location(s): Ojodu/Ikeja, Abeokuta and Ibadan (can be delivered anywhere outside these locations too).

Neatly used Inifinix Hot 4 (2gb RAM, 16gb Memory) for sale with phone and screen cover for just 25k (negotiable).

Location(s): Ojodu, Ibadan and Abeokuta.

Pokarika:
Yo, check out this sure BET.
IDK about the compartibility with social sciences but I think it will fly. Admission-free, EPL, 15/7 Deadline, Online application and no certification needed yet, till you get your official letter from Uni Bremen.
This is your year man, no worry.

Course Name: English-Speaking Cultures: Language, Text and Media.

https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/master/master-of-arts-laws/

No sure bet here o!

Even when I won't be taking the offer, I applied here since April 18, AL never show. Just there formally checked/reviewed nonsense since then

I wish you luck!

Slip:
Hello,

Please don't try it... Aside the normal charges the bank will charge u for the conversion to euro...

Cheers....

Oh, thanks!

MissNK:
It is possible, the bank will apply a USD/ Euro cross rate. You need to confirm the rate so you know the exact dollars. Also you can request that the transfer charges be deducted from your naira account.

Okay, thanks.

codemasta:
Yes. Call your account officer or the GTB customer care they will give you the conversion rate, a friend did same last week.

Thanks!

iPOD007:
Yes, this is very possible. You can always fund your dollar account and tell the bank to transfer the equivalent Euro amount, BUT believe me its not a wise thing to do.

Banks will first convert Dollar to Euro (They will cheat you), then they will transfer (Take charges.)

So, the best option is still to buy Euro and send.

Cheers!

Okay, thanks!

Gurus and 'bankers' in the house, please is this reasonable, advisable and possible?

As Euroes seem to be on the rise at the moment, and tend to be even more expensive around August (from what I've gathered so far), and Dollar on the other hand is steady ATM, Is it possible to fund one's dorm account in dollars and have the bank transfer (or however it is possible) to Fintiba in Euros?

Thank you!

.

Happy Sunday guys!

For the FAM: I got across to a couple of folks at Bayreuth, and these are what they have to say...

###

"Hello,

On getting a job, I am sure you will find one. But if you are thinking of a Research Assistant job, that will depend on your supervisor if he/she wants to hire you. For the most part, students on an MA program usually have jobs outside the university. The jobs are there, and foreign students are not barred from working.

The city of Bayreuth is small, compared to big cities like Berlin, Dortmund, Munich, etc. But it is peaceful and the people are receptive to strangers (for those who are law-abiding). So far, I have not had any cases of harassment from anyone or the Police. The standard of living in the city is also ok, house rent is also cheaper compared to bigger cities. You can acculturate better depending on your own social life.

Unlike PhD candidates who are registered for automatic apartment, getting accommodation for MA students can be hard at first. Yet, with time (at least between 1-4weeks), you will surely get it depending on your budget.

The other information I could give you is to connect with other Nigerians in the city on MA programs. They are more likely to guide you better on getting accommodation and Jobs in the city, because they went through these experiences.

###

On your accommodation, if you have registered with the studentenwerk, then no problem. That is the first step. You are going to get accommodation from them, although it might not be easy to get it on time depending on other factors. If your budget is around 180-240Eur for the apartment, it is ok. You will find one in that range (mind you, be ready for other expenses like water, electricity and internet bills. Depending on what you consumed per month, and the fee you will pay for the apartment, you should not be paying more than 230 in the 'cheapest' flat for students. Again, this amount is subject to your monthly consumption).

With regards to the job, as I said earlier, you will get it...

Well, I don't follow the discussion on Nairaland. My advice to you is to have an open mind when you arrived in Germany. Even though some of the negative things being said about the country are true, they can also be misleading.

###

Bayreuth is a small but nice city. Living standard is cheaper compared to big cities like Munich..."

###

Good luck, everyone!

Happy Sunday guys!

For the FAM: I got across to a couple of folks at Bayreuth, and these are what they have to say...

###

"Hello,
 
On getting a job, I am sure you will find one. But if you are thinking of a Research Assistant job, that will depend on your supervisor if he/she wants to hire you. For the most part, students on an MA program usually have jobs outside the university. The jobs are there, and foreign students are not barred from working.

The city of Bayreuth is small, compared to big cities like Berlin, Dortmund, Munich, etc. But it is peaceful and the people are receptive to strangers (for those who are law-abiding). So far, I have not had any cases of harassment from anyone or the Police. The standard of living in the city is also ok, house rent is also cheaper compared to bigger cities. You can acculturate better depending on your own social life.
 
Unlike PhD candidates who are registered for automatic apartment, getting accommodation for  MA students can be hard at first. Yet, with time (at least between 1-4weeks), you will surely get it depending on your budget.
 
The other information I could give you is to connect with other Nigerians in the city on MA programs. They are more likely to guide you better on getting accommodation and Jobs in the city, because they went through these experiences.
 
###

On your accommodation, if you have registered with the studentenwerk, then no problem. That is the first step. You are going to get accommodation from them, although it might not be easy to get it on time depending on other factors. If your budget is around 180-240Eur for the apartment, it is ok. You will find one in that range (mind you, be ready for other expenses like water, electricity and internet bills. Depending on what you consumed per month, and the fee you will pay for the apartment, you should not be paying more than 230 in the 'cheapest' flat for students. Again, this amount is subject to your monthly consumption).
 
With regards to the job, as I said earlier, you will get it...
 
Well, I don't follow the discussion on Nairaland. My advice to you is to have an open mind when you arrived in Germany. Even though some of the negative things being said about the country are true, they can also be misleading.

###

Bayreuth is a small but nice city. Living standard is cheaper compared to big cities like Munich..."

###

Good luck, everyone!

dennison4luv:
Good morning to the house,please i need your advice.
I applied to 8 schools and on 27-06-2019 i got one admission letter from WWU Muenster and they said if i did not declare my acceptance before 07-07-2019 they will withdraw the admission letter and i wanted to delay to see if other schools will send their admission letter so i can make a choice and reject others but as it is now i dont know what to do, whether to accept this and reject others that will come or i should accept it then when other come and i make my choice then send email to others that i wont make it.

There are many things involved here.

One, where does the current admission stand on your ranking? I believe no one would have to tell you what to do if its your most preferred school. In my case, I applied to about five schools, and the only response I've gotten is an admission letter to my most offered. So, I no even dey look other portals again cause I just wan use them book appointment before in case the mist preferred takes longer.

Two, it is only logical that you accept the current admission if others are not forthcoming, you can always write them and tell them you will no longer be taking the offer as some things came up (or whatever reason you want to give them). With that, you have a back up and can go for your visa appointment.

The safest is to accept the offer...maybe some days before it expires if others you prefer more are not forthcoming yet.


Good luck!

HighPriest0:
Who's got a date today?

Hey bro, if date is not forth coming, and you've ascertained it's a ban. Do try to use another mail to book for appointment.

Good luck!

dapsy77:
Thanks a lot, so before booking an interview do I have to open and fund the blocked account or do I just have to open it, print out the details and present it on the day of the interview.I already have the admission but I am concerned about funding the account before having an interview, I no want make my money go hang for inside blocked account for Germany lol.

Funding your BA before interview is not a must, so, you can attend the interview with the 'printed details' of your BA with the intent to fund afterwards, usually withing a stipulated time (I think within two weeks).

However, there are indications that funding your BA before interview quickens the processing of your application...This is not a guarantee notwithstanding.

Good luck!

iPOD007:
Its been a serious issue this week. The minimum I have seen is 408.

Crazy!
Please, if anyone knows any cheap place o.

I'd ask for the current amount around Berger, I've been offered 390-400 when its 405 on Aboki.

Sharly343:
can someone please help me with this it's urgent please..

The exclusion of your transcript from the certified documents renders the certification useless, I believe. The safest option is to certify all over at the High Court if your school doesn't except to it - so, it is important to know what type of certification is required/recognized for your programme.

Good luck!

imoriafe:
Pls how long does it take for Bayreuth to process admission? My status is showing formal requirements met

Really, it varies. Mine took 7 weeks, but I know some that got theirs within a month. The programme and the degree level matters, of course, as well as your qualification.

Somstevee:
Good day house.
I wish to commend each and every one of us who have devoted time to make sure that no one is victimized at the course of achieving his or her goal, I must acknowledge that your efforts have helped and benefited the masses. THANK YOU.

First, welcome on board, and to you questions:

1) Yes, it's normal.

2) It's normal and you're on the right track in as much as you're going for a Masters degree and with a minimum of 2:2.

3) For your good, do remove the attachment as it contains the cancellation link to your appointment application.

Good luck!

Congratulations @Eldee, @3T, @Engrola, @Onyi, @Freakky, and to every other person that had their interview, got AM and AL.

May God see it to perfection!

Slip:
Sup bro,

U can go with Turkish airlines. My friend flew with them last year. They have students' discount. In a nutshell, if I can still remember the total amount for the ticket fee is 158k. Wen it's time u can still visit their office in Victoria Island, Lagos for more info. I'm very sure they usually have students discount.

Cheers!

Thanks @Slip

Eldeee:
Baba e don reach to fly for your side?? Anyway from past experience like you earlier mentioned, let me X-ray the available airlines to the best of my knowledge. But take note it doesn't reflect the current situation.

Emirates: Gave students discount, but it was only made available for flights to Frankfurt and Dusseldorf. Long stop over hours as usual, but learnt the experience was cool.

Turkish airline: Gave discounts as well and was available for almost all international airport destination in Germany ie Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Dusseldorf, etc. Their fares are much more better than emirates and the experience was also good. Long stop over hours too

Ethiopian airlines : I can't remember seeing any discount from them, but their fares are also good and competitive and the experience as well.

Air maroc : More like direct flights, very short stop over time, fares are also very good, but I can't say about their experience.

Egypt Air : I learnt of recent they are very good in terms of cost more especially, good experience during the stop overs but something about officials sniffing in drugs in people's bags (sorry am not sure about this) of recent was actually disturbing.

Edo airways : Your guess is as good as mine, Lol..... Just follow osaro and ahigbe, then you are good to go. Hahahaha

NB: Flights are much more cheaper during the weekdays than weekends, and also during off season.

I am of the opinion we should approach this top class airlines and demand for a student discount when the time sets in, as a good number of peeps will be traveling for winter semester. My opinion sha

Lol, I go pass on the Edo own. And no, en never reach, but it's not too early too start making preparation, I guess.

Ordinarily, I would have preferred to travel on a weekend and with Egypt Airways (because of the touch down experience), But men, with this your note, I'm rerouting already...and that's why I think it's important to start having a discourse around it.

Yes, that's a good idea. With a reasonable number, we can strike a good deal...but it'd have to be a collective effort.

Thank you for your efforts, @Eldee. Much appreciation!

iPOD007:
Admission letter dropped this evening.

Automation and IT
TU Koln.
Been waiting for this.
Anyone else?

Congrats!

Hi everyone,

Abeg. From past experiences, what airlines are the best to fly in winter Sept/Oct considering cost, safety, comfort, and time. And what's it like flying any of these airlines?

Danke.

Kevwe06:
I think they want to give us CatB September dates.

Have you cancelled your A appointment?

Moobahrak:
Boss,I studied political science for my BSC but I'm looking for possible courses I can do for my MSC that would increase my chances of getting a job after my studies,I'm currently learning German at A1 level and I hope to make B1 at least before coming, also do schools accept notarized documents from high court or its mandatory to do it at the embassy,cause I'm not based in Lagos,your prompt response would be greatly appreciated,Danke.

Your enquiries belong to the other thread.

Raheembisi:
Hello,
Please i applied for studierendenwerk apartment in the city i got admitted to. But i don't know if all the rent is to be paid at once or monthly.

It'd be monthly.

Suzedaniels:
Pls I got a confirmation of interest from them. Pls I want to no if it is wat u got too or admission letter

No, and I guess this has been sorted.