₦airaland Forum

Mayorism:
Hello All,

I want to thank you guys here for such a nice job in guiding F-1 visa hopefuls. I stumbled on this thread while searching for helpful info during preparation for my F-1 visa interview and I must confess the hunts and advice i garnered here were very helpful particularly regarding the particular kind kf questions to expect and how to convincingly answer them.

My interview, on the 18th May, was successful and I want to share the transcript here to encourage someone.

Program: Political Science, PhD
CoA: 43k
Funding: Full Ride

VO: Good Morning, passport and 1-20 please.
Me: Good morning (handing him the docs)

VO: Why are you going to the States? *starts typing vigorously*
Me: I am going for my PhD in Political Science @ XYZ

VO: How many schools did you apply to? *still typing*
Me: Just this one

VO: Why just this? *stops typing*
Me: One, the quality of its faculty and especially the works of two memners whose profile intersect with mine, and two, the opportunity for career growth in terms paper publications and conference attendances the program provides.

VO: Are you married?
Me: Yes, with two kids

VO: Are they travelling with you?
Me: Not for now

VO: Will they join you any time in the future?
Me: Yes, My kids are pretty too young to be detached from their dad for so long.

VO: I will be approving your visa
Me: Thank you.

I was so happy I almost forgot my 1-20. The VO had to call me back to get it.

My advice: Pray as hard as you can, what God cannot do does not exist. In my case, GRE was waived, English Test was piad for by my Program and I got full funding.

God is still in the business of blessing those who trust in Him. Shalom

Congratulations. However, not sure why you have to hide name of the school. 2 years ago, I made a solo effort in searching and applying to schools for the same program you going for. All the schools I applied to didn’t offer any form of assistantship/scholarship. The closest I got was a waitlist (Kansas State University). The only school that offered me funding was the school (Texas Tech) a gentleman on this platform suggested. I eventually met him sometimes this year at Texas to personally thank him for the suggestions.

There is no big deal mentioning name of school hommie. America is very big and fit enough to accommodate all and sundry. You might eventually get to the so called department and make a detour in your major or possibly transfer. As I speak there are 3 Nigerians in my department and according to my prof. 3 more are expected to arrive this fall. MA/Phd Political science is “lucrative” and quite promising in the States. You might eventually like the drill that comes with the program or otherwise. Share information necessary for others to gain; transcripts are getting too cliche nowadays, the information like name of schools, funding etc is what that matters- not your conversation with the VO!!

Nonetheless, congratulations and wish you the best.

homodele:
Hello house, kindly help me in reviewing my transcript critically.

ME: Good morning Sir/Ma
CONSULAR: Good morning

CONSULAR: Pass me Your Passport and i-20
ME: Okay Sir/Ma (passes it)

CONSULAR: Why Are You Going to the US?
ME: I am going to the US to study for my Master’s in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics but with a concentration on Quantitative Economics at the Western Illinois University, Macomb.

CONSULAR: How did you get the school/how did you hear about this school?
ME: After coming across a research paper written by Professor Shankar Ghimire which was very useful to me during an undergraduate study, I grew interested in the scope and works of Professor Ghimire. Furthermore, I complemented Professor Ghimire on the excellent knowledge he shared in his research paper and I also informed him of my strong desire in having a graduate degree in an analytical field of Economics. Professor Ghimire then spoke to me about the Western Illinois University and the type of scientific economics program they run that would fit my description. Upon Professor Ghimire recommendation of the Western Illinois University, I carried out an extensive personal research on this school by making use of search engines such as 4icu, US News, The Grad Café, and I was better informed and at the same time convinced with the high analytical program offered by the western Illinois university that perfectly meets my academic desire.

CONSULAR: How Many Schools Did You Apply To, how many gave you admission and name them?
ME: I applied to 4 Universities, and all 4 gave me an admission. They are; Western Illinois University, University of Colorado Boulder, Rowan University, and Youngstown State University.

CONSULAR: Why did you pick this school/ why Western Illinois University?
ME: After carefully comparing all the schools in which I was admitted into, and the various coursework I will be taking in these schools, I noticed WIU shifted from the traditional economics coursework which comprises of theories mostly but rather emphasize on data analysis, data optimization, and data interpretation as a course. This would be beneficial to my career here in Nigeria as it would help me proffer suitable scientific solutions to the Nigerian Economic issues. And also, unlike the other Universities and their Economics program, the Quantitative economics degree offered by the Western Illinois University is designated as a STEM degree giving me the opportunity to being opened to a wide range of extensive researches and scientific analysis which is important to me, my studies and my career. In addition, the western Illinois University has the most affordable tuition for a high analytical STEM degree compared to the other universities I got admitted into.

CONSULAR: What is this course about?
ME: Econometrics and quantitative economics is a branch of economics that focuses on the systematic study of how to make use of mathematics, statistics and data analysis to analyze economic phenomenon and problems in a scientific manner with the aim of providing practical and scientific solutions. E.Q.E is a field of economics that depicts and explains economic theories using mathematical models, statistical diagram, and data analytics.

CONSULAR: Why Do You need this Masters/what will this degree do for you?
ME: The Quantitative Economics degree being highly analytical and mathematically technical will provide me with the skills needed to achieve my short term career objective of becoming a Financial Analyst at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria. In this position, this degree will provide me with the expertise needed for analyzing high financial risk situation, and the mathematical competence needed to forecast and predict changes as well as factors that might affect the Federal Government financial decisions. All of these skills, and the years of working experience I would be acquiring will propel me to my medium term career goal which is to occupy the position of an Investment Analyst at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. In this position, I will analyze the investment decision of the federal government of Nigeria, and give necessary recommendation on the most profitable and viable investments. In the long term, I plan on becoming a financial consultant and advisor to the Federal and State Government of Nigeria.

CONSULAR: Tell Me About Your Academic Background?
ME: I graduated from the Osun State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Second Class Upper grade. As an undergraduate, I was an active student in the research department of my undergraduate institution in which I was involved with carrying out researches and analyzing related data. I am competent in the mathematical analysis of economic phenomenal, and I am also experienced in data analysis. Due to my selfless act, I organized tutorials and tutor my colleagues and junior students on various economics courses.

CONSULAR: What Have You Been Doing since you graduated?
ME: After graduating from college in 2019, I undertook the compulsory Nigerian Youth service scheme meant for all college graduates in Nigeria. In this scheme I was deployed to the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, where I contributed to sourcing for development partners’ ready to collaborate with the Lagos state government on various developmental issues, I also attended various stakeholder meetings on the review and Implementation of the Yearly Lagos state government budget. After a successful completion of this scheme, I got a job as a Financial Analyst Trainee at *****. In this position I am being trained on analyzing various financial trends, providing statistical analysis for various financial decisions, and researching on business opportunities and threats.

CONSULAR: What are those courses you’ll be taking/ Tell me about your program?
ME: I will be taking 6 core courses and 3 elective courses. Some of the core courses are; Macroeconomic Theory and Policy by Professor Ghimire, Price Theory by Professor Lin, Econometrics 1 by Professor Kassing, Statistical Software for Data Management and Decision Making by Professor Jessica. The elective courses are; Thesis Research and Thesis in which a supervisor will provided to me upon decision of the departmental graduate faculty.

CONSULAR: What are your Study plans?
ME: I will be taking a total of 30 semester hour courses, and I am expected to complete my program on the 12th of May, 2023. Upon completion of my program, my immediate plan is to return back to Nigeria to work has a Financial Analyst at the Federal Ministry of Finance. In this position I will work in the capacity of a consultant rendering financial risk analysis to selected private institutions in the Financial Industry. My medium term plan is to work as an Investment Analyst at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. In this position, I will analyze the investment decision of the federal government, and give necessary recommendation on the most profitable and viable investments. My inevitable long term plan is to establish a financial consulting firm, rendering advisory and consultation services to the public and private sector.

CONSULAR: Did You Write Any Standardized Test?
ME: Yes, I took the GRE test, with a total score of 300.

CONSULAR: Are you married?
ME: No, I am not married.

CONSULAR: Have You Travelled Before?
ME: No I haven’t had a reason to travel out of the country.

CONSULAR: Who Is Paying For This? / Who Is Sponsoring You?
ME: My mother is my sponsor. She is a successful business woman in the Nigerian hospitality industry. She specializes as an Hotelier owning three 4-Star Hotels, 1 home appliances Supermarket, and 1 large consumer-product retail store in Lagos state, Ogun state, and Oyo state. In addition to that I received an international commitment scholarship in the sum of $4000 due to my impressive undergraduate academic achievements which would be covering a portion of my tuition

CONSULAR: What do you do presently?
ME: I am currently employed as a financial analyst trainee at *****, a Private Firm rendering financial and accounting services, where I am gaining experience which will prepare me for my Masters in Quantitative Economics. In this position I am being trained and developed in providing financial advisory expertise, research expertise, financial market analysis, and financial consultation services. Basically I analyze financial instrument, examine various financial decisions made by our clients, prepare statistical model to aid the firm’s senior management decision, and I carry out SWOT analysis for various client, amongst other functions.

CONSULAR: What are your career plans / what is your plan after graduation/ what will this degree do for you?
ME: As I have earlier stated, this degree and the professional experiences I would be gaining, will make me a best fit for the position of a financial analyst. My immediate plan is to return back to Nigeria to work as a Financial Risk Analyst specifically at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria. In this position I will work in the capacity of a consultant rendering financial risk analysis to selected private institutions in the Financial Industry. My medium term plan is to work as an Investment Analyst at the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. In this position, I will analyze the investment decision of the federal government, and give necessary recommendation on the most profitable and viable investments. My inevitable long term plan is to establish a financial consulting firm, rendering advisory and consultation services to the public and private sector.

Thank you very much house.

Even if you are giving a speech, this will definitely dreary your audience. Before I attempt to critique your write-up, you could as well shorten it and focus on the “bullet” points.

Hi all, anyone schooling in Oklahoma State University (Stillwater Campus) ? I would like to ask a few question as regards accommodation suggestions. There are barely no reviews online thus far.

I’ll also appreciate your referrals as well.

Thank you.

I must commend your business acumen and your ability of paying attention to the least of things anyone could imagine. However, it will be nice if you integrate this idea into something more substantial. Wheelbarrow business is somehow retrogressive- no matter how much profit you make, it doesn’t really change the lives of your clients! The business is not sustainable and live-able.

My reservations about you making your first millions in wheelbarrow business will be a for another day.

Detractors are welcomed.

I’ve been in the U.S for a couple of months now and I’ll tell you, if you don’t have a “thick” skin, you’ll be depressed. Forget how much you make! To make it worst, being a student with little or no stipends and tons of academic expectations!

Well, I am an extrovert by nature- so I craved a niche for myself. Every weekend, I go to bars or clubs for a bottle of beer or shots. Sometimes I get lucky to meet folks offering to buy me drinks/shots and interested to know more about my culture- sometimes, I get loads of compliments on my dressings. Girls usually are just a bonus! I talk to some with little or no expectations. Well, I might want to improve my online dating profile and see how lucky I could be.

A friend got two girls who casually asked him out on different occasions! Life here is really complex. Just do your thing and put your happiness first, the rest may come naturally.

In essence, I see this place as a land of hustle, make the best out of it and go back home! You can frequent your visits here for vacations.

Predstan:
You have only been here for a couple of months and you want to start balling like lionlee or MackyNaija? Don’t be deluded, they were even in more mess than you are when they came in. The start is not always rosy. Face book squarely since that’s what you are here for. The monthly payment is called stipend because they know that it’s not salary and most times not a living wage but it’s enough to take you through your program if you are not planning to send money to someone back home. You could as well list out what you have seen differently from Nigeria in terms of educational provisions, and opportunities beyond your program.
In the end, we look forward to a greater future.

Lol I casually scheme through my post and I still can’t find where I lay emphasis on “balling-out”! My post is a mixture of ranting and advice to those who care to listen. I’m pretty much equipped and taught with sophisticated academic standards that I ever had compared to naija. As regards my stipends, it doesn’t cover the rent, hence leaves me with personal financial burden!

However, this is an adventure with a seemingly rough start which I believe, shall end in praise.

Got my U.S F1 (Masters) visa couple of months ago. That was my first time application and I was somewhat indifferent about the possible outcome. Regardless, it came handy and here I am paying some damn bills and not earning shit! Studying 17hrs a day just to catch up with deadlines- funding with stipends is almost nothing, cause you pay certain fees and house rent (sometimes out of your pocket) and at the end of the day, you have nothing.

Probably a rough start to career pathway but never come here without a solid financial background to keep you afloat. Many students are out of status and looking for who to marry! Regardless, here isn’t really EASY!

I sometimes question my presence here, not just because I hate the weather, but the bills you pay and the study workload gives you no breathing space but to deliver. I’m not whining. Come here only if you have a solid plan or live like a fugitive.

Not discouraging you, just a heads up that probably have been exhaustively addressed overtime.

Goodluck.

Chonco:
Where's that Man that needs a temporary accomodation in Texas? If you see this, let me know.

Hey bro, I also need. Even if it comes with a price. Thanks.

Eenduranceee:
Hi bro, thanks for writing back. I have actually thought about Airbnb. Spending more than $150 for the three nights is a big luxury for me honestly. I'm not too boxed up and trying as much as possible to reduce cost, my reason for posting here. I know if I can't get anyone to help, I might end up going with it. But I'm hoping someone comes to the rescue. Its not easy, and expenses keeps coming up.

Thanks for your reply still.

Oh well! One thing I learn about this yankee life is, every man for himself kinda thing. Prior my application and admissions, I tend to have that in mind and it really shaped my mentality. I understand how tough finances are hard to come by. If you have any friend from other states aside Texas, you can as well stay with him/her pending your move-in date.

I guess it’s very hard for someone to accommodate strangers over there. I’m equally naive just like you are, but I would rather use my last penny to secure a temporal stay than to be at mercy of anyone.

pompeiimagnus:
I think you can use your naira debit card (especially Mastercard). Though the exchange rate would depend on the bank, and their monthly limits. If you already have USD in a domiciliary account, you can use the debit card too.

This is really helpful. God bless you for this. I’ll give it a try.

Eenduranceee:
Hi guys,

Congratulations to all those who got their visa approved already and favour to those still going. Please I need help my people.

I will be flying to Texas Tech University after Christmas, I'm in search of where to stay for 3nights before moving to my apartment. I have tried to mail the apartment about moving in earlier, but they told me there's nothing they can do, and I will have to look for where to stay for d few nights before my move in date.

Please if you are in TTU or knows someone there that can help a poor brother, kindly assist. Only for three nights, and they don't have to worry about feeding me, just where to sleep.

Help a brother

Contrary to your departure date, I’d be leaving on Christmas Day and I intend getting an apartment upon arrival. I plan booking an Airbnb for few days through new year, and I suggest you do the same. Major challenge right now is payment of booking on Airbnb from Nigeria.

Anyone ever done this before ? Kindly help and treat as urgent. Thanks.

Well since Messi is uninterested and rather floppy this season, the coach should freaking keep him in bench while the hungry and passionate boys should play. I’d rather have Braithwaite on first 11 than Messi or Griezman right now. The former has lost interest in Barca which I quiet understandable while the latter is one hell of deadass who hasn’t picked up form yet.

Viva Barca

Dikewilliams:
Fairheart send me ur number

You can as well, ask nicely..

Architects in the building, pls who have idea how much this lovely bungalow would cost ? It’s simple and yet beautiful.

JadePrincess:
Hi

Please when was your interview and when were you asked to come and pick your passport?

Some weeks ago. Got the passport within 3 working days after interview.

Hi guys, I just got an F1 visa to study in the US. Not sure how the POE questions would be like? Any tips?

juniorsworld:
For those who are picking up their visa, are the protests blocking the highways, making it difficult to get to DHL? I am going to do a pick up but it seems the protests have blocked highways.

I suggest you book an Uber that will navigate the blocked terrains. Mind you, don’t go to DHL office at Isolo. There was a generic mail sent to to me and upon arrival at Isolo, they didn’t have any of our passports. Go to VI DHL office (Muri Okunola) which I believe it’s not blocked by protesters.

Happy Sallah

muzzling17:
Hello sir, can I send a pm?.

Yes, please..

Agroblessing:
Just should in case you still needed an SOA of this amount pls DM me. Free! I wish I had this opportunity but nothing lol

Good afternoon sir, I’m very sorry for not replying this message In time. I’ve been busy and not being able to come online (Nairaland). Thanks for this sir. I really appreciate. I’ve sent you an email. God bless you.

Verbal Autopsy?

These Northern states reeks utmost ignorance from the depth of mediocrity. Religious/traditional sanctimonious beliefs over a pandemic ravaging the whole state ?

Somehow, I would love to see how the events unfold as regards the verbal autopsy, but in eventuality, even the state governor might not live to see the root cause by the time Covid19 enters the state House.

It really beats my imagination seeing how the so called constituted authorities in Kano degrade so low to this kind of verbal utterance. I really hope by the end of the day, cause of death won’t be Covid19.

fairfora:
Yes. I was offered a scholarship to study for my MSc at the University of Central Lancashire but my parents didn't have money to cover the remaining fees..I received an email from the dean of my faculty that I should embrace the opportunity as it comes once in a lifetime. The admission was purely unconditional. I try, try , try, e no work out.

I com veeeeex. I got a job a few months after the opportunity was lost. I com spend all my salary on night browsing in cyber cafe in those days, looking for opportunities to study abroad. In September 2004, my prayer was answered. My interview at the American consulate was like a joke because I wasn't fully prepared for it. A day preceding my interview, my application and supporting documents were drenched by a heavy rain the moment I stepped out of a cyber cafe the rain started. I had to spread them in my room in ibadan until the fowllong morning and I left for Lagos for my appointment very early. I entered obalende CMS straight , still not taking it seriously because I didnt have enough time to prepare. I took my passport, loaded my visa fee on a valu card, which was the only means of paying visa fees that time.

The guy didn't even ask for my bank statement and that would have spoilt the show for me because I no get one...I just appeared by faith and that was my very first time of entering that place and any embassy for that matter. I left that place smiling and the rest was history. The destination was buffalo, upstate NY.

I’m in similar situation right now. Got an offer from a University in the US with full tuition waiver and monthly stipends. A statement of account of approximately 2.4m (Less than $7k) is requested as proof to support my living expenses; I’ve asked families to help with their statement of account to that effect but they seem to take the request for granted. Dem just Dey play me like soccer.

I have partially resign to faith but somehow I’m still hopeful. This Pandemic has halted the visa processing so, I’m on the lookout. Hopefully this opportunity won’t elude me sha.

Statement of account come turn war! Chai! Make God no shame person this year

Na Ibadan I Dey too (Using your testimony as a point of motivation )

NwanyiOkpa:
oga, all you need in your account is $7k. If he thinks this offer is not worth it then. he should hit his head on a stone.

This is a fantastic offer from texas tech.

Oh really! Let me choose to ignore this post. It’s a public forum where no one knows his/her boundary. I blame myself bringing this up.

Sorry ma’am.

Northeastern:
It is for you to judge, only you understand your situation based on the info in the post. Some people get full-ride while others don't get a cent. So, are you able to foot the rest of the COA with the offer you got?

I’m actually asking for friend. Kindly check attached and interpret that... he can afford it.

solihp:
Most people get that. Mostly the 7k would be part of the living expenses and you might not have to pay the 7k to the school. If they are waiving your tuition +stipends of 10k, then it's a good deal. Of course, depending of the living costs of the location of the school.

Okay. I guess tuition was waived aside other little expenses. But here comes the statement... kindly check attached. That would definitely be the deficit on i20..

Please good people, has anyone ever being admitted with deficit of approximately $7,000 and Stipends (TA) worth $10,000 for 9 months?

Is the offer a fair deal. Asking for a friend

I know I have a long way to go, but here is my profile.

Session- Fall admission
Undergraduate GPA: 3.28/4 (Political science)
GRE- 318 (verbal- 156 quantitative- 162 AWA- 3.5/6)
Intended course of study- M.A Political science

Schools-
George Washington University
University of Kansas
Kansas state university
Cleveland state university
Georgia state university
Bowling Greene state university
Texas tech university

Toefl is out of my interest for now.. Although the afore listed schools don’t require English proficiency for a degree earned in Nigeria... not a so good GRE score, but hope I stand a better chance for funding ? Kindly help recommend schools with promising leads for funding and other interesting packages for international students.

Thanks

Pefuele:
How does one register for the webinar?

Install the app on your phone and register. Then wait until the appointed date of online orientation, you’ll be given a code to access the streaming.

For those of you applying to BGSU, kindly look forward to their January 7th online program. Participants application fee would be waived.. I participated last month and I saved me some bucks.

Goodluck

For those of you applying to BGSU, kindly look forward to their January 7th online program. Participants application fee would be waived.. I participated last month and I saved me some bucks.

Goodluck

.

gensteejay:
Yes. Number of units and your grade in every course you took in schools are to be supplied on the site.

Awesome. You’re the best
Thanks �