₦airaland Forum

anikemoses:
Hey, I understand your point, In my short stay here i have been privilege to meet a couple of students from Nigeria that are going through hardship as a result of the "blind zeal" of getting a visa and coming down to US without proper planning.



My pathing shot will be for anyone coming here to plan very well before coming , else you will be frustrated and homeless moving from pillar to post with no help in sight, if your dream is to marry a per hour paid "akata" just for the sake of papers and you had no other choice, then just know you chose to settle for less, you are worth more than that and be ready for more frustration when you guys starts living together, a night with her will be like a night in hell.. I usually do not like to comment here for reasons best known to me but if y'all see anyone here still taking time out to give an honest advise, please appreciate he/she without resorting to name calling.Remember that no matter how smart you think you can beat this system, with the slightest of hard luck if you the true meaning of all man for himself, God for all..Good luck to y'all in your pursuit of your dreams.. Peace out.

Well said bro.I appreciate and understand your points.

Thanks a great deal.

LET'S KINDLY CONSIDER ALOT OF FACTORS BEFORE 'NAME-CALLING' OR CONCLUDING ON A PERSON.

Looking at the trend at which some of us conclude and name-call others in the last couple of days, I am of the opinion that we try to consider alot of factors and try to put ourselves in other people's shoes (though that might be difficult) before we advise, conclude or call someone 'lazy' or 'hypocritical'. Some times, the best of plans often go awry, the most diligent of men often makes mistakes, the most patient of men encounters situations that can cause him to get annoyed. We should also try to understand that we are of different financial status, intellectual ability, diverse temperament etc. Sometimes you might need to be more explicit to someone than another person not because he is a total novice but his/her situation can differ.. Yes no one is enforced to help or advise people but I'm of the opinion that keeping quiet or explaining the consequences of an action would be better than name-calling; which in itself does little or nothing in convincing or helping someone to think better. In a dire situation, even a saint can seldom think awkward just to consider his/her options in ensuring he/she gets out of the situation.

Let me paint few scenarios, someone might actually be browsing with a phone and not a system (just like me) and not know that there is a search button up because the fonts are too small. likewise, exchange rates can sky rocket etc. Planned trips can sometimes be incorrect. (For instance, a friends place I intended to stay which was 25mins to school is now as long as 40mins during peak periods). Things happen.

My salient point: It can be difficult for someone who has spent 20-25 of his early years growing up in a place to adjust to a new system. Any form of aid or advice to help such ones THAT ARE READY, WILLING AND DISCIPLINED enough to be helped Will be helpful...

Having said that I'm enjoying the thread though. Its been my solace in the last days.

LagosismyHome:
If u are able to transfer the credit ...
if you are not going to be able to tranfer credit and just need to register for a semester than look for a cheap community college

Thank you ma'am. The courses are slightly different so I wont be able to transfer credit hours. I also applied to a community college for this semester but according to my school's policy If I want to transfer after the first class day (which is Jan 17) I will still pay 20% of the tuition (it will be pretty difficult to pull that through) likewise, I am closer to 30days in here thus It's looking advisable I comply to the school I came in with.

I learnt I can still pay 25% of the tuition and remain in the school here while also working with the new school to kindly expedite my admission..

I appreciate your counsel.

biikeys:
That would depend on why you're leaving. Technically, you can take a 'leave of absence' of less than 5 months in which case you won't require a new visa to re-enter the US. You would definitely need supporting documentation from the international office before you leave and would also need to keep communicating with them while you're away in Nigeria. This is assuming you still want to continue as a student and feel you'd be okay to continue by then.

If you plan to stay longer in Nigeria, of course you'd need to go through the whole visa process again.
Lest I forget, make sure to let your international office know and let them officially release you before you leave.

Thank you for your input. I also found it useful.

He used the word 'Withdraw the admission'. Thus I'm guessing it will be a longer stay.

biikeys:
When we advise that you have at least one ....
...! Wrt transfer, talk to your international office and graduate advisor.

Yeah! I'm already facing and dancing to the music tunes sef. I will play it safe and register for a semester in here then.

I appreciate your advice. Thanks

TWoods:
This is what happens when people fail to plan and think getting a visa ................. luck.

Hmm. I understand your point(s) and totally agree with it. I take 100%blame for not having a solid plan/taking better decisions (You know it can be difficult when taking 'such' steps without the right people advising). Likewise, I only got to know this platform when i was days to travelling (that's no excuse though).

I intentionally decided to share this so someone can probably Learn and take better decisions. Albeit, I would be fine since the system rewards Hard work and Competence..

I appreciate your aid. Thanks.

First. Let me appreciate those who painstakingly respond to and help some of us 'newbies' in here. The good Lord will favour you in all ways..

In my opinion, I guess I am still quite new in the system to comment. However, from the 20days spent in here thus far, I think it is EASIER AND BETTER to stay in Nigeria (if you don't have money to spend and you don't have mind to do things in the 'wrong' way) than to come in here... (Well, I might be wrong though)

The system is just too Hostile.

My advice - PLEASE ensure you get a FUNDING (G.A, R.A, or the likes).


Now to my question - It happens I have an admission @ a school (no funding and high tuition). Should be starting this Spring. However I discussed with a professor willing to accept me at Texas A&M for Summer.


If I am able to secure the admission letter before paying the fees, Is it possible I transfer successfully without falling out of status? Is it possible I change I-20 by February to the new school and remain here till the program starts by summer?

In the event I pay the fees and after a semester I transfer to the new school (with only 10 credit hours done) Would I transfer to start afresh or will the credit hours count?

I do hope someone understands my plight and gives me advice.



N.B:'My papa no get money oooo'


God bless

oluphy:
e go be jare. College station good. Best of luck

Amen Bro! It's gradually taking shape. I do appreciate your aid.

LagosismyHome:
Greyhound goes to Texas A&M College station from Houston ......... The stop is called Bryan

Oh! Thanks a great deal Ma...

Was busy looking for College Station

oluphy:
there's a greyhound station in downtown. Take the metro from where you are. College station is a very good school congrats.

Thank you.

Greyhound ain't going to the destination.

I believe that's a wish to claim. Yet to secure the admission though.

Songitto:
@Teepee4HIM, Ask for nearby greyhounds bus station then make inquiries.. Or check it up on google, Their service is good and their tickets are cheap..

Thanks.

Greyhound seems not to going to College station from Houston. Searched up online but they have no buses or trip to college station

LagosismyHome:
Do you mean daily commute or one off travel ? ....

Thank you Ma. For now I need a one-off.

Checked ground shuttle but the schedule time on my intended date of travel is not favorable. I have an appointment for 10am and the buses schedule time of travel is 8:30 -11:00. Sleeping over around the campus a day before looks like an option but not knowing anyone in or around is making that a difficult option to consider.

Greetings to everyone!

Can someone please help a 'newbie' like me and pardon my 'Ignorance' (as my request might look stupid)

How can I get a cheap transportation to College Station in Texas. I am currently around Pearland, Houston and I seriously need advice as most fare rate I am seeing via google are higher than my pocket.

Furthermore, anyone in Houston or Texas A&M willing to give me useful info will be appreciated.

Thanks

A bright morning to everyone!

I scheduled a visit to meet some professors in Purdue University so I can discuss the opportunity of getting funds for my application for Masters in Food science.

I will DEEPLY appreciate if the 'Senior friends' in house can help me with tips. I have gone through few earlier posted but wouldn't mind more useful info or a link that will make the search less stressful.


Thanks & God bless

Hmmm.... Na wa o.



I don't wanna sound pessimistic BUT PERMIT ME TO SAY, LIFE IS MORE DIFFICULT & REQUIRES MORE DISCIPLINE IN HERE if you are coming in as a student without a form of funding and you ain't 'OBO'.


Just spent barely two days and so many thoughts flashing through my brains.


Abeg - Anyone in Texas Southern University or if you know anyone in there should help me so I can settle effectively..




Khaki and Leather no be d same thing o

nellyalph:
To future applicants, I know someone has said this here before, but Lemme restate it (Eng 1301 restated thesis). Look for schools that you can afford be it university or community college.

I know someone that came to US last Dec for spring session but he couldn't do the semester cos the tuition was too much for the family. She lost her status and up to now, she is still going about it.

Losing your status means you can't apply for work or anything legal. So do your mathematics.
Wish you guys good luck and safe trip to those travelling. I just wonder how expensive the flight tickets are now....

Hmmm! Hard TRUTH!

RETHINK process activated for me

[quote author=LagosismyHome post=49035116]Ibrahim Waziri: From HND in Nigeria to PhD in America

Getting a Ph.D. from an American university has always been dream. But like many HND graduates, I always wondered if I would be able to continue with my studies in the US with a Nigerian HND. Would the HND be recognized as the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree? I had no clue until I came across and blog.

Hmm. Very helpful.

larmeedeh:
allow 2-3days after your start date before u travel now , don't put yourself under unnecessary risk

Quite true!

Was just thinking of cutting costs.

Thanks!

adup:
I tink 30days rule before resumption date is still valid for student entering, u are eligible to enter dere any date from November 10th to December 10th which means u are good to go... Worry not

Actually, resumption date is 11th January,2016 but my earliest admission date on I-20 was what was slated as 10th December 2016.


I had 'foolishly' left it late to book for a flight and I'm considering the difference in flight fare between that 9th and thereafter.

Top of the day to everyone.



I will appreciate an advice. Pls, the Earliest Admission date on my I-20 is 10 December, 2016. Can I board a flight that leaves Lagos on the 9th and arrives US on the 10th?

Won't I have issues @ d airport or POE?


Helpful advice will be appreciated.

larmeedeh:
quote me if m wrong but your it was on til 2016 doesn't mean u working atm so its previous then .
pm me don't use this to disturb d timeline

I salute ur patience!

Chiezzh:
What can I do now ...I Wana reapply ..someone put Mre through

First, Get your Priorities Right. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't plan to reapply until I have read all transcripts, suggestions on this platform from Page 1 and pick lessons/useful info.

Apart from reading it, you need to be motivated enough to study. Perhaps, I should ask - Do you really wanna study?

LagosismyHome:
dont bank on Travellex and someone posted here that they havent sold in weeks .... Best to go to their office and confirm before putting your eggs in that basket ...

Thanks for the info/suggestion.. I learnt First bank sells PTA (not without the wait till God knows when status) but unfortunately I don't have an account with them. Likewise Access....

AsiwajuAfo001:
Please can anyone help pay sevis fee today.......it's urgent

Pm Texrem or Walspring.

They might be willing to help

A bright morning house!

Please does anyone know if any bank is still selling PTA? (All banks I approached have one story or the other to tell).

Likewise, if I want to buy dollars @ travellex, will I have to go to the office before my travel date?

I will deeply appreciate all other useful info too with respect to getting dollars (before I take an unwise decision).


Thanks

alutachuks:
Hello house...I need someone to help me on some interview tips. .. My interview is on Nov 29th...just text I will call..+2348064974669

My advice : As a commitment on your part, FIRST go through the transcripts from previous posts. Start from page 1 and depending on your time, you can go through all. (If you don't have much time skip to recent transcripts July till date).

After then, you can decide on getting tips (which I doubt you will need then. because if you read arduously, You should get all necessary tips)

In my own view that will work better.

Best wishes...... Go get you visa nxt Tues.

larmeedeh:
thanks Ma

Apart from Black market FX, Pls is there any other way to get FX (for students, travellers) at a subsidised rate?

charliejose:
I actually don't ..recently, a professor of pharmacology was invited to give a talk at my departmental seminar. So after the seminar,I decided to check on the school and I found out there are lots of Nigerians in the school's faculty. Especially in the school of pharmacy..their contact information is displayed on the school's website.. Perhaps you could check on it.

Will do that...... Thanks for your info.

I do appreciate

charliejose:
that school's faculty is filled with Nigerians!

Do you have a form of rapport with any?


I need a number of info.

happyday:
Congrats. Have a safe, sound trip ahead of you.

Amen!


Thanks!

Spent d night in a friends house @ Somolu. We talked into d night and only had d privilege of sleeping around 12:04am. Between that time and 3:30am, I checked the time for about 5-7times (Man must not wake up late o). Left d home @ around 4:56am and was a d consulate @ 5:40am.

The transcript goes thus

V.O: GM
Me: Gm ma

VO: Can I have ur passport.......... And I-20 pls
Me: Okay.....(passed it across)

VO: So what's your intent of study
Me: (now I was a little tensed) I intend to go for a Masters in Human Sciences (* I botched a little, said Human sciences instead of Human Services*) where I will be taking courses like .... (Mentioned only one and I immediately forgot all d other courses wey I don cram. Was about to stammer for few secs but Immediately switched to anoda thing instead of trying to remember). These will take an estimate of 36months after which I will be coming back to Nigeria to lecture.

VO: How did you get to know about the school
Me: I searched online for courses related to Food Technology and saw that I could do a masters in Human services with concentration in Food and nutrition

VO: Which school did you graduate from.
ME: I graduated from Yaba College of Technology.

VO: Which course
Me: Food Technology

VO: You graduated in 2013
ME: YES

VO: so what have you been doing since then
ME: I graduated in Nov 2013 after which I went for the compulsory national youth service prog in Aug2014 which lasted till Aug 2015. After which I now teach and prepare students who write UTME/WAEC exams as a tutor while also counselling them on the best courses to choose.

VO: Did you write any standardized exam?
Me: Yes, I wrote GRE

VO: How was your performance
Me: I performed well, very well (for my mind I know I didn't do very well. But I couldn't have said I performed averagely since there is no way to measure well or very well in this context)


VO: How many schools did you apply to
ME: Two. Purdue University and Texas Southern University

Vo: So why did you choose Texas
Me: ( she looked up and focused on me. I also made eye contact. You no fit fear me again!). I have a personal predilection for Interpersonal relationship and the course Human Services was a perfect merge between my passion and my training -Food Technology. Likewise, as an heir presumptive of my community, training garnered will be useful for me when I come back to Nigeria to assume my leadership role.

VO: Who is your sponsor
ME: MY mum's cooperative society

Vo: What does your mum do
Me: She is a teacher and runs a business

VO: What type of business
Me: Imports and Exports of frozen foods ( I exaggerated in here. My mum deals in frozen foods locally but only seldom goes to idiroko/border to purchase goods. *all na importation* )

VO: You said you wrote GRE
Me: Yes

VO: How did you perform
ME: I performed well ( for my mind, I was like, but u don ask before now. Was almost even tempted to look for my copy of gre result and show her.)

Vo: What was your score
Me: 301

VO: What was the individual score
Me: (Now, I guess she saw the part in my I-20 that indicated that English proficiency is required) in Quantitative I had 153, Verbal 148, AWA 3.5

VO: I will be approving your visa. You will need your passport and I-20 while travelling. Kindly check on Monday for your passport. (gave me a white paper.

Me: (Now I was relaxed). Thank you very much and have an awesome day.


All glory to God......

LagosismyHome:
I dont have specific info on ticketing.... u just need to check all the major airlines from lagos . The egypt , turkish and morocco airlines seems to be the cheapest ...then d arabs ones like emirate till u progress to the european ones like Ba.... so u just have to shop around .

Also send a msg to walspring . He did mention discount on airfares

Okay! Will check them up.

Thanks