rinzaugustine:
Exactly. Most of the people coming to argue here know nothing about America except what they read online mostly written by Americans. Americans are one of the most pampered people in the entire universe that a 62 year old American may not have experienced the stress and suffering a 21 year old Nigerian back home is currently experiencing.A country where people voted a cartoon characater to be president. Any immigrant that doesn't succeed within 5-10 years of coming here should have himself/herself squarely to blame

This is what I have come to realize too. They have absolutely no clue how things are done here and I'm shocked at how far away they are from the truth. I will also agree with you that anyone who migrates here legally and does not succeed (reasonable definitions of success only) within 5-10 years should blame themselves.

Chidinho10:



If working in a managerial position at a top company is your goal, the probability of getting there with an MBA from UALR is very slim. So it's a red flag on the job market.

I'm struggling with this. Please explain, I really wanna know. What did you know about the MBA program at UALR prior to making this statement?

Affordablerent:


Nice response. On the issue of retirement age, you need to do more research, the US has retirement age check it for confirmation
On the issue of child up bringing you said your kids are free to do what they want to do? That's not responsible parenting. Also if you are Christian, you will know that homosexuality brings retribution to the entire nation so accepting it is dangerous.

On student loan, you relocated from Nigeria so if your parents are rich, you don't need to apply for loan therefore it will not affect you but many Americans rely on student loan to complete their education and they have to pay up ones they are through, this puts them in debt when they can't meet up

Concerning mortgage, you must pay a down payment first and this means your credit score should be good before you apply for mortgage. How many Americans have good credit scores? This is why they won't apply for mortgage on their own but chose to pay rent instead








Need a house in Lagos to rent? Contact me

This is why I always prefer to get answers from people who have first hand experience in the system they speak about. You won't hear me talking so much about Canada, Australia or Europe because I don't live there or know a lot about them. My statement still stands.

Depending on someone's life situation, you can retire anytime. The 60-something age of retirement is only about benefits. Not everyone cares about that. 70+ year olds work in pizza delivery and the likes, there are old senators like John McCain, who's working even at 80 years old.

Regarding parenting and religion, we have differing opinions and since it's a sensitive topic, I'll let you go with what works for you. Americans practice religion with freedom and wisdom. It's an entirely different society to Nigeria, religion-wise. The retribution to the nation theory doesn't fly in this country. You can hardly scare anyone here with sins and hell fire or punishment for tithes and the likes. They fear punishment from the authorities/government over the one from any god.

On loans and mortgages, I insist, they are optional. People talk like loans, taxes, debts and mortgages are the end of a person's life. They're not. Pay your debt and live your life. There are a million and one reasons for choosing not to be a homeowner like cost of Insurance, maintenance, commitment, etc. It's not always about mortgage. You can still buy a house with bad credit. Being a landlord in this country doesn't make you a demigod like in Nigeria. It's a matter of preference, really. A renter has the full rights to a home during the period of the lease and can even punish a landlord for defaulting. Personally, I'm not into buying a home for now to live in, buying a home for me now would be for business. Maybe later, that'd change.

The U.S. is a country of opportunities. Your life path depends most times on the decisions you make. If you live within your means and don't bother yourself with things outside your league, you'll be happy.

WUdec:


So explain exactly what you mean by misplaced priorities? Becos i'd like to know the things you reckon are your priorities in life.

You and I do speak from different angles of life. You sound like a whitewash, no pun intended. My opinion.

And you sound like you really don't have any responsibility meaning people you cater to besides your parents.

So my angle is more from the perspective of purpose. Not the one a white man tried to instill in my brain to accept the most awkward, bizarre and immoral bullsh** ways of life they make seem normal.

I have spent way more yrs than you have in the West, lived in more countries and seen to many damn cultures and believe me, I am glad i don't share your ideology

You my friend are a product of your environment. This is why America has no respect in Europe. Simply becos of how close-minded and stuck in one place a lot of y'all are. Let me not start with the "Dumb" stereotype cos u are clearly not dumb.

So i agree to disagree. Lets toast to that

Ok

akashi01:


Thank you for this. They believe once they pay school fees and study in the US then they are automatically entitled to get a job, house and car.

The deal is simple, get the education you paid for and go back to your country.

Nigerians and entitlement issues.. SMH

I think Justwise argued this with someone on this section a while back.

I agree with this. Same way some people believe going to a private uni in Nigeria for 1.5m Naira annually means you must earn higher than 20k Naira a year federal uni graduates. The logic is baffling.

Sense of entitlement and wrong logic sometimes is the beginning of problems. May God help us all.

ImpactLife:
theamerican, and other gurus in this platform, kindly help me attend to this issue.


I got a full phd funding and will be appearing with my wife (F2) at the embassy very soon. We've have been preparing and getting ready for the visa interview. I have the necessary personal financial backup for her. However, i want to ask a question, what if my wife is asked about what she will be doing over there, since she will not have a permission to work, what do you think is the best response to that question?

Please, kindly help me give right and suggestive answers to the question.

Thank you.

There is no right or wrong answer to that question. Your wife being jobless or earning $0 for the entire duration of your studies is NOT a crime or a deal breaker. The issue is having a watertight and reasonable plan for your life and you can communicate this plan to the VO with proof if required.

Speak in dollar terms. Break down the available money you have, your projected income and how this is going to sufficiently support you and your wife without any of you being stuck and/or needing government assistance.

Suppose you have $12k in your account as available cash, your assistantship pays you $1200 monthly with insurance and co, and living expenses for you and your wife is $800 for, and you'll still save $400 monthly, VO won't have a problem with your wife not working. There are more odds against you, burden is on you to come up with strong arguments for your case.

Visa interviews are case by case. People defy odds. I wish you the best, sir. Remember to come back to tell us how it goes.

WUdec:


Out of curiosity, lets dive deeper. We are learning here so don't take nothing to heart


1)How many yrs have you worked and how many yrs left until you retire?
2)How many figures are you set to make when you retire and I mean tax-free?
3) How much can you say you could save up in 10yrs and be debt-free?
4) How much do you have left on your student loan?
5) How many years would it take finish the mortgage?
6) How easy would it be for you to set up a business and how much would it cost you? I'm talking architectural layout, registration, taxes etc. The whole lot
7) How much would be your tax return as an Entrepreneur, annually?
How much do you think Nigerians contribute to the US i.e. education-wise annually and how much do they get in return
9) would you raise kids in a school were they are taught that kissing another man is normal or that gay people are just naturally born dat way; or would you prefer to have options where you can decide where they study and how they study in any place of the world?
10) Lastly, how often can you take trips in a year. And what limits you from doing so at times?

Lets start with these 10

I asked if you had first hand experience about how the U.S system works, you didn't answer. Your follow-up post has made me more interested in knowing your answer to that question. Please, not what "someone you know over there" said or what you have read online, I mean first hand experience.

Your questions are in my opinion, misplaced priorities. First of all, "how long do you have till you retire?", there's no set age in stone for anyone to retire. It all depends on where you find yourself and your plans for life. You can retire at 40, 45, 65 or 70. Who knows?

I have no student loans or mortgage. These things aren't mandatory. People get scholarships, graduate assistantships... there are affordable community colleges/colleges to start from, get working experience, save up then go back to school for whatever you want in life. Student loans and mortgages are choices people make. Nobody is forced to commit to them. Countless people buy houses through mortgage and have their tenants pay the whole mortgage over time. There are career paths that do not need college degrees. Look them up, please.

Depends on what kind of business you want to set up. I hope you're not talking about selling sachet water, recharge cards, "canteen", or some of the low end "business" in Nigeria. Everybody is not going to be a business brain. If you wanna be an entrepreneur, you have to follow rules, regulations and do it the proper way.

Regarding trips, all my weekends are free. I can always go wherever for a weekend if I can afford it. Don't get me started on the homophobia. I'm not homophobic and question 9 shows 14th century mindset. I believe teaching kids they are free to do and can be absolutely whatever they want, and choose whatever they want (as long as it's legal) is the way to go in this age and time. If Lesbians can kiss, what's stopping two men from kissing? They're not bothering anyone.

Contrary to your belief, setting up a business is easy here. All you need is a proper plan, very good research and a proposal. You have access to loans and information and what you see is what you get.

Question 7: the U.S. owes no Nigerian student anything in return. The system was designed for students to come here, learn, and go back to Nigeria to continue living their lives. They ensure you get the quality education you paid for, that's the term of the visa/agreement. Despite this, people remain and carve out quality futures for themselves here. please open your mind.

I already told you we both see life differently so... I'll understand if my answers sound like crap to you. You make sense, people who see life like you will understand what you're saying and follow your line of thought. It's just not my style.

akashi01:



Theamerican, please continue the gospel. Hopefully these backward facing minds in Nigeria might have a change of heart and actually want progress.

Good work by the way.

Lol, thanks.

WUdec:
Personally it all depends on your background and your assets back home. If you emigrate to another country and prefer to be part of the rat race in a world where your skin is always seen as the worst class of the human race; then i guess you are satisfied with being another man's bitch.

Generally and unarguably, Nigerians in Europe are the most successful Nigerians in diaspora mainly because 70% know what they came out for and know that it can be taken away from you at any minute. So in btw less than a year to 5 yrs, a newcomer who's focused acquires a few assets back home eg. property, businesses, shares etc and they've got money working for them while they work. Plus they get money by all means necessary.

America is a "wash" world. They sell you a fake dream, keep you in slavery digitally and labour-wise and all your dreams are under the fingers of the caucasians. Don't believe me, check every damn company you work for, how many black people are the presidents, vice or even third place? None

Black people are pimped for over 30 yrs only to retire tp some lousy pension and continuous payments.

I emigrated to Europe 18 yrs ago as teenager and I've got two to three more years to complete my conquest. In the meantime, i love my king life back home and i detest the system i once saw as normal.

In Naij, I am free to do whatever the hell i want without being audited or ripped off or the govt pinching into my hardwork and selling me debt. Besides the healthcare, organization and civilization, at this stage of my life, i prefer a place where my colour isn't a reflection of my personality, where my money works for me and not me working for my money. Most of all, a place where the boss life never ends if you use your street smarts and your foreign packaging to sell your ideas and sell your products.

Nigeria is a shithole but a goldmine for a hustler. As much as i hate my passport and keep myself enclosed from my people emotionally due to their atrocities, I love Nigeria. We are the toughest hustlers in Africa and we can sell you anything including the American dream. No other African nation is that sharp.

Your comment sums up the point I always try to make and that is... the concepts of success, satisfaction, happiness, etc. are largely subjective. I see what you're trying to say but I totally disagree with everything you wrote lol. I read it three times but good Lord, we are miles apart when it comes to how we see life.

The part in bold is funny rhetoric . Do you have any first hand experience of how the U.S. system works?. Lousy pension and continuous payments you say? Lol. Ok ooo.

I'm glad you spent 18 years chasing your dream and it worked out for you, I hope the remaining 3 years you have left go according to your plan too! I like success stories.

doublezero7:
theamerican, this is the proposed transcript dear. I'll the expecting your feedback. Thank you


Me: Good morning sir, how are you doing?

VO: Good morning, I am doing good. Pass your Passport and i20 form please.

Me: (passes documents)

VO: So why are you going to the US?

Me: I am going to the US to study for a Masters degree in Healthcare Management at the Califonia State University, Los Angeles.

VO: How many schools did you apply to?

Me: 3 schools. Aside CSU, I applied to University of Maryland and University of Indiana.

VO: Why California State University?

Me: I applied to California State University because their curriculum is interdisciplinary as I would have the opportunity to take up courses in a variety of areas such Finance, Law, Public policy, Organization psychology and so on. Also, upon my initial research, I found out that theses universities have an ongoing research in Healthcare management and policy. However, CSU have a research project specifically in the area i am most interested in, medical intelligence and surveillance services in the healthcare industry, which is headed by Prof Daniel Meade. I reached out to him about my desire to join the research group and he encouraged me to choose CSU.

Vo: What are your study plans? What will this program do for you?

Me: I would be taking 36 course units in the 24 months duration of the program with core courses such as Healthcare Law, compliance and ethics, Managing a healthcare organisation, financial management in healthcare organisation and so on. These courses will enable me to develop the necessary managerial skills and awareness of recent innovations ans reforms in order to fulfill the responsibilities of management positions in the Nigerian healthcare industry.

VO: Where do you work?

Me: I work at the hospital service unit of *********, **** Lagos as an administrative specialist. My job role is primarily to provide admistrative suppprt for admistrative assistants, ensure that day to day operations functions effectively and efficiently, and to handle amd organize all medical documents and records.

VO: Who is sponsoring you?

Me: My mother

VO: What does she do?

Me: She is a medical doctor and CEO of ***** Healthcare Limited, Oregun.

VO: What are your plans at the end of your program?

Me: I'll be coming back to take over the administrative unit of my mother's healthcare company and will also be able to collaborate with the federal government in improving medical intelligence and surveillance as the Nigerian health care had suffered several disease outbreaks in the time past such as Ebola, lassa fever and so on. Hence, there is need to tackle the problem.

I apologize for the late reply. Your answers are really good. Look at the first part in bold (why CSU), I had to read it about 3 to 4 times to understand what you were trying to say. Maybe I'm just dumb lol or maybe you'd need to pass that message across better. Remember the VO may not have the chance to go over your answers as patiently as I did.

Second part in bold... also, really good answer. I was wondering if you could talk about what that managerial skill and responsibility of management in the Nigerian health care industry are, and link the two with a sentence. You can leave your answer as is, not a problem. I just thought of that when I read the sentence (lol, you can ignore it as I won't be your VO).

See, your transcript is good. My comments are just improvement suggestions. During my visa interview, I wasn't asked any of these questions and it could happen to you too. I got a different set of questions entirely so my focus on your transcript is how you understood your questions, how your answers addressed what's asked, and if your plan for life after school was carefully thought about... and you did well.

I wish you the best.

doublezero7:


No problem ma'am, I understand you've been busy.

I'd have love to drop the transcript here but that would be derailing the thread. And since it won't be n
appropriate for you to drop your email address here, kindly send me a mail on danielmeade000@gmail.com, so I'd reply with the transcript.

Please acknowledge seeing this post, so I can modify my details off the thread.

Thank you.

Post it on the students thread and mention me. I'll address it today when I see it.

henrixx:
still beating arou d the bush..

Whatever your point is, take it elsewhere. I'm clearly not interested in spoon-feeding anyone anymore by explaining simple things over and over.

Dremca:
Do keep on updating us. How do you handle your social media friends who sees your pictures online with the hope of asking for something....

Haha, I stopped using old accounts and created new ones when I came here. I don't upload anything personal, I just check when I'm bored and wanna see what's going in Nigeria. I get bombarded with requests for help. People who have no clue how migrating works just think you can help anyone "travel out".

doublezero7:
@theamerican

I have tried to reach you via your PM and on the other f1 thread.

I'd really like you to help vet my proposed transcript before my interview. I hope it isn't too much of a bother.

Thanks

Not been checking my pm, I'm sorry.

henrixx:
Oga i don confuse...your post says you spent 25years in Nigeria.....then here you say you are 25.

kilodeyy
you be 2 in 1?

I turned 26 this month, I posted that before my birthday... and saying I spent 25 years in Nigeria doesn't mean I literally spent 25 years on a spot and never moved. I live here and have family back there. So... 26 years counting.

OriEyeLe:
Good evening house, I have a question o. Is Northern Illinois University a red flag school? Thanks

What kind of red flag? Are they SEVP certified? Do they award degrees? Do they have necessary accreditations? Can they give you the degree you're going there for? Was their admission process legal? Are you a credible student who's not going to abuse your visa? Can you prove your answer to this last question?

If your answers to the above are yes, please go and get your visa if that's the next step for you. You're already messing with your mind before even getting to the VO's front. The current students there don't have two heads. Do your research on the school and if you like what you see, be happy and go for what you want.

whyqueu:
Theamerican please say something !!!
My proposed Transcript !
Please I seriously need your views about this and I will appreciate if you can look deep into this Transcript .
VO : Why did you choose Tarleton state university
Me : I choose Tarleton state university because of two professors , Professor Bradt Poe and Professor Ted ford. Professor Bradt Poe does research on Plant Breeding and Seed Technology for vast 25 years and he has worked on various crops like Vigna uniguiculata, seseme seed, weed seed , chocorus olitorus, amaratus and many others corps and Professor Ted ford reaserch on seed cytogenesis, Agricultural Extension, Heterosis ,plant tissue culture and many more and I was fastinated about there works and they offered me a research work on a particular project which is "Variability and use of multiple seed viqour indices to predict field emergency and potential longevity in crops like seseme, vigna ungiculata and zea mays . which is value for money .
VO :Why do you want masters degree/why this course / why Agricultural science and extension education ?
Me : Its inline with my career goals which has always been to do research, write journal and to become a university professor and a masters in Agricultural science and extension education with a concentration in Plant Breeding is a requirement to pick up a lecturing job at my alma mata and also give me the opportunity to become a consultant where I can give extensional services to agricultural company .
Vo:How did you hear about Tarleton state university?
Me: I knew about Tarleton state university when I attended our annual international agricultural conference at Zanzibar in Tanzania last June , where professor Bradt Poe from Tarleton state university was our guest speaker and he spoke about Plant breeding and seed technology and I was really fascinated about it and how huge it will benefit my career. Professor Bradt Poe has massive experience in Plant breeding for good 25 years and still counting and I knew its worth spending millions of naira to study .
Vo:How many school did I apply to ?
Me : I apply to 5 and I got admission in all
Tarleton state university
Murray state university
Southern Illinois university
University of Liverpool
University of hoheheim
Vo :What do you do ?
Me : I work with International institute of Tropical Agriculture. IITA as an assistant plant and soil scientists
Describe your Job :
I evaluate and interpret plans and soil for agricultural production, environmental quality, food security and many others . which is done on the field and in the lab ..where we collect soil/plant sample ,analyse, record to agricultural consultant etc.
kindly help me
proof read the amazing analyst here
cc
theamerican
our mummy lagosismyhome
twoods
walspring
any other guys are all welcome ..
God bless you all...one love

Nice transcript. There's a chance your interviewer is going to know nothing about your course/interest/speciality and this could give you the chance to take the stage and hit some points home. Once you notice this in the VO, smile and let your confidence shoot to the sky!

In such a case, don't get overconfident and veer off track. This is one of the best transcripts from pre-visa interview members. Your answers are unique, seem well thought and really good. You just need to know how to keep it shorter and present the best arguments for your case. For example, why did you choose Tarleton Uni? From your answer:

A. Because of Prof. Poe and Ford (they inspire you)
B. Because of Prof Poe's research (you liked their work)
C. Because of Prof Ford's research (you liked their work)
D. Because you were offered to work on a particular research topic
E. Your interest in the crops you mentioned (Irrespective of Prof Poe's research, these interest you)
F. Cytogenesis, Agric Extensions (irrespective of Prof. Ford, you like these).

If you understand what I'm trying to say, arrange these in the order of most important to least important. Form short sentences to explain these and hit the best points home first. In the event that you're cut short or VO loses interest, you'd have hit the bull's eye with your answers.

My style is different, I really like answering ONLY the question being asked. I always feel like more info that's not asked could open cans of worms. I saw a case of this in the "how did you hear about Tarleton Uni?" Question. There's absolutely nothing wrong with your answer. You heard about the school from one of their professors on one of your trips to Tanzania (This is awesome!). The last line about your studies being worth spending millions could make the VO look at the cost of your studies. God forbid he sees "$65k+" or something higher then they start getting ideas with next question: who's sponsoring, what do they do? Why are they sponsoring (what's in it for them?", etc.

All in all, your transcript is very good and refreshing to read. Even without any alterations/modifications, you're good to go. If I were the VO, I'd take you away from your comfort zone (you won't scatter my brain with botanical names I have no clue about) and shake you up with one or two questions since I know absolutely nothing about Agric. :p just kidding.

travelland:


Your points are clear to me and your maturity is commendable, if only these people can understand your emphasis on being legal and not having unnecessarily high expectations.

That Macaulay10 brother actually said no hoodlums, street gangs, beggars, street vendors or pick pockets in America? I give up!

Lol, that would have been a ridiculous statement to make. I didn't point it out because he said "...in most cities" so I just let it slide. Anybody thinking anywhere on earth is a perfect paradise needs a serious reality check.

jidesotunbo:
All good points raised here. I have been living abroad for over a decade now and have no regrets. I came to the US as a student , I currently work and live in Houston and the career progression I have had are because I took that smart decision to leave naija over a decade ago.

That's great! I like how you put used "I" over and over to show that you took charge of your life, made decisions and you're happy with it.

beyayo:


[s]Greetings,am 32 and married and have gained admission for my masters at depaul university. My dad is my sponsor.but now am worried the consular would wonder why at my age my dad is my sponsor since i work and am married.i need advice pls[/s]

Ask yourself why your dad's sponsoring you... or ask him. Once you get your answer, just say it to the VO and don't dwell on it. I don't see an issue with that at all, keep your preparations going and don't have a negative mind. A married 32 year old man could be sponsored by his father.

Who knows if it's a loan from the father or maybe the father wasn't in the man's life while he was young and decided to make up for it by helping him progress with his life and be a better man.

You're 32, not 92.

Chapecoense:

Well articulated, but let me quickly correct the bolded;
This bar to adjustment DOES NOT apply to:

•IMMEDIATE RELATIVES;

•Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)-based applicants;

•Certain foreign doctors and their accompanying spouse and children;

•Certain G-4 international organization employees, NATO-6 employees, and their family members;

•Special immigrant juveniles;

•Certain members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children; or

•Employment-based applicants who meet the INA 245(k) exemption.

Oh my! thank you for that correction. I had a feeling I was wrong about something in the long post. Glad you quoted it so your post now looks like a "part 2/update" to mine. Thanks for sharing the information.

Niv25:


its about my transcript ma'am I also posted it here. but for you to reply me. am having six years gap and its eating me up. that's my biggest fear now ma'am.

this what my transcript looks like. and everything stated here is the truth ma'am. but I want you to help criticize and help me fix it well.
1. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CSU?

ANSWER: aside from the fact that CSU's curriculum matches with my desired course, CSU is ranked among the best national university in the US by USnews and world report. Its engineering program is ranked among the top 200 in the us. Also the major reason why I choose CSU is because the tuition and board fee is grantee for fall 2018. Which means there won't be any subsequent charge on those. With this I was able to have a good and proper estimation of my study in CSU.

2.WHAT WILL THIS COURSE DO FOR YOU?

Answer:As a passionate computer lover, this course will give me more knowledge on how to practise computer. It will equip me with the knowledge on how to solve and fix computer problem. Also considering the fact that I got this degree from US it will add more credit to my profile and make me fit and more relevant to compete in the Nigerian market.

WHAT IS YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL OF QUALIFICATION?

Answer: Olevel certificate

WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE AFTER GRADUATION?

Answer: after my graduation in 2012, I considered going for my undergraduate studies here in Nigeria then masters in the US. but I was dissatisfied by the way the course was handled in the school, no good research centers in the school. My family and I had to fast track my study in the us. Because if am unable to grab anything in my undergraduate level there won't be anything to master on.

3.DID YOU CHOOSE ANY OTHER SCHOOL? COMPARE THE SCHOOLS.

ANSWER: I consider so many schools but I settled for two. Which is CSU and uhv..the most common things among the schools is that the both are public schools and are tier 2 universities in the us. CSU is a national public university while uhv is a regional west public university. Also the both offer bsc in computer science.

4. WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING AFTER THIS COURSE??

Answer: Considering the fact that the degree gotten from the us is highly respected internationally. This degree will make me more relevant in the Nigerian work sector. So I will be returning home to join the work force in my country. I will be fit to work in different sectors such as Industries, government etc.

Thank you so much for reposting this. First things first, don't kill yourself over things you can't change. The 6 year gap is something you can't change, it has happened already, why worry about it? Nobody will deny your visa solely because of a 6 year gap. They may not even ask you that question. If you're asked, say what you've been doing and keep it simple (your proposed answer wasn't).

Personally, I think your answers are too vague. You talk about a curriculum matching your desired course for instance. I have absolutely no clue what that means (A VO may not ask you to explain and instead go with the "this one is just saying nonsense" gut feeling).

I always stress understanding a question before answering it. Let's take your question 1 for example... Depending on when this question is asked, it may mean different things.

Scenario 1:
VO: why are you going to the U.S?
You: to study at CSU.
VO: Why did you choose CSU?

Scenario 2:
VO: how many schools did you apply to, name them and how many offered admission?
You: Three; CSU, OU, UT; all three.
VO: Why did you choose CSU?

See? In these two scenarios, I would think the first one is asking WHY did you apply to CSU? What about the school caught your eye? While the second one is asking why you accepted the admission offer from CSU (and not why you applied there).

I like the guaranteed tuition part (try to quote figures), I feel like it answers scenario 2 a whole lot better. You need more work on how you're answering questions.

Try to watch Donald Trump's speeches (I wish I had a better example lol), he won't just say "the past governor wasted a lot of money" or "That was a bad deal for Americans". He will specifically tell you the amount of Millions abi billions wasted, and immediately, he'd sway your mind and you'd think he spent the last 72 hours investigating lol. This is what I encourage. "They are going to double my salary" is not as strong as "They'll increase my salary from 150k to 300k".

"The course will make me practise computer" is a "No" for me.

Finally: Considering the fact that the degree gotten from the us is highly respected internationally. This degree will make me more relevant in the Nigerian work sector. So I will be returning home to join the work force in my country. I will be fit to work in different sectors such as Industries, government etc. summarizes your general approach to answering questions: Too vague.

My recommendation: go back and read your "statement of purpose" if you submitted one during your application. Tell yourself what YOU really want and practise how to communicate this clearly to a VO.

travelland:



When people who haven't been to a place before hold strongly to illusions as they are doing here, there's nothing else I can do than to play along with them.

While I agree with keeping expectations realistic and not expecting paradise or a land filled with milk and honey, your responses have been the worst attempt at sarcasm I've seen in a long time.

@macaulay10 came here to say completely accurate things about the U.S., nothing he has said is false or exaggerated. I was even surprised he said them despite never being here and still stayed very close to the truth.

"You will see people sleeping on cartons and inside vehicles"? What's the correlation?

While there are some people whose lives are really pitiful, not every homeless person you see has a "suffering" story. Some of them threw their lives away through drugs, gambling, addictions, wrong choices in life (like messed up criminal background that prevents them from getting jobs, overstaying visiting visas and waiting for God to help them), etc. and despite all these, still have hope but don't just wanna fix their problems.

I have a friend whose brother is currently homeless. He served in the army and got addicted to drugs. He was declared mentally disable (depression, bipolar, etc.) and placed on disability assistance. He gets $3k monthly. He has refused to get help. He's 25, no wife, kids, nothing. Every 15th day of the month, he gets $3k and he spends it on drugs, gambling, etc.

You will see him homeless and say the country isn't working? It's his own choice, he constantly refuses to get help and by law, he can't be forced to do anything he doesn't wanna do. Unless he gets into trouble and the court orders him to get into a mental home/rehab, no one can force him to.

This same guy's sister (my friend) has a full-time job that pays $15 per hour. In a month, she earns about $2400. She drives a good car and lives comfortably. You won't know her brother should be doing better than her.

I agree with your point about racism though. It's still a big issue in these parts of the world. That's one of the things I really really frown upon. It's one of the intelligent arguments against life abroad.

Like someone once pointed out on this thread, why do some Nigerians hear "travel out" and think about illegal migration, working menial jobs just to survive, being homeless and running into all sorts of problems? Lol, there are people who are doing the right things, doing everything the right way and living their dreams.

I'm against taking the leap of faith and traveling just for traveling sake, without being informed. Those are the people who get into problems. Those who migrate with a plan and keep their expectations realistic, succeed.

Northeastern:
Good day All.

How do I go about filling the health report form for graduate students.

Are there hospitals that are specialists in handling this or I should walk into any hospital?

I am based in Lagos.

Thank you.

CC: lagosismyhome, theamerican, femi312, walspring, etc

Go to any government health Centre in Lagos with a smiling face and cash in your wallet. Additional tip: let it be a Friday afternoon or evening (if you don't know why, you're not a Lagosian lol).

Tell the doctor what you're there for, they will do more than what you want sef lol.

Niv25:


hello ma'am your yet to reply me �

See ehn, that pm thing is doing me somehow. I have too many requests and my conscience is not letting me check them. I know for sure I can't reply everyone, so I feel like replying only some people is unfair to others. I kinda sleep well knowing I'm treating everyone equally.

I'll try to reply as soon as I can, please be patient with me.

orimahspence:



The best transcript review/analysis I have read in the recent time. I sent you email, please kindly accept

I'll check it when I get home later.

Macaulay10:
American streets and highways are largely smooth and
most without the pot-holes and craters that riddle most Nigerian roads.

American streets are substantially WIDER than most Nigerian streets, with the exception of those in central Abuja.

It is extremely rare to see large "snow drifts" of trash covering American roads, whereas it is just as rare to see a clean street in Nigeria.

Sewers in Nigeria are OPEN GUTTERS that present mortal danger to pedestrians and vehicles, whereas sewage and drainage systems in the US are entirely underground or fenced off where they can never constitute the death traps found everywhere along Nigerian streets, particularly in major cities.

Vehicle emissions are strictly regulated in the US, but are not a concern in Nigeria so far. This means that large numbers of antiquated vehicles ply Nigerian roads belching out smoke that is thick enough to obscure the view of drivers and cause wrecks. Similarly the Nigerian police do not pull over motorists for having vehicles with no tail lights, adding a substantial risk to Nigerian night driving which does not exist in the US.

You can hop in your car at any hour of the night and share the freeway with numerous other drivers in most parts of the US, whereas Nigerian highways are largely empty at night due to fear of armed robbery ambushes, "police" attacks and unmarked craters or huge tree logs left over from day-time police "check points".

Streets in most US cities are laid out in an orderly rectangular grid which makes navigation very easy, particularly with today's GPS mapping technology found in many new vehicles, In Nigeria the streets are largely random in placement, with numerous un-posted one-way lanes and cul-de-sacs, making navigation a living nightmare for visitors.

Pedestrians and drivers traversing the streets of most American cities are unlikely to be accosted by hordes of pick-pockets, beggars, aggressive street-vendors, and hoodlum gangs, whereas that is the rule and not the exception in Nigeria.

A person being pulled over by the police in the US will reach for their driving license and registration, whereas anyone pulled over in Nigeria had best reach for their wallet, hoping they have enough cash money to avoid a vehicle impound and visit to the police station on trumped-up charges based on non-existent legislation.

Wide pedestrian walkways line most streets in the US, but are a very rare sight in Nigeria outside of Abuja, with the few existing in other towns often fenced off and guarded by road-side businesses, forcing pedestrians to take their chances ducking cars, buses and swarming motor-cycle taxis in what passes for a road.

A person may live in North America for a decade and never experience an electrical power outage, whereas in Nigeria it is rare for the lights to flicker on for so much as a negligible 10 % of the time in any given 24 hour period.

Pay your utility bills in the US and you can be sure your home will be supplied with electricity, CLEAN water and cooking gas on tap. The uninterrupted flow of those basic utilities are remains a wistful fantasy in Nigeria, hopefully to be realized in coming decades for the benefit of generations yet un-born.

Bribes are expected and demanded for even the most mundane rights in most Nigerian government offices, a situation as foreign to American culture as would be the sight a Nigerian-style motorcycle taxi transporting a family of six.

There are virtually NO public toilets in Nigeria, so the sight of men and women defacting and urinating beside the road and in full view of the public is commonplace and routine, a revolting spectacle absolutely unheard of in the US.

Other than these differences, Nigeria and North America are comparable in that there is terrain below and a sky above in both countries.

Note: I haven't traveled out of the country before, the world is now a Global Village where you don't have travel out to know or see this things.

I am preparing for the Gre and Toefl exam, when everything clicks......... I move OUT.

Hell is full, NIGERIA is an extension SITE.

Amazing post. I have nothing to add to that. You make really good points and I was surprised you've not traveled before. You make more sense than some people who have spent years down here. I wish you the best on your exams. Please if you're considering migrating, do it the right way and you'll see how smooth your life would be over time.

Abacino007:
Good day Nairaland,
I was offered admission into MA Economics program at Wichita state university. My appointment has been scheduled for 28th of May for 7. A. M.
Here is my proposed transcript. I want corrections and additions from you guys.

Vo: Good morning
Me: Good morning. How was your night?
Vo: Pass me your i20 and passport
Me: Passes
Vo: Where are you going to in the US?
Me: Wichita State University 1845, Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260.
Vo: why are you going to Wichita state university?
Me: for my master degree in Economics
Vo: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3, namely, Wichita state university, Murray state University and Western Illinois University.
Vo: So why WSU?
Me: Apart from the fact that the state where the school is located is economically conducive and my mentor being an alumni of the school, the school offers excellent education to it students through high quality teaching and a well structured research activities. WSU MA Economics gives room for flexibility because they offer three different tracks which are Financial Economics, Economics analysis and international Economics. All the three tracks seek to provide students with analytical skills useful in decision making and a broader understanding of the overall economic environment. The financial track is my main area of interest because I have found a career in the financial sector. The school curriculum is compatible with my academic background and career interest. The program has good professors and also give a lot of time for business projects that mirror real work environment conditions. This is called Analysis of business condition and forecasting (Econ 803) in the department curriculum. This particular course is rare in other schools curriculum.
Lastly, I contacted Dr Philip Persh prior to applying, I told him about my research plans towards the proposed program and he was impressed by the research plans. We will be working on a thesis with the topic Nexus between Inflation and unemployment from (1990 - 2017)using Nigeria and United state as a case study .
Vo: What are your core courses?
Me: Math. Method in Economics Econ 701. Applied Econometrics Econ 731. Macro & Micro Analysis Econ 801 & 802. Analysis of Business forecasting Econ 803. Applied Econometrics II Econ 831.

Vo: What will the course do for you?
Me: I already work in the financial sector, masters will make me more competitive for promotion to higher position and accord me the opportunity to edge closer to the highest cadre in the financial sector by working directly with the Apex Bank of Nigeria where I can be able to advice Nigerian Government and non governmental parastatal on the best Economic practices and suitable policy. This is my long term dream.
Vo: who is sponsoring you?
Me: my dad and my aunty
Vo: what does your dad and your aunty do?
Me: my dad is a mechanical engineer who works with Federal Government and also own a private workshop. My aunt is chief account at ABC company.

This is the little work I have done with guide from Nairaland. I need you guys to give comments. Thank you all as I await your contributions

I'm proud of your preparation so far. You strike me as a guy who has taken time to really think about things to say and you made sense. Your interview is getting near so I believe you must be even better than when you posted this.

Additional advice: the "why this school?" part seems long. There's a big chance the VO would cut you short or lose interest midway, so... break it into sentences and start with the best 2 sentences that present the strongest case for you. Try to avoid vague answers too, deal with specifics.

Another thing, the part about what the Masters degree would do for you. Again, good job. Try to speak in money terms. Something like "The median salary for BSc. Econs grads in Lagos/Abuja is 200k per month. While that for Master's degree holders is 450k... a degree from a U.S. University will also look good on my CV which will mean more interviews for me...", don't you think? Also, more emphasis on particular skills you hope to transfer from your time in Kansas to the country.

I feel like you're a good student and with more preparation, you'll do well. I wish you all the best.

pansophist:


This is poignant. The dangers of a corrupt system.

The average Nigerian sees materialism (money, cars, houses) as the goalpost for a good life. The police that collects bribe from reckless driver might lose his child to one, bit he doesn't think about it from this perspective. There is always a backfire effect on corruption. The incompetent public officer that got into public office via nepotism will in due time, disgrace himself publicly (e.g, the Nigerian IGP). It cant be benefited from without exhuming a deficit elsewhere.

Sadly, the world is moving at an accelerated rate. If Nigeria (and largely Africa) won't drop corruption and develop the continent. the adversity will be severe in the next decade. Right now, there is a massive transfer of wealth going on in the country, the citizens are getting poorer, fighting each other and dancing afrobeat to hell, without realizing that there is a reality outside Nigeria and perhaps Africa.

The currency is useless, associated with everything bad, to name a few. This is the inevitable punishment that comes with not developing like the rest of the world. The politician that refuse to develop the country, and the public servant that should put the public interest at heart will realize the painful truth that in other to go far, indeed, you must work together, a lesson that is experienced when one leaves the shore of the country. Lots of big business that will make life easy won't come (e.g PayPal for e-commerce entrepreneurs etc)

My condolence to that country in advance.

You make really good points. When I say I don't see any hope, it's because the rot is so spread that only God knows how it's going to be fixed. Suppose I get arrested for a crime and the fine is 5000 Naira, the officer who arrests me asks for 500 Naira bribe and he'll let me go. The law says fine is 5k.

If I pay 5k, I'll be called stupid. That 5k may not even go to the account of the government. If I pay 500 Naira, they'll hail me for being sharp/smart but isn't that part of the problem that should be fixed?


Those who want to stay and fix the country, please do (I'll cheer you for your service from afar). I am here in Dallas, I'll be fixing the bad name Nigeria has and be a good example too. To live a good, law-abiding, non-corrupt life and show that not all Nigerians are bad (you should also cheer me for my service) see? Win-win for everyone.

Affordablerent:


Did you notice that the lady listed the bad things she noticed from the movies she had seen but didn't equally list the good things she also noticed?


Hahaha @ good deal, you will surely get one from me

I listed things from movies, you classed them as bad. how do you know I don't support early marriages and class it as good? See? Jumping into conclusions.

Mobilia:



I didn't see the Op's thread as being meant to disparage and demean Nigerians...
She was speaking through the lens of being a "naturalized citizen".....and explaining her experiences.
She was happy with her decision...point blank.
She was encouraging others who may want to take the step...
She presented her experience in a very fair manner...
Just so you know...I have "0" clue who she is. My only words to her were what I wrote much earlier to her in the beginning of the thread...
Don't know her from Adam...but what and how she wrote it was so eloquent.
I'm not looking for anything per se on this thread...I just happened to run across it as I look at threads on the Travel Section.
I explore many different sections here on N.L.....and am just soaking in how people relate to one another, how they view the world at large and how daily life is...

I was referring to the adultery statement that you made earlier and about visiting the "states/cities that matter" thing.
I'll have to look back and see about anything else you wrote...cause frankly, (and I must be honest), you were starting to annoy me with your posts here.

Nice meeting you!

I don't

I read this post and smiled. Not because you had nice things to say about me, but because there's a stark difference between how you see things and how the typical patriotic Nigerian may see them.

How many times have I said my posts are subjective opinions? I have to say everyday that I have absolutely no issues with anyone who wants to stay in Nigeria or love how things are there. I don't wanna live there or want my kids to, how's that a crime?

Do you know you don't have to take a driving test to get a drivers license in Nigeria? You can sit in your house, give someone money and they'll come home with your license. Now put that into perspective and imagine the sort of dangers that could cause. I can already imagine the "Accidents also happen in America" counter-arguments.

There are people who drive without license in both countries, People break laws all the time. What happens when they're caught? In Nigeria, just bribe whoever catches you driving without a license, you're back on the road. It's worrying.

Watching Nigerian movies will make her realize Nigeria is better than what is projected on here? I beg to differ! On the contrary, it's going to show that what we say here is spot on and they still have a long way to go. Nollywood is a joke lmao.

You're right, @Mobilia. No matter what the plot is, you'll always see traces of worshipping money/the rich, looking down on the poor, equating happiness with riches, early marriages, women having to serve men, a woman's life is worthless if she doesn't have a husband, homophobia, any religion that's not Christianity or in some cases Islam is frowned upon, and everything is solved when the pastor intervenes. Your husband is drinking, cheating, womanizing? Just wait, the pastor will soon come and cast out the demon causing it. The list goes on.

Best way to learn about Nigeria will depend on what you really wanna know. You can talk to Nigerians who migrate, you can also talk to people who can speak without letting their emotions/patroitism cloud their good judgment. That's the only way you can learn. Also, remember you'll get a different treatment as a foreigner and may not get the real deal as to what the average Nigerian faces.

Don't get me wrong, Nigeria is still an interesting country. There's still a lot to catch your attention and so much to enjoy (depending on what you want). I lived over 3/4 of my life there yet I still learn about the country daily.