Theamerican's Posts
Nairaland Forum › Theamerican's Profile › Theamerican's Posts
 Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 3:55pm On Apr 28, 2018 |
Ellie2017:Dear Ellie, After reading your transcript, I'm of the opinion you didn't do enough and like I always say, you made this decision too easy for the VO. That question in bold was like giving you a stage, a microphone, an audience and the chance to earn a multi-million dollar contract and sadly, you didn't earn it. If the answer's truly what you said literally, then it simply wasn't good enough. The U.S is a country where MONEY is the biggest factor in determining anything. To that question, your answer was too general, and disappointing. A better answer like "He has $35k cash in his checking account and despite being on study leave, he still gets $6500 monthly from the company in Nigeria. After paying rent, bills, and living expenses, he still saves about $3k monthly and we are sure that would be enough to sponsor Sandra and I". Not like this would have guaranteed your Visa, I'm only saying it would have greatly improved your chance by answering that question and giving the VO the idea that you planned this new life properly and you would have no issues. Finally, your husband's company in Nigeria served as a very strong tie back home and that could also be in your favor in getting that visa. This is a case where reapplying is a good idea. You just have to prepare well. I wish you the best.  15 Likes 3 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 9:32pm On Apr 25, 2018 |
Coxtie:First, tell me what has changed in your profile, then we'll go from there. You say you wanna reapply, what are you changing this time? 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 9:27pm On Apr 25, 2018 |
Dear @alayomini, 7 Likes 3 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 4:24pm On Apr 25, 2018 |
Coxtie:Ok. I'll be fair to you and analyze your transcript and explain where you goofed. 1. You said you chose 3 schools, you didn't. 2. When he asked you to compare the schools you chose, you were supposed to do just that... COMPARE. (Your failure here made the VO think you didn't apply to more than the school you kept talking about) 3. You were asked WHY did you choose liberal arts? You tried to define Liberal arts and talk about it but failed to say WHY YOU chose to study it. 4. HOW will this program help you? Again, you only told him what you'd be going back home to do. NOTHING related to how the program was going to add anything of value to you. General conclusion: FROM YOUR TRANSCRIPT, you need to work on understanding a question before answering it. Know what information someone wants from you and work on providing ONLY that information. Take a 3-5 second pause to understand a question before you speak. When in doubt, ask the interviewer to repeat the question or ask "what do you mean?" It's better to not answer something at all and let an interviewer think you're not good enough, than to open your mouth, say the wrong things and remove all doubt. I hope this helps. 9 Likes 6 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 4:08pm On Apr 25, 2018 |
Coxtie:If you Channeled this determination more positively, you'd be in a better situation. No private tutoring from me would change your performance. You're asking people to tell you what to say, i.e. how to lie to get a visa and I distanced myself from that. You're letting your desperation get the best of you and it's not making you think clearly. If you haven't reapplied yet, PLEASE don't waste that money. Give it a month or two to rethink what you really wanna do. They'd gladly take your money and send you away if you're still going with this story. I'm sorry, I can't help you with fabricated stories to convince a VO to get a visa. Try other people, or better yet, listen to better advice. On the flip side, I really wish you use the "I'm gonna prove all of you wrong" determination to prepare better and get the visa eventually, I'd be the first to give you props for being "smart". Have a nice day, sir. 11 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 3:48pm On Apr 25, 2018 |
Coxtie:I hope this is an experience you learn from. You should learn to take responsibility and stop blaming others for your mistakes. I'm sure you wrote those words in bold in the heat of the moment so I won't dwell on them. When you're calm, sober and can think clearly without your emotions getting in the way, you should think of a much better plan. Finish school and prepare better for Master's degree admission. VOs are professionals! Not only are they trained to sniff out incoherent lies, they've got so much experience that they've almost seen/heard it all. You'll need something big to lie your way through and from your interview, I'm sure you didn't even convince yourself. Don't let this weigh you down, it's part of the experience. Better luck next time. God bless 8 Likes 2 Shares |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 7:46am On Apr 25, 2018 |
lucreziaborgia:Lol, I never heard this wise saying before now haha. I was engaging him hoping he would make a solid case for himself. He ended up talking about my people (yes, I'm American now  ) in a bad way and I wasn't gonna have that. Haha. Just kidding.No one is forcing anyone to leave Nigeria. 11 Likes |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 7:26am On Apr 25, 2018 |
kalu61:Dear Sir, I'm not broken or frustrated, maybe those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. You're 29, you finished youth service last year, you have no job yet, you depend on sports betting to make ends meet, which isn't a bad idea (your life, your decisions). You live in Umuahia, without a stable job and you're insulting people who took risks to find greener pastures? Your posts show how winning 4000 Naira from online betting is a big deal to you... smh. All your claims about people abroad, how many of it is first hand experience? Have you ever been outside Nigeria? Before you criticize the decisions of people who had 4m Naira and traveled with it, wait until you have been in their shoes i.e. made that 4m Naira. Until then, leave them alone. Lol If not because your country has failed you, you wouldn't be in that situation. I'm 25, I won't say anything about where I am now or the opportunities available to me. Again, it's a privilege. Not saying it to brag. I know your type, lol. I'm sure you're hardworking. Wait till you apply for jobs and they tell you only people between age 21 and 26 can apply, you'll know why people are giving up on Nigeria. Before you attack someone, do a self-reflection sir. Good day. You have been talking about things you don't even know about lol. I won't waste my time anymore. 82 Likes 10 Shares |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 6:53am On Apr 25, 2018 |
@Kalu61 I'll let it go. You failed to answer simple questions: where can 4m buy you a land in Lagos and/or what business can you do with it? Also, I simply explained how people go abroad for quality of life. Apparently, we see quality of life differently so I'll let that go. You missed the whole point I was passing across so I'll leave you to keep reading and maybe someday, you finally get it. Your "most of the people over there, most of you guys over there" claims show how out of touch you are with reality. I don't argue with people who can't make counter-arguments without using insults, missing the point, or attacking the other person. You want to defend your country, all well and good. Have a great day. PS. This thread isn't an attack on any Nigerian's decision to remain in Nigeria. It's a platform to rub minds on the attractions abroad and if they're worth migrating for. Do you even have that 4m Naira? Lol... do you know how long it would take to have 4m Naira cash in your account? Nigerian banks will give loans worth hundreds of millions of Naira to corrupt politicians but wouldn't give promising minds ordinary 50k. Go and apply for that 4m Naira loan to set up that awesome business of yours, come back and explain your finding(s). I rest my case with you. God bless you. 55 Likes 5 Shares |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 4:33am On Apr 25, 2018 |
Dear @Kalu61 I understand how patriotic you are and how you believe staying in Nigeria and setting up your own business with money, becoming a landlord, etc. is better than being abroad, that is fine. It's clear where your priorities lie and what you see as a fulfilled life. To each his own. Without being condescending, it seems you have absolutely NO idea why people seek greener pastures to developed countries. You converted 8k euros to 4m Naira and because it's in millions, you think it's a fortune? Not everyone wants to be a landlord in Ikorodu, Epe or Sango (No disrespect to people who live there). Nigeria is a failed state. Do you know how many death-traps they import into Nigeria as salvaged cars that people drive on the roads? Do you know how many illegal drugs are on the market because the "owners" bribed their way through the agencies supposed to control these? God forbid your daughter goes to a rich man's son's house, gets raped and you want justice. Which land can 4m Naira buy? Lol. How many Old people are suffering because there is no system in place for them for life after retirement? That's even if they lived a worthy life before retirement. The state of unhealthy foods in Nigerian restaurants with no regulations in place? The smoke you inhale every day from horrible buses and cars that should never be on the roads! My God, if we start talking about reasons to leave Nigeria, I'll be 95 before I stop. What business if I may ask can you set up in Nigeria with 4m Naira? (Please don't talk about open a sports betting shop/importing goods from dubai, selling oil, rice, garri and those 16th century business ideas). Do you know how many people have invested and failed, with customers owing them all over? You can't even track a customer down, sue to court to get your money back, etc. You shouldn't compare a working system to a non-existent system. I'd choose life here in the U.S with NO savings but a roof over my head in a rented apartment, my kids in school, food on my table, etc., over living in even Lekki as a landlord and being at the mercy of a failed country and leaders. Good lord, educate yourself! Do you know it's illegal for your kids to not go to school? The average American kid goes to school!!! Can read AND write. You constantly have to prove you're fit to be a parent else you lose custody of your kids. How many kids are in Makoko, suffering and have no idea what the future holds? Don't get me started. "People are overseas for 20 years but don't have even a room here" . How is this a yardstick to measure a fulfilled life? Some people in Nigeria have never even seen a dishwasher/washer/drier before. Many think using them is "Lazy", haha... basic things that make life easy. I'll just leave you to your mindset. Again, your reasons for deciding to stay is best known to you. Don't let blind patriotism cloud your good judgment. Finally, you have absolutely no clue how WORTHLESS the Nigerian passport is. As they always say, a good name is better than gold and silver. Get into a fight with any Foreigner (American/European for example) in that Nigeria of yours and let your police judge the matter. You'll know how useless the country is. 110 Likes 17 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 6:46pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
signature2012:You were/are right. Only reason I entertained PMs was because like me, some people do better with one on one conversation if sensitive information is involved. I remember when I was in college, I NEVER asked a professor questions in class. I preferred going to their office and if they had company, I'd simply say "I'll come back later". My visa interview in Lagos was crazy lol... seeing so many people around who could hear me speak gave me anxiety. That being said, it's a faceless forum, so it should be easier. I ignore most PMs when they involve things that can be asked here especially if the person did no research. You won't believe someone asked "Is admission for fall semester still open?, Which school is still admitting?". I laughed and ignored because to answer those questions, I'll need Google the same way they can use google. You make excellent points. This thread is so underrated, the information here is enough to get anyone at least half way through achieving their goals. Grad school over here (and I'm sure anywhere else) requires the ability to seek knowledge on your own and only ask for guidance when you encounter problems. People want to be spoonfed. 4 Likes |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 5:34pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
Mogenerous:It means becoming a citizen when you were only a foreigner. From being just a foreigner with visas, temporary residence permits, etc. to having the rights of a citizen (including voting, taking up govt jobs, etc) and all kids born to you automatically take up citizenship too. Oh, you also get the opportunity to burn your former passport and vow to never set foot in that country if that's what you want. Lol. 30 Likes 5 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 5:24pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
LagosismyHome:Lol, I simply ignored the emails. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 5:22pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
alayomini:Sure. What's your case? Also, I can't prepare you for your next interview lol. Unless I don't understand what you mean. You'll be the one to do the preparation, we can only assist you if you're struggling with something. 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 4:20pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
This thread was created to help prospective students who want to come to the U.S., and I believe questions should be asked here. Stop sending me PMs if you know what you wanna discuss is something that can be asked here or if you just wanna waste my time. I have been getting requests for financial assistance. It's now from more than 3 people. Please STOP! If you need help with money, and you already know you can't post it here, don't ask me. 3 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 3:49pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
Adekola87:I'm surprised you asked the VO why she thought you weren't eligible for the visa. For the ZILLIONTH time, prepare for visa interviews! Prepare!!! prepare!!! Prepare!!! Stop giving general answers like "this school has a good student to faculty ratio", "the program will help me achieve my career goals", etc. All American universities help students and have a low student:faculty ratio. In fact, the VOs are sick of being told. Also, a VO is not there to be nice or friendly with anyone. I literally roll my eyes at comments like "she didn't even smile, she didn't say hello back, she cut me short, she wasn't nice to anyone that day, etc.". It's a professional interview, they're there to do their jobs, do yours. A laughing VO who's joking about Kevin Hart will adjudicate your case the same way a frowning VO would. They all have the same standards! Burden is on you to prove to them why you deserve the visa. Imagine your brother saying he wants to go and study in Borno. You ask why and his answer is "because they give students their certificate after they graduate and their students go for NYSC". Wouldn't you frown and whoop his ass for such nonsense? It's the same way people sound when they give weird answers and expect the VO to be impressed. The way to solve a problem is by first identifying what it is. That's what I have tried to do. You weren't prepared enough, simple. Applying to one school in itself is not an issue. You wouldn't have been binned if you had high toefl/gre scores and applied to only Stanford or the University of Texas and got full scholarship. You need more preparation. 11 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 3:23pm On Apr 23, 2018 |
Olusegun26:Congrats sir! I read your email last night and thought "how in the world is this man still worried about getting a Visa?", from what I read, it would have been harder for you to be denied a visa than to get one. I hope you enjoy your stay in CA. Congrats once again. 2 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 8:43pm On Apr 22, 2018 |
Lizzy55:I can. Is it a transcript you can post here? If yes, please post it. |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 8:31pm On Apr 22, 2018 |
@Coxtie People here have looked at the possible long-term effects of your decisions and advised you accordingly. I may be wrong, but you're starting to strike me as a person who just wants to be told what they want to hear. Anyone can come here and tell you to lie, go ahead and get fake documents, cook up a story and sound convincing to the VO. They may even cite cases of people who have done it and succeeded, and you'd be happy with such advice. When you decided to quit school in your final year, spend money on securing undergraduate admission, book a visa appointment, come to the U.S. and take the leap of faith, I'm sure you had a plan and had it figured out. We've told you the risks involved. I hope you sound convincing and get the visa. Afterall, you only have 5 minutes or less to convince the VO that you're a good student who's only coming here to study and return home. Keep asking yourself and working on what to say/show to achieve your goal. If at this stage, you've not come up with a water-tight story and potential answer to every question you could be asked, you need to step up your preparation FAST! All in all, by now you're aware of the risks involved in the path you've decided to follow. You could be a risk-taker and who knows? You may have good luck and everything works out like you planned. Just remember... life in the U.S. is not about getting a Visa. If you have no plan... oh well. 5 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 11:03pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
Ayooluwa18:When you ask a question and you get no reply, it's not because people are ignoring you, it's probably because they read it and didn't know how to reply and are keeping it open until someone who knows how to, replies. The case is different if you mention someone and ask them a direct question and they don't say anything (again, they have the right to not say anything). If you ask a question openly, it's nice to wait and hope someone has an answer. Common mistakes: Asking a question that has been answered over and over on the thread. Sometimes people don't wanna keep saying the same thing. Another mistake is a question like "I finished school in 1995, tell me how to start everything from scratch, give me a list of schools, and everything I need to do". People frown when you don't give them the impression you've made an attempt to seek information on your own especially if that information is easy to get. This same thing leads to visa denials, when applicants make a VO get the vibe that they didn't put in effort to get informed. That being said, while you're waiting for someone to answer your question, read previous pages. I promise, sometimes, the answer you're waiting for is already there. Finally, I know how it feels when it looks like others are getting their questions answered and you're not, just be patient and everything's gonna be good. 5 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 9:36pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
justwise:Ok. |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 8:36pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
God bless you @McSlize, I couldn't have put you any better. That's why the original post focused more on the mindset of the average Nigerian. Like you said, some people don't wanna amass wealth and go oppress their friends and families in the village. All they want is to see a working system, the respect of the rule of law, fair pay for a job well done, freedom of speech, coming back home to a noiseless house (no generator), being able to have emergency responders come save you at 2am when your asthma attack knocks you down, I could go on and on. These are the little things that people want and a working system provides all of that. 22 Likes 3 Shares |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 8:27pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
2by5:While switching from Arts (and working as a CCR) to International studies in itself is not a problem or red flag as you put it, proving that it's a decision that took time and serious research to make is important. That's what you should be thinking of. America is the land of the free, a country of opportunities. You're free to choose whatever, change your mind whenever, make mistakes, etc., the VO only wants to see that you put effort, know what you're doing and that you have what it takes to succeed in Grad school. If you had a son who studied History at Undergrad level, comes to ask you to sell your house for money so he can go get a Master's degree in Physics at the University of Ibadan for example, aren't you going to ask that boy to convince you on why you should invest in such an idea? It may look impossible, but don't underestimate the power of determination, enthusiasm and focus. I hope that analogy gives you an idea of what I'm trying to say. Have a great day. 3 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 8:17pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
sunshineluv5:You're welcome, and thank you too. I'm glad my posts are helping someone out. I'll remember, enjoy your day too. 1 Like |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 5:10pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
signature2012:Hahaha. Thanks for the advice. While there are people who could/would do this, I still like to give everyone the benefit of doubt. I try not to punish anyone for the sins of others. Of 100 sheep, 99 could be bad but 1 good sheep shouldn't suffer because of the behavior of the 99. That being said, my "ignore/block" game is on a level that's yet to be matched lol. I won't have my time wasted. 4 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 5:06pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
daprince5898:In your case, I think better preparation is what you need. I don't know which page but @lagosismyhome put up a list of past interview transcripts you can read and learn from. Read thoroughly and practice more until you are confident enough to answer basic questions that show your future plans in life and how getting this degree would help you achieve those goals. Then, if asked "what has changed about your application", tell them what has changed. Don't say "nothing" or give answers that suggest the previous VOs made mistakes or didn't give you enough time, etc. You can simply say "in my previous interviews, I wasn't able to express how my plans to go for graduate studies would help me achieve my future goals". 9 out of 10 times, the interviewer's next question would be for you to show them how you have tried to fix this and this is where your preparation should come in... Perform better. Prove that you're a worthy student and you should be fine. Please, prepare! Don't book that interview until you have improved. Have a nice day. 3 Likes |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 4:49pm On Apr 21, 2018 |
nelronaldo:1. Calm down. Applying to MBA from any background whether science or performing arts is not an issue at all. People do it all the time, the VO is not going to have a problem with this so, stop worrying. However, you have to say WHY you did this if asked. The reason you gave here, despite being genuine and truthful, could be interpreted as being a lazy student who was only finding the easy way out. Better option would have been going for an MBA because you're more interested in being an entrepreneur and a business degree would complement what you already have as a science foundation. Think of better examples, please. 2. The embassy interview is quite easy, and this depends on how you define the term "easy". Once you understand WHY an interview is needed and what's expected of you, it becomes easier. That's why I always stress the word "prepare". 3. One step at a time. Immigration laws are too broad. I don't think you should be worrying about that right now. Having an immigrant intent is a reason for denial and a VO is trained to sniff that from 7000 miles away. Feel free to ask more questions if you're still confused. Have a great day.  5 Likes |
| Travel › Re: Is Life Abroad Worth The Stress And Hype? Memoirs Of A Naturalized Immigrant. by theamerican(op): 10:40am On Apr 21, 2018 |
Inkredible:Good lord, what is the relevance of this comment? 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Travel › Re: General U.s.a (student) Visa Enquiries-part 13 by theamerican(f): 10:38am On Apr 21, 2018 |
@everyone sending PMs, I'll try to check my email later today. Don't feel ignored. If your question can be answered publicly, please make it easier by asking here so other people can help if one person's unavailable. 1 Like |
