sureb0y:
Freedom, Choice and Responsibility. Look at these three words carefully. You are FREE to CHOOSE to do whatever you want and afterwards, you must take RESPONSIBILITY for whatever the outcome is! Student visa, Go there, study, pay your fees and after graduation, go back to Naija. Tourist visa, go there, see wetin you wan see and go back to Naija. You are free to do this as the terms and conditions of your visa state or to enter street and rough it up. However it pans out, oga, take responsibility. You can sit all day and argue how life abroad is difficult and impossible, oga... Nobody is forcing anyone to go abroad, it's a choice, don't blame anyone for the failure. You could have stayed back or left for home immediately you found things tough. See them arguing like paying taxes, becoming a house owner at 19 through mortgage or buying a brand new car on credit is a bad thing. These things are NOT forced on anyone. It's a decision you make and once you choose to go this route, DO NOT COMPLAIN. If we had a working system in Naija, all these things would be in place too. You think people don't buy cars on credit in Nigeria and have their employers deduct from their salaries to finance the debt? You think people don't buy houses/plots of land through mortgage and pay over time in Nigeria too? Bros, it is everywhere! It is a choice. If you don't wanna get a brand new car on credit and pay over time, you can also buy used ones. Naija boys dey enter yankee and buy cheap cars. That Toyota Camry big daddy, boys dey buy am on the cheap from sellers on craigslist and locally too. You people complain about car registration and insurance like it's an everyday payment. They won't talk about the benefits o. when your car crash, you know how you can smile to the insurance company and get your benefits. Comprehensive car insurance is in Naija too, do you know how expensive it is? Some people do NOT live a life of credit. get a job, live within your means. use public transport, cook at home! pay rent instead of renting a house, borrow things from friends instead of buying, don't have plenty kids, manage your life and live happily. It's all planning and choice.
The number of people who make it is very small compared to the number of those who do not, same statistics everywhere in the world. How many Nigerians earn 150k+ monthly compared to those who do not? I am tired of these comparisons. Complain, Complain, Complain. The instant you experience something different from what you're used to, you lose interest in adjusting, you complain instead. Wait, let me ask you. Do you think the Americans should stop this "life of credit" and do things the way we have them done in Nigeria? LOOOOOOOOL don't even answer, bad as their system is. it is working for them.
Let's say you get a job in Nigeria, pay is 150k monthly, you can decide to rent a house in Makoko, keep starving yourself, don't buy any new clothes, save 100k, trek to work everyday, and when you have saved enough, buy a land in Ikorodu and build your house after 5 years. after another one year, you can decide to buy one Tokunbo car and keep living that way if you prefer to be saving and living a life of "No credit". No one will kill you. Alternatively, you can decide to get a brand new car and pay small small on credit, buy a flat/house in Lekki and pay small small. Big sacrifice, but Over time, you'll have everything sorted. The end justifies the means. Again, no one will kill you. Don't make it look like once you enter yankee, you're forced to apply for credit cards, buy cars on credit and become a house owner. FEAR GOD!
The fact remains: The yankee system has been in place and as bad as it is, it is working for them. When you're going there, you're going there to try to blend with whatever the heck it is they do there. Failure to blend and do things their way is not their business. Don't complain and wish for things to be the way they are in Nigeria.
Let me give you an example. One of my guys, the guy dey UK. Na London e enter o for Master's degree. after one year, things didn't work out. Padi decide to dey shoot anything enter him babe without protection. to helllll with family planning. them do marriage, lowkey pikin enter. I can't really remember how but he changed his status from student ish to spouse of a citizen. State dey pay dem money for pikin upkeep small but it is something. His wife works, he also got a job. them plan their life, move to cheap place and them dey live their lives lowkey. As sharp guy, he scope the babe make he apply for mortgage for house and them go dey contribute their salaries until them pay for the house finish. The babe gree, now them dey live for their own house and over time, they will finish paying for it. them no dey drive yet o, and them no mind. my padi na down to earth nigga, he no post nonsense for Instagram trying to impress anybody. Baba dey on street dey live him life, drink lowkey, smoke sk, live him life. You'll hear him say stuff like "sureboy, make I no lie for you, things no easy for here o but forget... iyalaya won, we go rough am. I dey happy for here, I get peace of mind". I ask him if he'd prefer to come back to Naija and live the easy life, he said a big NO and gave sensible reasons for staying there, believing it'd get better and better after he's used to the system. You know how many Naija girls dey marry citizens or people wey get permanent residency and how dem dey plan things codedly? I have a dawg too who did the mortgage thing, got a house close to a university, and rented it out to international students. He's servicing the mortgage with the rent these people are paying. One day the house go turn him own. What's my point? Shine your eyes, roll with people who have a positive mindset and try to encourage the ginger.
Sometimes, people prefer to stay abroad not because they're ashamed to come back to Naija, it is because they consider the positives over there and the nonsense they're coming to face here. People save just to come home and show off for two weeks? You don't know some people just come to Naija codedly, na only few people go know, they run back without making any noise. Na different people and different lifestyles. Don't generalize.
Know yourself, this is very important. I am a very reserved person and I like things being organized. I'll choose 24 hours noiseless electricity over the cheap crap we have here in Naija. I'll choose fast, unlimited internet over the nonsense we have here in Lagos, I'll choose good cars to be driven on good roads, serviced and maintained by professionals who would give me value for my money over the barawos we have as mechanics here, I would choose to visit a good gym, eat good food and be trained by a professional even if it's going to be more expensive. I'll choose to live in a place where I can get access to good healthcare even if it's expensive instead of dying in the hospital because the doctors are on strike, etc. Did you notice the most important part? the "I". it's my life, my decision. you're also free to do whatever you want. Some of these things are available in Naija too, expensive but omo... I prefer going abroad. Na me get my life. I no be omo mummy o. I dey on street and I know as e dey go.
Adapt, Adapt, Adapt, know as e dey go. don't lose the ginger, roll with sharp hustlers. Don't follow all these omo mummy who don't know what bukata/responsibility is. It's going to be difficult, very difficult. it's 50-50, you either get it right or not. Do your best to get it right, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. In the end, enjoy life while you have it. No one is making it out alive. All is vanity

kisses all the way for you... God bless you.

Hi peeps.. This is my first time on this thread. I would be grateful if you pple can give an accurate answer to my question. I applied for masters in one of the univ in US and I wnt to study public administration... Willbegoing for my interview in next two weeks. I want u pple to tell me what I will say when the VO asked me why I wnt to study public admin because I studied economics for my first degree. Pls give me a good answer to the question. Thanks

nedum360:
Testimony Time
I've been an occasionally silent follower of this thread
Visa Approved in Abuja, Window 7 Yesterday After 3 attempts and 2 denials
VO was a cute young Caucasian babe with her Caucasian male supervisor looming in the background
No documents asked
Me Good Morning with a smile
VO Good morning with a warm smile. Pass your documents
VO Where are u going to?
Me Bleep
VO What are you going to study?
Me Bleep
VO Types on the computer for a while
VO Where do u work?
Me Bleep
VO Continues typing
VO Who's paying?
Me I'm the person paying
VO Still continues typing. Then states the magical words
I was overwhelmed with joy that I didn't even hear the remaining words she said. Last I heard was her wishing me a safe trip.
PS: A lot of people where denied yesterday. Mainly those going for visit. Never give up on ur dreams of getting good American education. The God that did it for me after 3x would doit 4u.

Congrats bro.. But we don't speak d bleep language ere..
Since u have been reading oda people's transcript u saw de wer as detailed as possible so de cud help people like u.. So y don't u return d favor for odas..
Pls try edit and b detailed as possible to help odas.. because of #karma
Congrats once more

tjwolex:

Thanks don4ye. I will book as soon as I've made my sevis fee payment. That's the only issue delaying me right now.
I'm thinking of either contacting Slimmy for his help or going to seme border to make the payment.
Any suggestions?

Slimmy has been helpful on here.. But if you can go to seme boarder, all well and good.. Koko is visa should b granted..

papajay777:
Hi peeps.. This is my first time on this thread. I would be grateful if you pple can give an accurate answer to my question. I applied for masters in one of the univ in US and I wnt to study public administration... Willbegoing for my interview in next two weeks. I want u pple to tell me what I will say when the VO asked me why I wnt to study public admin because I studied economics for my first degree. Pls give me a good answer to the question. Thanks

I studied economics too... That been said no one can tell you what to tell the VO, practiced/crammed answers dissolve under pressure. If i were in your shoes, I will stress the disconnect/gulf that appears between economic theories and policies. So given your rigorous training in economics, you are looking for a graduate course that will enable you to transcribe abstract theories into workable policies.


I hope this helps

warriboy21:


Congrats bro.. But we don't speak d bleep language ere..
Since u have been reading oda people's transcript u saw de wer as detailed as possible so de cud help people like u.. So y don't u return d favor for odas..
Pls try edit and b detailed as possible to help odas.. because of #karma
Congrats once more

Me sef dey wonder who bleep help... If you don't want to tell us keep it to yourself but that his nonsense transcript is an insult to hundreds of well meaning nairalanders that have shared their transcripts on this thread(all 8 parts and more than 3000 pages of it). So brother nedum360 keep your bleep in your pocket and buy akara with it... Here in YBNL we don't care o

papajay777:
Hi peeps.. This is my first time on this thread. I would be grateful if you pple can give an accurate answer to my question. I applied for masters in one of the univ in US and I wnt to study public administration... Willbegoing for my interview in next two weeks. I want u pple to tell me what I will say when the VO asked me why I wnt to study public admin because I studied economics for my first degree. Pls give me a good answer to the question. Thanks

Oya sit and write some points here, post it here for review, remember to add yours

There are many reasons for an international student to study public administration, yet the biggest one may be the ability to make a difference in your own community. The decisions a public administrator makes help transforms his or her own town (or perhaps, even country) into a better and more pleasant place to live. The issues dealt with are sometimes challenging and complex, taking many years to solve. However, if they are successful, a sense of personal pride can be maintained as a difference is truly being made.
Another reason to study public administration is to prepare international students for a career in government or non-profit work. Public administration jobs may be in demand in the future because budgetary funds are low. When there is this competition for money, every dollar that is earned is expected to be put to good use and only a select group of people will have to skills to manage it. A public administration degree will provide international students with strong communication skills, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, analytical, and fundraising capabilities that are necessary to this position.

In conclusion, a public administrator manages public agencies, set budgets, and creates government policies. International students who seek a public administration degree may find a rewarding career where they make a difference in the community and become an active part of government.

Fortissimo:


Boss I sent you a PM too o

Responded.

Fellow earth explorers:

Please pm me so we can rub minds together or share ideas. You are also free to drop the questions here and trust me to respond at my first convenience.

-OjaP

Thanks.
Any idea of the exact price for scheduling an interview?

Fortissimo:


Count back 120days from the resumption date on ur I-20. E.g if your start date is 19 Aug, then you can schedule your interview to hold on or after 22 April (I think).

monsieur2016:
Thanks.
Any idea of the exact price for scheduling an interview?

It's currently N31,520 according to the website.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-visafeeinfo.asp

sureb0y:
@seanemason thanks jare. U nailed the response. I know d long posts are tiring sometimes, ignoring them is free and requires no extra effort.

@mayflowa from 4 rushed posts on Nairaland, u are convinced I am a disorganized person, a poor writer, etc. Looool. U're comparing this to writing a novel? U know even novel writers pass their work to professional editors, right? Na reasoning like yours dey make me write long just to reduce your thinking patterns to absurdity.
I should space my paragraphs, carry dictionary because I want to write and impress you? This is casual writing, poor standard I know, it is not as bad biko. Get d message and move on.
Sir, no be trial I dey do for here. When I need to write something serious, I channel my energy towards it and do it well. No offence taken.
As long as I spell most of my words well, argue coherently, and finish up well most times, it's good enough for a casual writing.
Lemme even give u a free tip... When u see such a thing that's too long to read, read the the first two paragraphs and the conclusion. U'll get the msg. A perfect reader like you should know this: u don't need to read the whole essay to get d message.

@slimmy2005 I don tell u, I no dey slack for street. I roll with Niggas wey know as e dey go. SOMETIMES, boys dey go online, submit assignment topic and pay for professionals to write dem and the privacy policy na ogbonge. When it's ready, read well to get d idea, step the quality down so as not to get an A for dem to call u up to defend am. They're happy with a B. My guys dey do am well, all way na way. Doesn't mean they aren't sound, na just smart work.
You're free to shoot the idea down, na how people dey do things codedly be that and the 'jews' go dey wonder how dem dey do am. One guy posted how students make money from driving uber and lyft taxis, everybody shoot the idea down. Later when d guy no reveal anything again, dem go say him be bad person.
Life is hard, u make tough decisions, take risks. Sometimes they work out, sometimes they don't. At least, try! U can't win the lottery if u don't buy the ticket. If I enter Yankee, I dey go with 20 litres of agbo jedi to gidi gan. if book no do am, hustle go run am.
Last line was a joke before una start to tell me how dem go tackle me for airport. Y'all get too serious!!!

Boss you just they burst my head... I swear down, they are just too serious on this thread!

Mayflowa:


Of course I know. I do not intend to demean his abilities and reasoning. I wanted him to be more persuasive with his arguments. Good writing style helps to do that for you. There is a place for learning. I agree it's kinda harsh but I needed to point this flaw out so he had learn.

He enjoys writing. That is why he can fill this page up quickly. I guess he is writing for people to read. He should at least make life easy for audience if we are to read his epistles. Lest you come across as ranting with no proper punctuation and paragraphing. Since he admitted to writing differently in a more formal setting, I have no qualms.

Lastly, I apologize for been brunt and harsh.

nice one man!

nedum360:
Testimony Time
I've been an occasionally silent follower of this thread
Visa Approved in Abuja, Window 7 Yesterday After 3 attempts and 2 denials
VO was a cute young Caucasian babe with her Caucasian male supervisor looming in the background
No documents asked
Me Good Morning with a smile
VO Good morning with a warm smile. Pass your documents
VO Where are u going to?
Me Bleep
VO What are you going to study?
Me Bleep
VO Types on the computer for a while
VO Where do u work?
Me Bleep
VO Continues typing
VO Who's paying?
Me I'm the person paying
VO Still continues typing. Then states the magical words
I was overwhelmed with joy that I didn't even hear the remaining words she said. Last I heard was her wishing me a safe trip.
PS: A lot of people where denied yesterday. Mainly those going for visit. Never give up on ur dreams of getting good American education. The God that did it for me after 3x would doit 4u.

congrats

Sureb0y, über or taxi driving is a risky business here in US depending on the state. It's not a safe stuff to do. For those that know their way around its fine.

I pray those friends even offer to let you sleep in their kitchen when you arrive here. In 2baba's voice "If them tell you say e easy o na set up"

Thanks man!

Fortissimo:


It's currently N31,520 according to the website.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/ng-niv-visafeeinfo.asp

OjaP:
Fellow earth explorers:

Please pm me so we can rub minds together or share ideas. You are also free to drop the questions here and trust me to respond at my first convenience.

-OjaP

Hello Ojap. Got MS Geological Engineering for fall 2016 from UND. Preparing for interview for July. Any inspiration along is well appreciate . @Amanse15, kindly advice too

@imperiouxx I've sent the mail. Thank you so much sir... God bless

calfavour:

Hello Ojap. Got MS Geological Engineering for fall 2016 from UND. Preparing for interview for July. Any inspiration along is well appreciate . @Amanse15, kindly advice too

Why July, though?

calfavour:

Hello Ojap. Got MS Geological Engineering for fall 2016 from UND. Preparing for interview for July. Any inspiration along is well appreciate . @Amanse15 amanze15, kindly advice too

Did you get funding from UND?

Who"s a computer science Major here, as many of us here, let's Know each other.

Hello people, this is my first time writing on this page. I must say you guys have been doing a wonderful job...kudos. Please i will appreciate your help. I need TOEFL materials. can anyone help by sending to my e-mail...chizyraky@yahoo.com. Thanks

Thanks boss, really appreciate your reply. I have replied your mail

imperiouxx:
@Theflint1,

Abeg no vex. My time is always used up by either work or classes (that's how US is). I no dey get time to open emails anymore. I'm so sorry for whoever email I can't reply.

PS: I replied your email now.

Visited EducationUsa at the embassy to register with them as required by Minnesota state university and it was a nice experience. For those who will be going for visa interview and are looking for a cheap and affordable guest house or hotel close to Walter Carrington, you can check frutos fast food. The fastfood has lodginh accomodation. Its located at 16 Ikoyi Road, Obalende. Just beside Wesley Methodist Church. Their prices range between 3500 to 5000naira per night. For the rooms of 3500,please do not expect an ac in the room.

gunther6:


Did you get funding from UND?

No, I didn't get.

calfavour:

No, I didn't get.

Note that you can always apply for GA positions in other departments. Once you get your visa approved, travel early and scout for GA.

deevick246 I sight you.... So you still dey on the matter since all these days....

calfavour:

No, I didn't get.

Stingy schools.... Keep pressing the grad school... All will be well

Fesobi92:
@aamgroup send a blank mail to selfstudy360@gmail.com, you'll get a link to download toefl materials at least.

Already done that.... Thanks
But they didn't send me any SAT material...

slimmy2005:
Note that you can always apply for GA positions in other departments. Once you get your visa approved, travel early and scout for GA.

How soon can one travel.. I heard its only a month prior to the start of your program

MrMann1:

How soon can one travel.. I heard its only a month prior to the start of your program

3weeks is enough

slimmy2005:
Note that you can always apply for GA positions in other departments. Once you get your visa approved, travel early and scout for GA.

I did not see any GA openings on my sch website. Pls can I still send applications, kindly guide me through.