US 4 MS

Some Recent VISA exp..

2007-05-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

HII
My INterview was on april 4th in MUMBAI at 9.15.....
I stood in line at 8 am only .They allowed me at 12.30pm inside.
Again i waited 2 hours inside(i was fully tensed).
At Last my turn came....

VO : which univ...?
Me : Answerd

VO : give me UR GRE scre card?
Me : Gave...(got 990) [whn he asked my gre i confirmed tht my visa would b rejected]

VO : Y low scre...?
Me : Sat QUIETLY..[ fully tensed ]

VO : What is ur PAPA..?
Me : Answered

VO ; U will receive ur pssport within 2days....
Me : Thnk u sir

GOT MY VISA STAMPED

Got Visa FOr Syracuse uni...
Frinds here I am posting my visa interview experience.
My interview was held on 23rd April,Monday, 8-15a.m. slot at Mumbai Consulate.
after finishing all formalities like scanning and finger printing..
sat quitely waiting my number to be called for interview. Finally my token number announced and i rushed for the interview.

ME: Hello mam, Good morning..
Vo: Very good morning.

Vo: Which university u're going for??
ME: Syracuse University.

VO: How did u find this university.
ME: mam, my some friends are studying there and also i searched a lot on internet about this uni..and i found computer engg courses very attractive for my field VLSI designing..(told abt courses)

VO: (typing something everytime in her computer)ok wen did u cmplete ur bachelers?
ME: actually m studyin in final semester and i ll be graduating in May June 2007.. mam i have bonafide letter from my institute would u like to see it?

VO(the lady) seemed to be in ver much hurry to complete my interview.

Vo: no i dont want to see any of ur documents.. close ur folder..
just answer my ques only..
I wont ask u for any of the docs...(i became lil nervous this time)

Vo: what is ur father doing?
ME: My father is running a tea business.. He is a wholesale tea merchant.

Vo: tell me more about his business.
ME: Explained her about our business in deep and found her much satisfied..

VO: What is his annual income?
ME: my father's annual income is xxx lacs.. would u like to see income tax statements or other summary statements of income?

Vo: no I trust u.. ur visa has been approved. Ur passport will reach ur home within three days.

(I was really amazed by her last statement "I trust u" heheh)

ME: Thank u mam..thank u very much..
Vo: (with a big smile) it's fine.. enjoy ur day..

SO guys this was the exact conversation between ME and VO.. it was just a cakewalk for me.. i dint even open my 13 storied folder..
wat i can say is to be confident and try to maintain eye contact.. and visa is all urs.Best of luck.

hi guys ,

I got my F-1 Visa to University of New Mexico at Delhi Embassy Yesterday.My Interview lasted for arnd 15 minutes , he had checked each and every document except GRE/TOEFL score reports.It was very cool and I answered every question confidently. My interview went in this way ....

VO : good Morning
ME : good morning sir
VO: what is ur purpose of the trip
ME : to pursue Masters in Civil Engineering
VO: Whch University
ME: UNM
VO:from which university have u completed ur Btech
ME: National Institute of Technology,Allahaba d
VO:where do your parents reside
ME:Hyderabad

then he thought that i am seperated frm my parents and living individually, Immediately I explained him that I was studying away from my parents but they are my sponsers

VO: what is ur mothers annual income
ME: told
VO:what is ur fathers annual income
ME:told
VO:what does ur mother and father do
ME:told
VO:show me the proof of your savings as well as ur parents income
ME:showed(He checked them carefully)
VO:show me your semester marksheets
ME:showed
VO:why you have choosen UNM
ME:sir,ths university have a good course cirriculum in my specialisation. .then he interupted and asked me whether I know any professor.
I told him that I know one professor he was assisting me in a project frm past six months..he immediately asked his name and contact number...
thats is thn he told that my visa is approved .....
truly speaking i doesnt know any professor over there but I remembered the names.....so guys dont panic visa interview is just like a simple HR interview ..be confident and no need to worry abt your acads,scores and documents... be confident in what you are explaning...

I once again thank the i20fever team for providing me assistance all the best guys..

University of Alabama Huntsville
Got visa on 20th-Apr at chennai consulate. Here goes my visa experience

Visa slot was at 7.45 in the morning...was at the embassy at 6.45.
Cosulate opened at 7.30. ppl started moving in.
went inside...got the application forms checked and everything was put in a
green folder...
Got my finger print scan done and started waiting...

after .5 hours ..was standing in the VOs window queue...only few F1 ppl were there....
as i was moving ahead... 3-4 F1 visa candidates got rejected....the VOs were looking
at financial aspects and ties with our homeland....so i strongly suggest you ppl to
go with genuine financial documents and speak the truth....my turn came and i went to
a french beard guy....here is how it went...

VO: Good Morning
Me: Very Good Morning (was trying to put on a smile..but couldnt)
VO: Plz pass ur folder...
Me: (Gave....)
VO: (looked at the monitor) What were you doing in the US?
Me: (i had a H1b visa but didnt use it) I did not go to the US sir.
VO: Oh...why sir?
Me: was supposed to go for a prj but that was moved to france
so i had to travel to france for the same
VO: ok...so you are not going to use this visa..?
Me: no sir...
VO: (Stamped on my H1 ..cancelled without prejudice)
Me: (sigh...that was still valid..tot of using it if my F1 visa was rejected)
VO: Plz pass your degree marksheets...
Me: (gave)
VO: what is you degree score...
Me: 80%
VO: Do you hold any rank?
Me: I was department second in my last semester.....
VO: what will you do after completing you course?
Me: Will join the same company for which i am working for currently
VO: have you talked to your company reg this?
Me: yes sir...i hav their approval (Man....)
VO: will you get a better salary...
Me: better salary and a better position too...
VO: hmmm...when will you come back from US?
Me: 2 years from now sir...
VO: what are you going to specialise in?
Me: SW metrics...
VO: (Smiling..) what is this metrics that you are talking abt?
Me: SW Metrics is abt blah blah blah....
VO: (was nodding his head all the time) Can i see your GRE score card?
Me: Sure...(gave the GRE and TOEFL score cards)
VO: plz pass your financial documents...
Me: (passed the bank statement and CA certificate)
VO: so do you have a bank loan or is your father going to finance you?
Me: i hav a bank loan just to bridge the gap...will use my father's savings for the studies
VO: (was glancing at all the documents) what is your father?
Me: A retired bank officer..
VO: Ok sir...i am approving your visa..it will be couriered to you in 3 days time..
Me: thank you very much sir.....have a great day..
VO: thank you...
Me: (yahooooo....i like to move it move it....i like to move it move it...)

Just be confident and speak well....make sure all your financial documents are genuine and
pray to God...All the Very Best ... :)

My Interview was on 24th April
Interview was good..didn't ask for any document.
My Interview was on counter no. 7. VO was young lady. she approved almost all applicants who stood before me.

1. Why you want to go USA?
A. to study MBA at UNA.

2. How did you know about particular Uni?
A. From couple of my frnds who studing there in same course & chat with some alumni & surf the web.

3. Where are you working right now?
A. Told

4. How much do you earn?
A. Told

5. In which field you r going to specialize? Why?
A. IT, because IT is booming in India right now, & NASCOM has predicted that India will need more than 100000 IT professional in 2010. So I have good opportunity when I will come back.

6. How much you will get when you will come back after your masters?
A. Avg. 3L.

7. In which field you have done your bachelors?
A. Business Admin

8. Who is going to sponsor you?
A. My Father & My Uncle

9. What they do? & their annual income?
A. My Father is working as Asst Accountant in so & so company & my uncle has business & total income is around 5.30L

After calculating income she said, income is not sufficient for your fees. I replied, We have sufficient savings with banks as cash & FDs.

10. How much savings do you have?
A. XX Lakhs of cash & XX lakhs of FDs.

She took some time to decide...

& than, she replied, ok i m believing in you & your visa has been approved.

i was approved by d same young lady...@chennai consulate on 24th apr
it was easy...nd it lasted only for a few mins...

me:gd morning mam
vo:hello
me:h r u?
vo:i'm fine

i showed her my i20...
vo:vich univ
me: told
vo:vich course
me:i'm goin to do my undergraduation in cs
vo: y only dat univ
me:it offers a gud dual eng programme nd also my mom is thr
vo:show me ur mom's passport
me:showed
vo:how r u goin to fund ur education
me:i hav enough funds for my first two yrs nd d next 4 yrs my mom will fund me..nd i showed her my mom's income taxx returns..
vo: evrthing seems fine...ur visa is approved ..u'll get ur passport in one week..

may 2 7.45 chennai consulate
guys this will boost ur confidence.

me:goodmorning sir
vo:very good morning
vo:which dept and college:
me:blah blah blah:
vo:ur marksheets
me:gave
vo:so many arrears
me:blah blah blah( very confidently)
vo:was not convinced
me:again said i was topper in 8th semester and showedproof
vo:good convinced
vo:bank statements
me:gave and explained
vo:came the golden words
me:thank you sir u made my day
vo:pleasure is mine.
bye.................

Place : Chennai
Date : I had booked april 27th 2007 but they rescheduled it to may 1st 2007
Interview time: 7-45 am
Program: Interdisciplinary Telecommunication
University: University Of Colorado at Boulder
VO: which Course are u going for?
ME: Interdisciplinary Telecom

Greetings with smiles :)

VO: Why this uni?
Me: I spoke about profs.. just a short ans

( I kept my answers short I was asked to keep it to the point and short… plus she kept looking at computer monitor and asking me qs…. It seemed more like a formality…
PS: both of us were standing.. I didn’t know they stand tooo… and everyone cud hear what I hav been asked and what I reply)

VO: Whose sponsoring ur education?
ME: My parents

VO: where are they working?
ME: Told Them

She smiles ( I was eyeing her pretty chunky beady chain.. .. it didn’t feel like an interview.. as I expected a room where no one else cud hear us etc… )

She was looking thru my DS Forms and checking stuff on the monitor… make eye contact …smile… ( not keep smiling like a mad person ?)

VO: So u hav a sister .. what is she doing?
ME: Told her

VO: When did you complete your engineering course?
ME:2005

VO: I see you hav been working since then.. how much is your salary?
ME: Told her

She took out my I-20 and sevis receipt I think.. and passed it out to me… and said ..

VO:Ur VISA is approved… u can travel a month in advance to the university….
ME: Smiled , thanked and came out ?

I did not even open my document folder… even when I got out.. I cudnt believe it was over …

If u want to anything more feel free to ask… I guess a lot depends on the university .. all the best to everyone else! cheers

My VISA Experience
Place: Chennai
Date: 01/05/2007
Time: 9:00 AM
For Phd

Myself: Good Morning Sir
VO: Good Morning, where r u studying?
Myself: Sir currenlty i am working with GE, i have completed my Masters from IIT Bombay
VO: Which University u r going?
Myself: Iowa State University
VO: Field?
Myslef: CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
VO: I am issuing you the VISA, best of luck.
Myself: thanka a lot sir

So my interview was finished within 1 min.

May 2nd
Date: May 2nd 2007
Place: Bombay
Program: MS Mechanical, Oklahoma State Univ-Stilwater
Time: 8:15 AM

sarr kiye ye pahaarrr..... Well, i was humming this song during the interview, and i m still, coz its one of my favs by Strings...alrite, my interview was as simplest as it cud get...i assembled at VFS Lounge at 7:15AM, ate the greasy sandwich and threw the other half in the dustbin, drank the stale coffee, and was still humming( dunno why)
was called to board the bus, which wud take me to the US Consulate...
once inside, the usual security checking etc, then the I-20,docus checkin, finger printing etc....after finger printing, got a pink token, and was made to sit from exactly 8:20 AM to 8:55 AM, waitin patiently for my turn, at last got SATANS call, COUNTER NO:2...
wow, cudnt beleive it, prior i had heard rumours, that counter 1 to 4, were the best, as Visa was usually smooth there...
shot towards the counter, but found 2 smart ladies standing front of me...waited for my turn...finally, the Yank Lady with the AMERICAN FLAG worn around her neck, greeted me...

VO: Good Morning, How are you?
me: good Morning, I am fine Ma'm...
VO looks at my I-20, and then
VO: So wat are you planning to do in the US of A
me: Ma'm, I intend to completed a MS in Mechanical Engineering from OSU Stilwater
VO: alrite, Ok, I see that you have received some kinda aid from the University
I was waitin for this question, dunno why, but wit full enthusiasm,
me: Yes Ma'm, I have got 25% TA and some fee waive, can i SHow you my offer letter
VO: No, its ok, I dont want to see all that ( types some thing on the PC )
VO: So , your parents are planning to sponsor you ( my fathers name was printed on the I-20 )
me: yes Ma'm, my father wud sponsor
VO: wat does your father do?
me: He is a chartered accountant by profession working in blah blah...
VO types again something on the comp...
VO: smiles, Your Visa is approved and wud b courier in 2 days...
dats it, NOT A SINGLE DOCUMENT ASKED TO PRODUCE...i m out by 9:15

MAy 2nd 2007.

Boy Visa procedure seems to be getting real simple. Here's mine

VO: show me your BE and GRE score card.
VO: great marks
ME" thnk you mam.
VO : /why finance
ME : Told
VO : all the best. Have a nice stay in NYC. You'll do well for yourself. Real sweet lady..

hi..
Date:may 2nd
TIME:12.00pm
Place:chennai
Program:MS in an analytical chemistry to new mexico state uni

well my actual interview with the VO is just for 2 mins..but the waiting time is too high..man..
well after a long time waiting i have finally completed the prescreening n then the fingerprint process n was asked to wait fo r lmost one more hr...n then was standing in the line before the VO chmbers..then here comes my turn(3.00pm)...actaully the waiting has let my tensions off frm me....hehehe
VO:good morning...
ME:hello sir..very good morning...
then he gave me a wide smile..this is what had brought my tensions back..seriously...
VO:give me ur folder plss...
ME:sure sir.. n handed him my green folder which has my passport my application n i20
VO:why US??
ME:sir,to pursue a masters in analytical chemistry frm nmsu
VO:ok,why that subjec??
ME: gave the answer...
seems like he is convinced with the answer..
VO:ok..so what do u do in anlytical chem....
ME:explained him the techniques involved n other stuff,..
VO:alrite...can i have ur degreee marks sheet..(with a smile)
ME:sure sir...
VO:alrite ..ur gre n toefl score cards...
ME:sure...
VO:(he worked oon his system for a moment n then..)ok..u r allset..u will be getting ur passport in 4 days.. n gave a broad smile...
ME:ooh..(i dint expect this expression muself)..thanks a lot..have a nice day sir..
VO:smiled again....
i collected everything n just rushed out of the room to meet my dad..
thass it..no financial issues or qstions atall..
maybe its coz i have the 20hr TA with 30% tution fee waiver that he dint even bothered asking me the financial issues...
thass it guys,,...i have actually started in a very tensed mood but was finished in a very easy n smooth manner...thnsk god....

i thank this community again for its information which helped me a lot...
thanks sooo much..

all the questions i was asked is
1.which school?
2.which course?
me: ms in cs at texas a&m kingsville
3.what is your ug group?
me: electronics and communication engg.
4.any backlogs?
Me : yes
5.hw many?
me: xx
6. what about the funds?

that is it. he said i will get my passport through courier.

Hi guys.

I am going to umass amherst for a MS/ PhD at the CS department. I got
a visa today. It went as follows:

I: Good morning
He: Good morning
I pass the file with my DS 156, 157, 158, passport, SEVIS receipt and
I-20. I carefully watch what he is seeing and saying.
He sees that I am applying for an F1 visa,
He: Where are you going to study?
I: The University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
He: And what are you going to study?
I: Computer Science
He sees the finance part of the I-20, and observes that I have an
assistantship which covers all expenses. He returns the SEVIS receipt
and I-20. I replace it in my file.
He: You will get your passport by courier.
He shakes his head and says: "You will get your passport and visa by courier. "
I thank him and walk away.

Find how much funding a univ has...

2007-04-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

1) First visit https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a6/A6Start.htm to know present status of funding in ur dream univ b4 applying if it has more than 100+ projects currently it is a good indication for funding.

2) see "thecenter.ufl.edu" (not www.thecenter.ufl.edu)to get exact figures of funding ie how much an univ spent in specific branch for specific year and see these facts for past 4 years.

Links to Some Useful Topics. Check it

2007-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Amazing Links.
Hey guys! Check out these amazing websites for prospective grad students! It's a goldmine of information

http://www.studentsreview.com
a comprehensive review of universities on various parameters by students at the graduate / undergraduate levels.

http://ratemyprofessors.com
a website where students have rated their professors. Includes a guide on whom to avoid and who're the cool ones! Complete with points and comments on each professor!

1. http://www.garamchai.com/indassc.htm - Indian Student Association Links

2. http://www.geocities.com/infoindia123/gre/sample1.html - Sample of financial docs

3. http://members.tripod.com/~bnitin/abroad/visa.html - Some VISA tips (Link may contain older Visa rules and some un-updated info)

4.www.phds.org

5.www.campusdirt.com

6.www.petersons.com

Links to Some Useful Topics.

Links to Useful Topics
1. Comprehensive information on Application Procedure [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=7805483&tid=2444214183204099523]

2. Some useful websites for initial research of Universities [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=7805483&tid=2445813740688342273]

3. Long awaited journey is going to be like this [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=7805483&tid=2443032708567930307]

4. List of Items to be taken along http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=7805483&tid=2443030719998072259]

5. The App Procedure…Have I missed something? [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=7805483&tid=2443848632095086019]

6. Amazing Websites [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=10657957&tid=2457702983257927984&na=4]

7. All about Visa
[http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=12398107]

8. Post VISA Things to do. [http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=8847520&tid=2460287668801142465&start=1]
Hi frenz...

http://time4masters.googlepages.com/home

Check this out
http://www.immihelp.com/

Visa samagri
VISA SAMAGRI... 7/2/2006 10:54 AM
GUYS GALS AND....FOR A TO Z
OF VISA, FIN AID AND AFTER VISA STUFF.. VISIT THIS LINK...

http://malvadkar.com/downloads.aspx

VISA DUCUMENTS SAMPLE!!!
http://www.msdreamz.com/visadocuments.htm

SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGY LIST
Just check this out
http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=10657957&tid=2465498651695362352

Cheers

Visa Experiences
hi guys , I found this site very interesting...It has visa experiences of F1 students who appeared for Visa interview recently.

http://visaexperiences.blogspot.com/

VISA EXPERINCE!!
Ok another forum for visa experiences!!

http://pub36.bravenet.com/forum/3045007005
It has got sessions of rejects as well!!

VISA interview audio practice session
http://rapidshare.de/files/36171271/Visa_interview_1.wma.html

Download F1 visa collection....be patient it takes time to d/l...Hope it helps...

http://www.zupload.com/download.php?file=getfile&filepath=47257
http://z08.zupload.com/download.php?file=getfile&filepath=38730

The USA Immigration FAQ is maintained at
http://be2-bemail.mailcity.lycos.com:80/884128686012793560928641707/ab_mailto_fromab.femail?wholemail=rskhanna@immigration.com">rskhanna@immigration.com
Many FAQs, are available via FTP on the archive site
rtfm.mit.edu in the directory pub/usenet/news.answers.
If you have access to the Web you can also access the FAQs from
http://www.immigration.com
That's all folks, best of luck for your Visa.
Btw, I got my Visa without an Interview!!

How 2 apply 2 US univs...detailed process-2

2007-04-28T07:59:00.001-07:00

The site www.campusdirt.com is a real good one.

It will be very useful once u shortlist ur universities. U will be able to create a free login account to access the whole site. Once u create this u can

1) Compare the colleges that u have selected. That way u can understand which college is better in which aspect

2) See individual rankings for athletics, campus, student body, graduate study, curriculum, night life etc.

3) Read reviews from current students and alumni about each of the above aspects of the university and also the overall rating of the univ. Also students share their usual saturday night experiences, places whr they hang out 4 coffee n stuff by which u can judge how entertaining the univ and its surroundings are.(which is a very important part of collge life, no matter however studious u r!!)

4) Calculate how much money you can make on an average after graduating from that particular university/school.

5) View photos of the campus.

Over all you can make a rough sketch of ur life in the campus which u dream to be a part of.

How 2 apply 2 US univs...detailed process

2007-04-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

Materials required to apply for American universities:

1) Online application/ Printed application of the university:
• First of all one need to fill up an online application in universities website. Some of the univs have only printed application which u can download from University’s website.

2) Recommendation letters (from 3 lectures) - one letter form each lecturer.
• Most of the universities ask you recommendation letters from 2 or 3 lectures of your college. Recommendation letter should be printed or hand written statement about the student from his lecturer on the college letter head.

3) GRE/TOEFL Scores:
• Most of the univs ask both GRE and TOEFL scores but a few are exception which asks for only TOEFL.U can apply for universities before taking the GRE/TOEFL tests. After sending the materials to the university u can take the tests.
• U need to send the GRE/TOEFL scores to the univs though ETS.

4) Transcripts-2 sets/ Degree certificates+10th standard and 12th standard attested copies:
• Transcript from your under graduation (3 or 4 yrs level study) or other degree transcripts.
• If you are still pursuing your under graduation send the transcripts available till your current completed semester. Also you have to take a bonafide certificates stating that your term of education.
Most of the univs ask 2 sets of transcripts…..some ask only one set.
• SSC/10th standard and +2 level certificate attested copies.

5) Resume and SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Give a well written SOP and resume which will depict your interest for your Graduate studies and your personal profile from your childhood.
6) Bank statement:
• U need to submit a bank statement form a bank official which states that you or one of your parents have the required amount of bank balance.(Normally around 15 to 20 lacks )

7) Affidavit:
• An Affidavit is required stating that you or your parents will support your studies financially at the university.
• U can get an affidavit from a lawyer or any court

8) Study certificate or Job experience certificate:
• If you are in student status or you are employed u need to submit a letter form your college or your employer.
9) Copies and proofs of all your other activities(Ex. Paper presentations, Your organizing skills in your symposiums etc.)
10)Photo Copies of first and last pages of your passport

Any queries????

2007-04-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

If u have any queries feel free to contact me..

my email address is avinashmmech@gmail.com

VISA comm

2007-04-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.orkut.com/CommTopics.aspx?cmm=12398107

this is the most useful community for the VISA related matters..

How to chage the VISA date

2007-04-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

If u have already booked a Date and u wanna postpone it then u can simply Log in throuch RESCHEDULE APPOINTMENT and then change a Date just by Clicking on another one as and when it is available. By doing this your 1st Date is cancelled and 2nd one is confirmed. This part is pretty simple.

If u want to prepone a Date (If its available) U HAVE TO CANCEL the present Date. Then all the information u hav filled earlier is erased and now u hav to do all the form filling stuffs again and choose another Date. In this U will lose ur 1st Date. This CALCELLATION u can do any number of times. RESCHEDULING can be done only ONCE.

Regards,
Avinash

US universities Rankings.

2007-04-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Hey guysThese r some sites which povide some comprehensive rankings on basis of different fields of study like engineering, medical, arts, law, business schoolsetc. and also general information on the universities individually. Some for grads n some for undergrads. jus check the description tat i have given n select which suits u. Most can be considered by both undergrad & grad students.*This has rankings for grad schools and is one of the most reliable n honest rankings for US schools -
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/rankguide/rghome.htm*
This one is exclusive Biz school rankings -
http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/00/
*This one has rankings for each department like CS, chemistry, EE, aerospace etc. -http://www.phds.org/rankings/
* This site shows the general ranking of national universities upto 245 univs. the site also has rankings of liberal arts colleges - http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0609.national.html
* This is a very nice one for undergrads which gives univ ranking on basis of aspects like athletics, academics, drug scene, housing, food, girls, greek life, night life n almost everything tat u consider when u choose ur school. -
http://www.collegeprowler.com/*This is a ranking for undergrads for the top 60 odd univs..Also rankings for Law scools n biz schools. - http://www.consusgroup.com/news/rankings/colleges/colleges.asp
* This provides a ranking of the top 50 Best values in public schools for undergrads . Very useful to virtually compare invs cos it lists the rate of in-state n out-state student costs in a single chart -
http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges_upd/
Will be adding more.. So keep checkin in here.If u guys have any suggestions or any additions to the thread plz feel free..This community is all about contributing and getting back wat ur lookin for..So keep it alive n kicking!!!

Vanderbilt University, Nashville (The Commodores)

2007-04-26T04:57:00.001-07:00

Contrary to popular opinion amongst Indian students, this university is actually well respected in the US. The latest USNEWS rankings places Vandy real high, just check it out. The CS dept is part of the electrical engineering and computer science department (EECS). They do decent research in AI, Robotics and Graphics. In terms of cost of attendance this university is sky high; and how else do you expect a university founded by the Vanderbilt family (One of the richest families in America) to be. All of the admits however are accompanied with some financial assistance. They have small student groups and in general the quality of education seems to be good. Here’s the most compelling reason so far to app to this university – bingo! You got it – it’s absolutely free to app online. The best part is you don’t even have to spend a single buck of your daddy’s paisa to officially forward your GRE and TOEFL scores; photocopies will do. The consequence of this is that in recent years the university has seen an exponential increase in the number of applicants and they are pushed to turn away even some really qualified applicants (like yours truly for example… ok ok. I’ll cut the, ahem, boasting part). Overall, I would say it is definitely one place you can app to just for the heck of it and if you do get thro with some financial assistance, you can consider moving to Nashville, Tennessee for the next few years.

University of Texas, Dallas (Zoom Comets zoom!)

2007-04-26T04:56:00.001-07:00

ike the old Chinese scholar in search of the purpose his genesis, I am on a quest to find out what made me apply to this university. I am sorry folks; I haven’t got anything nice to say about this university. Firstly, the university’s application is a wallet-scorching $100; you can apply to two good universities with this cash. UTD is primarily known for its research in computer networks, telecommunication, security and distributed systems. Other areas of CS are virtually non-existent though you might have some profs interested in them. Their research even in their fortes is coming down these days. The dept is broke; not funding anybody except very few PhD students. The location of university in the critically acclaimed telecom corridor is hardly any reason to salvage UTD’s lack of quality education. The telecom corridor in the Dallas – Fort Worth area has seen a total meltdown; so those with delusions of easy jobs after graduation can kiss it goodbye. Okay, so if the CS dept is broke, I could still survive on part-time jobs on-campus right? Guess again, that has also taken a whacking! Even their Indian Student Association website (FAQ section) stands testament to the big quagmire that the university is stuck in currently. There have been one or two exceptions from UTD who have made it big despite all the odds into Microsoft, I have heard. But I would personally advice you to give yourself the best chance by applying to some other university; if you can sweat hard and come up on your own, then do it in a better environment. Certainly CEG CS dept students are advised to avoid this university like the plague.

University of Illinois, Chicago (The Flames)

2007-04-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

This is one university that will keep reminding me of the painful shades of apping. They took me for a real ride – lost my application thrice!!! I DHLed them twice, faxed it once and finally few angry phone calls and e-mails did the trick; they found my old application, shish!! By the time they found my application I had already lost out on the fellowship deadline. The CS dept’s policy now is to fund all PhD students with at least a TA. I applied for MS, need I say more. The CS dept does some research in natural language processing, virtual reality, AI and databases. Most of the research is sponsored by NSF and other governmental agencies. Top corporate sponsors include Motorola, Sun Microsystems and Hughes aircraft. The research funding when I applied was close to $9 million. UIC is located in Chicago metro and this is absolutely great for living where you get all Indian groceries, restaurants, modern facilities, entertainment and most of all some 60,000 fellow countrymen (that includes women too, don’t despair ). The prime location also translates to very bright job opportunities and the flip side of all of this is the higher cost of living. Many people I know from the UIC CS dept are telling me that getting funded after coming to the university is almost certain and there are plenty of part-time on-campus jobs. This year I think the admissions authorities have been struck by some plague which manifests itself in extreme generosity. Yes folks, there has been an unwarranted increase in the number of admits to the CS dept this year and this is down right unhealthy for the school if it continues selecting people with just about mediocre academic background. I would advise juniors to keep this school as one of the safest apps considering its easy admissions, great location and financial aid opportunities. Anybody with CGPA 7.5 or above can consider apping to this school.

A journey 2 US.awesome x periance

2007-04-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

It was a post i found on net...

Hello Friends,As I have mentioned before, I am having a great time in NCSU. I will be giving u details of my journey from hyderabad to Chicago on Indian airlines.I must admit that Air India is one of the worse airlines....... People going for Spring, keep Air India as your last option. My flight was at 3.45am at hyderabad International Airport. I reached the airport by 12:30 am .. Its always better if one reaches airport atleast 3 hours prior to the departure time. and went directly with my luggage into the terminal....Near the entrance the gaurd checks the ticket and lets in.. Now as soon as u enter u will find the baggage screening section. Depending on the airlines u have different sections... U have to unload by urself and screen them and then again upload all by urself. Here they even seal ur baggage by plastic rope....Now after this when proceeded further u find a machine where u can plastic wrap ur whole luggage....they charge Rs100 per bag. This only helps if u do not want to ur bags to be scratched in any way.... Porters help to carry luggage... but talk the rates before... they might ask u to pay even 200 bucks after the work is done... which actually u can manage.... Now u can proceed with the baggage to ur counter ( it will be given clearly). When ur turn comes keep ur passport and ticket with you....U again have to put ur baggage on the weight machine beside the counter( should be 32 kg each).Even if its 1-2 Kg extra(say 33 each)it will not cause any problem (Air India generally allows more than 32 also.. but some other good airlines might not if its more than 33.... But make sure that both weight 32(cant take one 35 and other 29). If some one is travelling by air India and is carrying 90Kgs, please make sure that one bag(of three bags) weights 32Kgs.....Here they usually dont check the cabin baggage which according to them sould be 7kgs only. Mine was 12kgs... Try to make ur cabin bagggage look as thin as possible...

After all this he gives u ur boarding pass of this flight and connecting flights... And also coupons for ur Baggage and they will sent from there...Now u only have ur cabin baggage and put a tag of ur particular flight and class on the baggage..... Generally one is allowed to carry one small back pack like college bag apart from cabin baggage..... So, u can carry upto 3-4 Kgs in college bag also... After taking boarding pass, they will give u am immigration form to fill out....Now u go to the immigration counter. Here take the form before the counter and fill it accurately and then go to the counter along with ur passport and present boarding pass.... He asks ur destination and if u have not taken "Immigration Clearence not required" stamping on your passport u have to pay him Rs250 everytime u leave India. I suggest u take it from Passport office....U can now proceed for security clearence (here u only reqire boaridng pass of presentflight). Now screening of ur cabin baggage and u is done here.... Check whether ur tag tied to cabin baggage is stamped after screening.U can now sit and sleep and just wait for boarding. Once it is announced u can board the flight and be seated . My next stop was in London where flight stops for refueling.... So, I was not allowed to leave the plane... i was sated in flight for 2 hours when cleaning of flight was done and also the crew changed..... If any one has to change flights, they have to take the cabin baggage and back pack and then catch the connecting flight... here, one needs to go through security check again.... some times, u r needed to remove your shoes, jackets, wallets etc and scan them by putting them all in a tray... and then again board the connecting flight....Then the last stop was Chicago (O Hare International Airport). In the flight, 1 hour before landing, air hostess will give you two forms:
1.Landing/I94 form
2.Customs form

U need to duly fill them before u get down.Even people who are going to Raleigh thru Newyork, Have to fill this as it is the Port of Entry for them....The Landing form is simple to fill in and i guesseveryone can fill it. Only thing u have to have is ur passport details and a address of US (u can mention the address written on i20 here or if u have got a permanent address to stay, mention that).For the customs form, They ask if u are carrying any foods, peservatives etc.. Then at the last column They ask u declare the articles amount u have brought to US which will remain here(u need to fill it in the column of VISITORS). Write it as $0. U need to also declare the amount u have brought is more then $10,000 or less. This does not include dd's. It consists of Cash, TCs, Personal/Banking Cheques.... About food items, generally students tick NO... Mostly, they wont check the baggage.... coz even they know we bring pickles and stuff.....After u enter the airport, u will be directed to baggage collection area... At some places they charge for trollies and at some places, they are free..... Try to carry some 1 dollar notes.... Take the trolly and wait at baggage counter... it some times takes 2 hours to locate the baggage.... coz there will be more than 700 suitcases..... So, it will be easier if u tie some odd colour ribbons to the handle so that u can identify the bag easily.... Also, write the address of university/senior on the baggage.... in big and huge letters.... u can write/print it on a white paper (A4 size) and then past it with brown plaster.... as they do for bih parcels........ It will be useful in case of baggage loss...... Try to write the address even on cabin baggage.... and dont lock the baggage (except cabin one)... and for numbe rlocks, if u lock it, paste the number code near the lock so that they wont break the locks...... very rarely, they open the baggage.... but its better to leave the baggage unlocked....

if its a cleap quality lock or something, then lock it.... it dosent make any difference eben if they break it.... but is its number lock kind of thing, mention it some where.... Then once u arrive u will be taken to the immigration counter with proper directions. Here there are 2 sections for U.S.Citizens and Visitors. U proceed to the Visitors section.now here keep ur passport, ticket and I20 ready. Go to the officer there and give him the I94 and customs form along with passport... He will ask u ur I20 and u give him that too. Then he asks u to put ur right and left index finger on the scanner and he returns ur I20, Passport and customs form.... He will pin the i94 receipt to the passport.... u need to keep that very safe even if he dosent pin it..... Then after the immigration check, u will be directed to baggage claim area.... After collecting the baggage, u can go to the customs counter and give him Customs form. He checks and asks u to proceed. Sometimes he sends People to the agriculture counter if u r carrying food preservatives or pickles. (Here if they ask u how old the pickels are, dont tell them fresh, tell them they are about 6 months old.)Now u can exit or go to the connecting flights from the same door.Do not expect it to be cold here, it was actually very hot.Enjoy on flight and have a safe journey. Try moving around the flight to warm ur body. To avoid Jet lag set ur watch to local time and sleep according to that.Note: Try to carry some tablets in cabin bag.... for vomitings, fever etc., Never eat heavy in flight... its always better to eat light....

Hope this helps you

Must read before going to USA-5

2007-04-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

21. Income Tax In US:

Income Tax return filing is very simple in US as compared to India . Here Tax forms are very simple and easy to fill up. One need not know all about Taxation laws, but still can very easily file tax return. Here in US there are two types of taxes. One is the FEDRAL Tax, which is something like our Income tax, and the other is the STATE Tax. Last day of filing the income tax return is 15th of April. Accounting year is considered from 1st of January till 31st of December. US has a Tax treaty with India . Under this Tax treaty one can file his tax return either in India or in US as per the convenience. But you need to show your income earned in either of the country.

Suppose you come to US in the middle of the year. You must be definitely having some income in India before you came to US in that particular financial year. Also some part of salary is paid to you even when you are in US. This income is taxable and hence you pay tax on that income. Generally you pay tax on this income in India as in most of the cases income tax is deducted at source. So one pays tax on the income in India . So now you are liable only for the tax on the income that you earn in US.

Here there are different types of forms for different category of people. For those who are US residents and who have status of Resident Aliens, they have to file the what is called 1040EZ form (form 1040 easy). Any person who is in the US for more than 183 days continuously, gains status of Resident Alien. Any person who is in US for less than 183 days in that financial year is considered as Non Resident Alien.

Non Resident Alien will not have some Tax benefits which any US citizen or Resident Alien will have. Here in particular, Non-resident Alien will not get Standard deduction on their income. Also they have to pay Tax as per the Flat rate. So basically when you file your Tax return as NR you land up paying more taxes. But you have to file 1040NR when you are having status as Non resident Alien.

For filing Tax return form one can get help from the government body, which is, know as IRS (Internal Revenue Services). This is same as Income Tax department in India . Also one has to pay tax to the state government. Each state has a different tax law for the State Tax. Booklet of information on this is available on request. Tax forms are available freely at the public places like Post office, Public library where one can get the form that he/she requires. Also, government gives special services for the people who needs the guidance. One can get this information even on phone by calling them. One can even go in person to understand the form.

Apart from these facilities provided by the government one can even go to private Tax consultants. They charge somewhere between $30 to $60. They take care of every detail and one need not bother about anything. Along with the Tax you are supposed to send one form called "W2" form. The employer provides this form to all the employees. The form contains all the information based on the salary of the person. Also all the taxes paid by the employer to the State government as well as Federal government. Details about the social security taxes and the medical taxes paid by the employer are also included in this form.

There are three copies of this form. One copy is to be sent with the State Tax form, one with the Federal Tax form and one is for the employee's personal record. Before sending the W2 form one should check the validity of the information in it. Most important is the correct social security number. If there is any change in any of the information one should inform the employer ASAP. Employer is supposed to send the corrected information to IRS and also a corrected copy to the employee, which is called W2C form.

22. AAA Membership
We wanted to mention this specially 'cause its very helpful for a person who is new to U.S. AAA read as 'triple A' stands for "American Automobile Association" is an auto club, which provides you with all kinds of tour, and travel information. It provides you with all the maps and travel guides, which you will need. It also has services like towing, opening your car door lock in case you get locked out, emergency help and so on. Being a member of this club also gets you concession for motel booking and rental cars.
There is a yearly fee for all these services, which they provide, and if you believe us, "It's more than worth it".
So we think its a good idea to be a member of this club. It will help you in traveling, which of course you will do once you get here.

23. How To Send Money ?

Here are a few ways to send money to India :
Personal Check (drawn on a US Bank). A lot of letters wrote tome that though there is a delay involved (from deposit to encashability), Indian Banks do NOT charge a service fee.SBI Chicago has a provision wherein they charge you $5.00 as commission and you can get a draft made IN INDIAN RUPEES right here in the US and sent to India. Takes 5-6 days. Their number is 1-800-334-6342.
Cashier's Check, Certified Check, or Money Order from a Local Bank. May involve service charge and delay in encashability status (in Rupees).
Bank Draft. Usually, a $10 service fee (in a US Bank) is involved.
Cable Transfer. Speediest (3-5 working days). However, as I have noted from my local bank, $25 service charge is normally involved.
American Express Money Orders (I HAVE USED THIS METHOD). You can get these from many stores, including 7-11s, for a service charge of 50 to 99 cents (depending where you are in the US ). Most banks in India will pay U Rupees in minutes. Also, if it gets lost, full money (-$5) is absolutely recoverable. Extremely safe, inexpensive, and fast method.
Citibank Rupee Drafts. Service charge is $5. 1-800-CITINRI. Immediately encashable in India .
Open an NRI a/c with Citibank ( Bombay , Cal , etc.). Leave the checkbook with your relatives. Arrange so that your folks in India could write checks and withdraw money. Takes about a week. Also, if you send a personal ($) check to Citibank at NY city, they transfer the money to your Indian a/c by telex (no charge), wherein Rupees are credited (current rate).
Cable Transfer through SBI Chicago ($16 charge). Takes about 3 days.
NRI a/c with SBI NY, or BOI San Francisco . You can have a predesignated beneficiary in India who could draw in Indian Rupees in India while U pump $ here in the USA .
Morgan's Trust/Hanover's Trust Cashiers Check/Demand Draft. You can get these in most US banks.
Chase Manhattan Drafts from Bank of Baroda . Fast. Service charge present.
SBI San Francisco Bank Draft. Service Charge $7. #(415) 956-6326.
Credit Card. Get a VISA card. Get an extra card for your relative in India . They can take cash advance and you can cover the charges from here in the USA .

PS : Personal Checks are a Debatable Issue. Some say Indian Banks charge a fee while they mention the opposite. However, DELAY is involved in all cases.

The problem is where is the Money???

24. Towards a more American Conversation

U don't open conversation (on telephone) with a “Hello” but with a “Hi”
The telephone is never “engaged”, it's always “busy”.
U don't “disconnect” a phone, U simply “hang-up”.
U never “mess-up” things, U only “screw them up”.
U never have a “residence” tel. no., U have a “home” no.
U don't stop at the “signals”, but halt at the “lights”.
U don't “accelerate”, U “step on the gas”.
Your tire never “punctures”, U may have a “flat”.
The trains have “coaches” or “bogies” no more but “carriages” or “boxes”.
There R no “petrol bunks or pumps”, but “gas stations”.
“I don't know nothing”, 2 negatives don't make a positive here.
U no longer meet a “wonderful” person, U meet a “cool” guy
U don't pull the “switch down ” to light a bulb, rather “flick it up”.
U don't “turn on the heat”, U “turn on the juice”.
There's no “Business Area” only “business districts”, and no “districts” but “counties”.
No one stays “a stone's throw away”, might “a few blocks away”.
There's no “Town Side”, it's “ Down Town ”.
In hotel U no longer ask for “bill” and pay by “cheque”, rather ask for “check” and pay with (Dollar) “bills”.
There R no “soft drinks”, only “sodas”.
Life's no longer “miserable” it “stinks”.
U don't have a “great” time, U have a “ball”.
U don't “sweat it out”, U “work U'r butt off”.
Never “post” a letter, always “mail” it and “glue” the stamps, don't “stick” them.
U no longer live in “flats” or “blocks”, find an “apartment”.
U don't stand in a “queue”, you are in a “line”.
U no longer “like” something, U “appreciate” it.
“#” is not “hash”, it's “pound”.
U R not “deaf”, U have “impaired hearing”.
U R not “lunatic”, U are just “mentally challenged”.
U R not “disgusting” U R “sick”.
U can't get “surprised” U get “zapped”.
U don't “schedule” a meeting, U “skejule” it.
U never “joke”, U just “kid”.
U never “increase” the pressure, U always “crank” it up.
U never ask for a pencil “rubber” U ask for an “eraser”. A “rubber” is a “condom”
U don't try to find a “lift”, U find an “elevator”.
U no more ask for a “route” but for a “RAUT”
U don't ask somebody “How r u ?”, U say “What's up dude?”
U never go to see a “game or a match”, U go to watch a “game”.
U never go to a “theatre” (theatre is a place for dramatic presentations), U go to the “movies”.
If U see “World” champions (or Series), read “ USA ” champions (or Series).
There's no “zero” but “o”, no “Z” but “zee”.
There's no “FULL STOP” after a statement, there's a “PERIOD”.
If someone gets “angry” at U, U get “flamed”.
You don't say “How do you do”, you say “How you doin”
U don't call UR boss “sir”, U call him by his “first name”.
In short, U don't speak “English”, U speak “American”.

Well u don’t say life is boring u say “LIFE SUCKS!!!”

25. Last Word
Stress is a part of professional life and more so when you are living in an alien country. The sooner you understand and accept it the more easily you will adapt to your new environment. Depression and homesickness are symptoms that you should look out for.

Must read before going to USA-4

2007-04-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

16. Shopping
The American system of sizes and measurement is different from that in India . Most of the shops in the U.S. are the equivalents of super markets in India . You can go around the shop, buy what you want and pay at the counter. The important difference you will notice is, the shops are driven by customer service. So if you don't like anything that you bought
or it doesn't fit you properly you may return it within a certain period allowed. You should inquire about the return policy when you buy returnable goods. Of course you need to preserve the receipt of the purchase. Most of the time they won't even ask you why you want to return the goods.
When you buy shoes, the size should be 1/2 more than your size in India . For example, if you buy size 9 in India , you should buy size 9 1/2 in the US.(Or approximate it to the nearest round figure).
Following measurement chart will help you in converting between American system and metric system.
Metric Conversion Chart

Millimeters x 0.04 = inches (in) inches x 2.5 = centimeters
Centimeters x 0.4 = inches (in) feet x 30 = centimeters
Meters x 3.3 = feet yards x 0.9 = meters
Kilometers x 1.1 = yards miles x 1.6 = kilometers

Grams x 0.035 = ounces ounces x 28 = grams
Kilograms x 2.2 = pounds pounds x 0.45 = kilograms

Milliliters x 0.3 = fluid ounces fluid ounces x 30 = milliliters
Liters x 1.06 = quarts quarts x 0.95 = liters
Liters x 0.26 = gallons gallons x 3.8 = liters

17. Renting an apartment
Now that you have started your work you would like to move into your apartment rather than stay in the motel. Here is what you should know about renting an apartment. You can get information on how to rent an apartment from the "Apartments" section of the Yellow Pages, newspaper or “ Rental Guides” which are available at the stores. To lease (rent) an apartment you should consider following points:
17.1 Lease period and deposits : Usually there are two types of lease depending on the period of lease: 6 months lease & 12 months lease. (In some places they allow 3-month lease too, but the rent increases in that case). Most of the cases you get 1 months rent free in case you select 12 months lease and you get half months rent free if you select 6 months lease. You have to pay 1 months rent as security deposit and some amount around 10$ to 15$ as key deposit. Rent for the apartment in basements is less than other apartments. Very few people prefer to stay in basements because of security reasons. So when you ask about availability of apartments it is possible that the Manager will say only basement apartment is available. Hence insist for apartment on first or second floor if you don't want a basement apartment. Otherwise after renting a basement apartment you will realize that apartments other than in basements were also available.
17.2 Utilities : Check whether your rent includes utilities such as hot water, Cable etc. Otherwise you end up spending around 100$ to 150$ for electricity bill if you have to pay for hot water.
17.3 Lease Terms : Understand the lease terms properly because most of the times you need to break the lease in case your project terminates suddenly. if you want to break the lease a. You have to give 30 days notice. b. You lose your security deposit c. In some cases they (the apartment management) try to find somebody who wants to rent your apartment. If they don't get anybody within 30 days period You have to pay 1 month's rent extra. In this situation you lose your security deposit plus one months rent. Get these terms clarified before signing the lease papers.
17.4 Lease Breaking : If you are sharing an apartment with somebody. Suppose 3 people are sharing an apartment and all three have their names on lease papers. In case one of the three wants to leave before the lease period is over, you need to take a letter from him saying that all further paper work can be done by the other two people. This letter is required when your lease period is over or even if you want to break the lease before that period is over. If you don't have such a letter you won't be able to break the lease unless all three have signed the lease break paper. In such cases you also end up losing your deposit. This is true even for normal termination of lease period. Be careful and understand these terms and conditions fully.
17.5 Damages : After renting an apartment carefully observe if there are any types of damages in the apartment. If you see any, ask your Property Manager to make a note of it. Otherwise they will deduct some amount from your security deposit when your lease period is over.
17.6 Downgrading and Upgrading : If you want to move to 2 bedroom apartment from 1 bedroom apartment you have to pay some 100$ to 200$. Many cases downgrading i.e. moving to 1 bedroom apartment from 2-bedroom apartment is not allowed. Get clarification on all such points while signing lease papers.
7 Electricity and Telephone connection : After you rent the apartment you need to inform your local Electric Supply company that you will be staying in that apartment from so and so date and that they may bill you from that date. Ask your local telephone company for a telephone connection by calling them up. Most of the business takes place on the phone. Surprisingly all work gets done and promptly too.
17.8 Maintaining an apartment : In most of the apartments you have cooking range, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator etc. Use aluminum foil to cover part of the cooking range (other than coils) so that it remains clean and in the end you don't need to spend time in cleaning it. Dishwasher soap is available in liquid or in powder form. Dishwasher inner surface starts becoming blackish after some days. The cleaning liquid can be used to clean it. This can be done once in a month. Clean your oven once in a month using oven-cleaning liquid. Use plastic garbage bags in trashcans so that you can just take the bag and dispose it in the central trash, usually provided in the apartment complex.

17.9 Laundry : If the apartment itself does not have a washer/dryer, there will usually be a common laundry room in the complex where you can do your weekly washing/drying. Such common machines usually are coin-operated machines so you'll need a few quarters and also your own favorite detergent powder.
Decorating, Furnishing YOUR house : Of course this is not an advice for interior designing but to make your APARTMENT look like a HOME. Home is not a place with four walls, but where you have furniture also :-). The greatest place to get the things you need for your house is Garage Sales. You can get things like Sofa sets to Wall paintings very cheep from this source. Everyone will be amazed if you have a full-furnished house in a few months.
Garage sale is a second-hand, used thing sale, which includes household items such as furniture like couch etc., appliances such as T.V., stereo, clothes/jackets, other used items.

This is held in people’s garages or backyards generally on weekends. They are a nice place to buy furniture from, which is usually in good shape. Anybody, who wants to sell old used things, can hold a garage sale and put up a sign near the house announcing such a sale. The prices are negotiable. Generally people advertise through local newspaper ad columns.

The early morning time on Sat. and Sun. between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. is the best to hunt around for used things in garage sales.

18. Buying a Car
If you are going to stay at a particular place for quite some time say more than three months, then its better to buy a car rather than rent one. Buying a car involves quite some work. Its better to be cautious while buying a car, 'cause owning a car brings you freedom and you own a vehicle but you need to maintain the car and take care of any problems.
The main concern while buying a car is its maintenance cost should not be high, otherwise you will loose a lot. So here is what experience tells us.
Buying a car in America is very easy, there are lots of used cars for sale and there is never a shortage. It is just the question of deciding the budget and type of car to be bought.
Most people prefer Japanese cars over American makes simply because of the easy re-salability. The most popular Japanese car makes are Honda and Tyota.

Types of models? There are two categories of cars, 2-door, 4-door. The 2-d are cheaper. Then comes the type of transmission (gear), automatic or stick shift. Most people buy automatic transmission. Such cars are very easy to drive. (Almost all-Indian cars are of the stick-shift variety).
Where to look? The local newspapers carry a lot of car sale advertisement everyday. You should see the paper and decide on the ones you are interested in. Next call up the owner at the tel. no. given, as early in the day as possible and fix up an appointment to visit and see the car. Test-drive it, if you like it and the price is ok, tell the owner that you'd like to get it checked up by a mechanic. This is the normal practice. There is nothing to feel shy about asking the car to be checked up. This will save you a lot of money later after purchasing the car from unforeseen problems that some used cars land up into.
Look up the yellow pages in the local tel. directory to get the list of car mechanics or just ask colleagues to recommend one. If that doesn't work out, ask the local AAA (American Automobile Association) office to recommend someone to you. For a fee of about $25-30 the mechanic will check up the car and tell you the problems or possible problems if any.
Some people do it for free. It is good to tell the auto mechanic to check up the following things with additional care in addition to their regular: -

1) Brake cylinder, drum and worn out pads
2) Transmission. (This is the costliest part in an automatic car)
3) If it is a 4 speed never buy it. 5 speed is ok.
4) Check for rust in bottom, radiators, muffler and tailpipe.
5) Check for vibrations when you brake from 40mph, without downshifting. If there are vibrations, either break pads or steering pinion is in bad shape. Get 4 people to sit in the car and you can make out if the suspensions are OK, when you make a sharp turn.
6) Most important, check for oil leaks, and whether the car gives you power speed/pick-up when you try to accelerate. You can feel if it's OK.
7) Last, check for emission whether the smoke is black (thick), which means oil, is also burned with fuel => the car is beyond its life. The piston rings might be leaving a gap in the cylinders because of wear. In that case, don't buy the car, because you will have to change the cylinder, piston and rings which will come to double the cost.
8) Ask the owner to give the records of the maintenance he has done, like new tires etc. Also, make sure you don't go beyond 3rd hand purchase. There must be something seriously wrong with the car if people have changed owners drastically.
9) Air filter, valve etc. OK?

ask the owner to discount the price of the car by the amount required for the repairs suggested by the mechanic. Or else ask him to get it repaired for you. The rates of the used cars have some standard values, which are generally not exceeded. These values can be checked up in something called "Blue Book" which is a text available in the public library or with car dealers. So car models classified as per Year of make have their value
listed in the Blue B OK. There is a cost deduction to be applied for the mileage that the car has been driven for, which is mentioned in most Blue Books. That gives a fair idea about the standard cost of any used car. Moreover there is ample scope for price negotiation. Generally private owners who sell through ads can give better discounts than used car dealers. Generally car dealers stick to the Blue Book Price but usually ask more.
Mileage is also a consideration while purchasing a used car. Lesser the better. The ideal average is 10000 miles per year. So a car manufactured in 1987 may have a driven mileage of about 70000 miles in 1994 and not more than 80000. These are approx. figures.
After buying a car you need to get it insured. You cannot drive a car in the U.S. without proper Insurance. The car has to be insured against collisions etc. There are various vehicle Insurance companies having various deals. Look up the yellow pages and call up some of them and ask for their rates. Then decide on one. The Insurance coverage period and the type of Insurance chosen and your age (more for less than 25 yr.) decide the amount to be paid. The "comprehensive", "collision" are terms used by the Insurance companies to describe the type of insurance coverage. Get everything explained properly.
There is sometimes windscreen coverage too, for a nominal additional amount per month, this insures your windshield against damage (a windscreen replacement may cost about $200.00 approx. otherwise).

You have to get the emission testing done on your car before it can be registered. In case the previous owner has got it done and the test is valid still, then there is no need to do it again for the specified period. The valid test papers are required for Registration.

The local vehicle registration office will issue a temporary registration for 45 days and meanwhile process and prepare the proper number plates. The documents required to get a registration are - Car ownership (title) papers, Emission Test papers, and Car Insurance papers. After proper registration is done you can drive your car. However you should have a Driver's License. Actually each state in the U.S. has different laws. Most states allow you to drive with an I.D.P. (International Driving Permit) for a year or so. But others require that you get a local Driver's License. The driver's license can be obtained from the local DMV office after a written and driving test. Refer to the section on obtaining a driver's license for details.

19. Renting a Car
Car is a necessity in most of the places here in U.S. Either you buy a car or you can rent a car. You can pay either a monthly rate or daily rent. Though it’s expensive to rent a car for a month or so, it might be required if you are going to stay at that place for a small period of time. Here is some information you will need OR should know when you want to rent a car.

- The driver/co-drivers need to be at least 25 years old.
- Credit Card is required to rent a car. Else a deposit of about $300 etc...Most companies do not allow you to rent a car if you do not have a credit card.
- You need a valid driver's license to drive a rental car.
- Well-known car renting companies are - Hertz, Avis, Alamo , Budget, Dollar, and Enterprise etc.
- Car Insurance has to be bought for the Rental car. It is a separate charge or is included in the total per day renting cost. Some credit card companies pay for the insurance if you use their card to book a car e.g. American Express Credit Card, in such a case you need not buy insurance from the car rental company.
- You have to register the other drivers too as co-drivers of the rental car while booking the car. They should have valid driver's licenses too. Nobody else should be allowed to drive the car other than those registered!
- Unlimited mileage or fixed mileage is also a criteria, which decides the hiring charges of a rental car.
- You can make the booking over the phone. But you have to go personally to pick-up the car from the renting agency.
- Generally the gas (fuel) tank is full and you are supposed to return it with a full tank.
- Some rental agencies do not allow you to rent their car for travel outside the state.
- There are various types of cars that can be booked. Generally depending on the seating capacity, such as small, medium, compact, large, full-size, premium, mini-van, van etc. One may even choose the make of the car if available. The rental agencies maintain the cars in good shape and generally have new cars.

- The renting charges vary depending on the season, weekend/weekday, for how many days you want the car, how much in advance you are booking, availability, type of car etc.

20. Doctors in U.S.
God forbid, but if something happens to you, here is what you should know:
- The Medical Benefit Card, which is sent by the Medical Insurance Company, is an important card and should be acquired at the earliest. Fill up the Medical forms sent by DCI and return those immediately to DCI to ensure that you are registered with the Insurance Company after you land in the U.S.
- This card entitles you to coverage under certain medical categories only.
- There is a $100 deductible. Which means if you land into medical problems, you have to pay the first 100 dollars from your pocket. Thereafter the Insurance company takes over the payment depending on the coverage plan etc.
- There are two acceptable ways of payment for the Doctor's services which depends on the Doctor. The Doctor's receptionist is the best person to ask payment-related questions. Some Doctors ask you to pay them (by cash, check, credit card etc.) immediately after the service. The receptionist will then give you a formal bill, which you must send (by postal mail) to the Medical Insurance Company along with the claim form supplied by DCI (which comes in with the initial package soon after you land in the U.S. ) The Medical Ins. Co. will then send you a check after verifying your claim. Other Doctors will note down the details of your Medical Insurance Company from your card. They will then send the bill to the Insurance Company and receive the payment directly. You need not pay the Doctor. But in both the above modes, remember that there are certain charges which the Insurance Company will not pay and which they don't cover, such as the first $100. So find out the details from the Insurance Co. about your respective coverage/medical problem etc.
- For certain kinds of medical problems, where you have to visit the Doctor repeatedly, only a fixed number of visits per year are paid by the Insurance Company and not all.
- How to decide on the Doctor to visit? Ask your colleagues or other Indian friends. Otherwise check up the yellow pages (phone directory). Look under the "Physicians" heading. Telephone the Doctor and fix up an appointment. Only in cases of emergency, do the Doctors see you immediately, otherwise it is always by appointment.
- You can claim the expenses for any Dr. prescribed medicine that you have to buy from the Drug (medical) Store.

NOTE:

- Pain in the lower back and strain between the shoulder blades and a stiff neck are very common due to the kind of spring mattresses and soft foam pillows available in the U.S. and one just needs to get used to it.
- Beware of Dental problems since they are usually not fully covered under the Insurance Scheme.

Must read before going to USA-3

2007-04-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

11. Initial package from DCI
NOTE: The first official thing you should do without being asked to, is to apply for your Social Security Number - details are given in this doc.
After arriving in USA one gets a package from DCI. This package consists of different types of forms. The most important one being the Medical Insurance form. Don't be careless about this, make sure to fill and return it soon.
After receiving this package one should sign all the forms and send it back to DCI as soon as possible. This package consists of following documents.
Personal details : In this form you need to fill up all your personal information, which is required for official purposes.
Passport details : In this form you are expected to furnish all your passport details.
Away from business expenses form : One is supposed to fill up this form at the end of every month. We get our salary in two parts. One is Salary or Allowance and the other part is the reimbursement of the expenses incurred. Your area coordinator will inform you about what amount you can claim etc. It depends on the position and the class of city you are in.
Couple of memos : These memos inform you about certain rules.
Medical insurance registration form : (MOST IMPORTANT FORM) This form you are supposed to send to the medical insurance company. It needs routine personal information. In two weeks of time you will receive your medical insurance card, which will cover most of your medical expenses in the U.S. But be sure you understand what is covered under this scheme and what is not.
You are supposed to send all these forms and memos ASAP. Couples of these forms require your Social Security number. If you have not yet received your social security number then leave that place tentatively blank in your forms and you can inform DCI about it later, when you get one.

12. Getting Social Security
You must go and get your social security number and driving license done immediately after you come.
12.1 Social Security Number
Each individual in Unites States is required to be registered with US government by law. The way we have registration in India through Ration Card it is Social Security here.
This number is very useful for the government as well as the for the individual. Government can keep track of the individual from this particular number. You will need the SS number for any official paper work or dealings e.g. while filling Tax forms or while opening a bank account or while getting a membership in the public library. A person's entire credit history can be traced from this number.
As soon as one arrives in US he/she is required to get Social Security number immediately. It is a very simple procedure.
very town or a city has a Social Security office. You have to go there with your Passport. First thing you need to do is collect the application form for new social security number. These forms are available in various languages. Find one in English and fill it completely. It will ask you for your local postal address details besides other information. The officer will check your application form and passport. After checking everything you will be informed when you will be receiving your Social Security number, which will be by postal mail.
Generally within three to four weeks time you will receive your social security number which appears printed on a small card, which you should carry/preserve safely.

13. Driving License/Photo-ID

13.1 Getting Driver's License
Driver's license is one of the most important documents required in United States . Apart from driving needs it is required at almost all the places where you need to show your ID. Mainly because this is the only valid Identity card which is required and approved at all the places.
Here in US most of the money transactions are done via checks or Credit cards. Initially when you don't have credit card, check is the only practical and recommended way of payment. Nobody keeps cash. People generally issue checks even for a small amount of less than $5.00. Checks are as good as Cash and can be deposited at any ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) center. These checks are accepted only with a valid PHOTO-ID at most places. Actually a Photo-id could also be a simple identity card issued by the DMV (Dept. of motor vehicles), which is not a driver's license. At most places Driver's license is the only valid PHOTO-ID. So after getting Social Security number, Driver's license is another very important thing one should acquire as soon as possible.
Getting driver's license is not very difficult here. Before appearing for a driving test behind the wheels one has to clear a written test conducted by DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles - similar to RTO in India ). Each state has their own laws for driving a vehicle. DMV issues a book on the rules, which are required to be followed very strictly. This book gives detailed information about all the laws and is written in a very nice manner. It is very easy to follow all the rules as they are nicely explained and if necessary, supported by good photographs.
After understanding the contents of this book you can appear for the written exam. You can appear for the test on any working day. You can call up DMV and take an appointment with them or you can even go directly.
They will check your Passport and will give you a question paper. Questions are objective type and you have to choose the best answer for each question. Time is no limit for the exam. After you are done with it, the person on the counter will immediately check your paper and will tell you your score. Upon passing this test you will get temporary driving license, which is valid for two months. DMV also issues an ID card. The state government issues this. You can use this ID card as a Photo-Id till you get your driver's license. At some places you are required to produce two Photo-Ids, that time it is very useful to have this photo-id you can even go for some driving lessons. For driving lessons you can go to driving school or to a private teacher. Private teachers are little cheaper as compared to driving school. Once you are ready for the test, again you will have to take an appointment with DMV for the driving test.
On the day of appointment you have to go there with your learning license. The car in which you will give your driving test should have proper Insurance papers. Also check all the controls, including signal lights and brake lights. If any of these is not in shape, you will not be allowed to appear for the test. This test will be of 100 marks. After your test, driving inspector will immediately tell you your result. Generally they explain to you your mistakes so that you can work on them and rectify. If you have passed you will get your license immediately in most places.

If you fail there is no minimum period required between the time you appear again. So you can practice again and appear as soon as you can.

14. Bank Accounts/Cheque Writing

- They are basically of two types - Savings a/c (with interest)
- Checking a/c (with NO interest)
- Generally most people open a Checking a/c at first.
- To open an account you need a social security number, however since it takes a week or more to get the social security number one can request the bank to verify the passport and open the a/c. Later do remember to inform the bank once you receive your SS number.
- Then there are concepts like
- Minimum balance - which is either NO or YES (It is better to open an a/c with NO MINIMUM BALANCE otherwise you have to maintain the specified minimum amount always in the account).
- Overdraft facility - Again NO or YES (This allows you some amount of overdraft. This might be beneficial in some cases, such as when the monthly salary is not received on time and the house rent, phone bills etc. has to be paid.)
- There are various kinds of check/cheque books available that one can choose from, such as the kind of colored paper and printed background design on paper etc. Usually a set of 200 checks bound together in books of 20 each is sufficient for 6 months. But it depends on how many checks are issued by you and at what frequency. The first check book is given by the bank immediately on opening an account, the other 200 checks are mailed to you at the given address.
- The next thing is to ask for an ATM card. This allows you to withdraw money 24 hrs. from any ATM machine of the bank or related ones.
- Some banks charge money to issue an ATM card and the first set of check/cheque books. Something like $10.00 for the ATM card and another $10.00 for the first 200 checks (10 books of 20 pages each). But most banks do not charge anything.
- The whole procedure of opening an account takes about 10-15 min.
- A few shops/gas stations etc. ask for a valid photo-id when payment is made by check. This is just for verification. (A photo-id could be a U.S. driver's license or an actual ID-card, which is issued by the local Dept. of Motor Vehicles office.
- Small payments such as $1.25 etc. too can be made by check and it is not absurd to do so. People carry very little or no cash on person. Most of them make their payment by Credit card or check. But it is advisable to carry about $20.00 in cash at all times to cover emergency needs. Of course you will have to always carry your checkbook around.
- The following style is used to write the amount in words on the check. Say for e.g. the amount to be paid is $35.47 then you would write:
Amount in words $: THIRTY-FIVE & 47/100

15. Cards
- It is a fashion to collect cards of all types and store them in ones purse. The cards here refer to the plastic type e.g. credit cards.
- So there are cards such as:
Credit card,
Debit card,
Bank ATM card,
Shopping Store cards (e.g. Sears card; "SEARS" is the name of a chain of stores in the U.S. )
Medical benefit card, Telephone calling card, Public library membership cards.
- Most purses have transparent packets to keep these cards in order.
- Credit/Debit Cards: A credit card allows you to pay for your expenses without bothering about availability of money at the time of payment. The Credit Card Company pays for you and later sends you a statement every month elaborating the payments made. You can then, pay the credit card Company by check. There are certain limits imposed on Credit cards with regard to the amount of credit available to you, which vary.
VISA and MASTERCARD are the most widely accepted credit cards. The other being American Express card. (Called Am-Ex for short).
A Debit card is almost like a check, since it allows you to spend from your available resources only (no credit business). The banks where you have an account, after you apply for it generally issue this.
It is not so easy to get a credit card for the first timer in U.S. The application is scrutinized by the Credit Organization/Bank and the credit history checked up (They call up the banks where you have an account, to find out your balance and credit status etc.). Actually it seems the credit history is traced from your Social Security No. Usually the period of stay is also an important criteria e.g. at least 6-month stay is essential to be considered eligible for a Credit card.
To build up a good credit history, many people take loans from the bank. E.g. to buy a car and repay it in time. This increases the chances of getting a Credit Card sooner.
The most easiest to get is the American Express Card. They ask for a letter from the employer regarding salary status etc. once the initial application is verified.
- The Gold Card is the next thing to aim for, once you have at least a card. The Credit limit is higher on the Gold Card apart from other benefits.
- The most difficult to get is the DISCOVER credit card.
- Most Credit cards offer other benefits too, such as mileage accumulation for some airline enabling you to travel free on that airline anywhere in the U.S. once about 20,000 miles have been accumulated, at the rate of 1 mile per dollar. Some others offer Rental Car Insurance coverage and so on.
- Most organizations (health clubs etc.) issue membership cards with neat plastic lamination too.

Must read before going to USA-2

2007-04-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

6. Mind your language
For successful conversation, in the US , it is advisable that you speak slowly and pronounce properly. Well, the first part you really need to practice otherwise what you will hear from the person opposite is "pardon me", "come again", "I am sorry", "I didn't get you". e.g. The changes in pronunciation are like 'schedule' pronounced as 'skedule', 'route' pronounced 'raut' etc. Also some words are totally substituted like 'petrol' by 'gas'. Here is a table from Gary Nobel of HP SanDiego, which he created when he traveled in India . Thanks to him. The dictionary is very remarkable.

The following is a simple dictionary for translating between American
English and Indian English. This dictionary should be useful for the newcomer to either the U.S. or India . The words are in no particular order. Suggestions for additions are gladly taken at garyn@sdd.hp.com. Gary Nobel 8/20/92
INDIAN ENGLISH
AMERICAN ENGLISH

Food Related
Coriander
Cilantro
Cold drink
Soda pop
Curd
Yogurt
Cafe ("kayf")
Cafe ("kaf-ay'")
Nes-coffee
Instant coffee
Filter coffee
Brewed coffee
Milk powder
Cream
French beans
Snow peas
Hotel
Restaurant
Jelly
Gelatin
Garam masalla
Curry
Lady fingers
Okra
Small pastries
Lady fingers
Toffee
Hard candy
Brinjal
Eggplant
Biscuit
Cookies/ Wafers
Bun
Biscuit
(Potato) Wafers
(Potato) chips
Finger chips
French fries
Groundnuts
Peanuts

INDIAN ENGLISH
AMERICAN ENGLISH

Education Related
Public school
Private school (tuition charged)
Private school
Public school (free)
School
High school
College
School
University
School
High school
School/Junior High
Take a class
Teach a class
Be a student
Take a class
2nd standard
2nd grade
High marks
Good grades
Invigilator
Proctor
Canteen
Cafeteria

Clothes
Windcheater
Windbreaker
Vest
Undershirt
Waistcoat
Vest
Half-pant
Shorts
Purse
Wallet
Swim trunks
Swim suit
Swim costume
Swim suit

Transportation Related
Traffic signal
Traffic light
Boot, dikky
Trunk of a car
Bonnet
Hood of a car
Petrol pump
Gas station
Petrol
Gas
Diesel
Fuel
Pavement
Sidewalk
Footpath
Sidewalk
Zebra Crossing
Crosswalk
Take a lift
Get a ride
Motorcycle
Motorbike
Cycle
Bike
INDIAN ENGLISH
AMERICAN ENGLISH

Other
Football
Soccer
American football
(rugby?) Football
Solid
Substantial
Ltd.
Inc.
Transistor
Radio
Two-in-One
Boom box
Goggles
Sunglasses
Cooling glass
Sunglasses
Toilet
Restroom
Guest house
Motel
Current
Electricity
$20 Note
$20 Bill
Cell
Battery
Torch
Flashlight
Rubber
Eraser
Snap
Picture
Photograph
Picture
Mixee (?sp)
Mixer
Dustbin
Trash can
Beggar
Panhandler
IBM-Compatible
IBM-Clone
Inflammable
Flammable
Mess
Dorm cafeteria
Hotel
Restaurant
Restaurant bill
Restaurant check
Picture
Movie
Talkies
Movies
Lift
Elevator
To fix
To install
To repair
To fix
Pram
Stroller

Idioms
To post (a letter)
To mail (a letter)
To submit
To turn in
To be out of station
To be out of town
A place to park
Driveway
A place to drive
Parkway
Straight-away
Right away
Anticlockwise
Counterclockwise
Bunk school
Skip class
Passed out
Graduated
Fainted
Passed out
Ring up (someone)
Call up (someone)
The line is engaged
It's busy / I got a busy tone
Push the accelerator
Step on the gas
Give the car some race
Speed up the car
Get down (from a bus)
Get off (of a bus)
Let's push off
Let's go
Let's make a move
Let's go
Convince someone
Talk someone into
Black money
Tax free, undeclared income
Standing from a constituency
Running for an election
Issue a book (from the library)
Checkout a book (from the library)
How are you?
How are you doing?
How is everything?
How is it going?
Intimate
Inform
(Very Close Relations)
(Intimate Relations)
Too good
Cool

7. The Anti-Universe phenomenon
When you come to the U.S. you will notice the opposite everywhere. You will get the feeling "These guys are crazy" .....almost everything you try to do will fail even if it is a small thing like switching ON the lamp !!!!"
This is just to make you get a hang of it. The cars are driven on the right hand side instead of left hand side of the road. So you should look left first while crossing roads :-). You may have to insert the key upside down and rotate it in the opposite direction to unlock. You will also notice that switches work in opposite direction i.e. UP is ON and DOWN is OFF :-).
The date is written with the month first, then day, followed by the year.
As one of our American colleague pointed out jokingly, "its logical, if you see that India is exactly opposite in location on the globe, to U.S. !!!"

8. FOOD, I'm hungry
Of course you must be hungry, when you arrive. God knows what you ate on the plane. You don't remember the neither item's name nor its contents. It may be one of the weirdest things you ever had for dinner or lunch. So you must be apprehensive about what you will get for lunch or dinner. The best thing you can try is PIZZA, which is pronounced as "PiTza".
You get both Veg. and NonVeg Pizzas. But to be on the safer side order a Veg. Pizza that way you won't be left hungry at least. Order a small pizza if you are alone or a medium size is enough for two or three (well it depends on your appetite actually). You can order pizza by phone and it will be delivered at your doorstep in a few minutes. Refer to the yellow pages or consult the motel receptionist you are staying in, for information.
For breakfast, have 'Continental breakfast' which is cheap and the best. To be sure about Veg. items, always ask for items with "NO MEAT" rather than "WITHOUT MEAT". Be sure to say "NO ICE" if you prefer to have your drink without ice. And remember that a CHEESEBURGER is a misnomer. It contains meat besides cheese, so be careful!
Here is a guide for Vegetarian Dishes:0
Mexican : Bean Buritto, Enchiladas, Bean Taco, Cheese Taco, Bean Tostadas, And Mexican Pizza
Italian or Greek : Eggplant (brinjal) sandwich, Spaghetti with tomato sauce, Lasagna (pronounced Laza-nya), Italian Pitza, Italian Pasta with tomato sauce, Falafal, Veg. Gyro (pronounced Yero).
Denny's : Vegetable omelette (with eggs)Vegetable lunch/dinner (salad, potato smash, garlic sauce) Broccoli soup
American Restaurants (Sizzler, Olive Garden) : Best bet is salad bar & French fries
McDonald's : Mac cheese sandwich, Milk shakes, ice-cream sundaes
Pizza Hut : Veggie Lover's delight, Veggie pizza with a choice of toppings such as Jalapenos (pronounced Hala-pin-yose and are green chilies), pineapple, tomato, onions etc.
Burger King : Vege cheese whooper, Garden burger

9. Office and the Work Environment
Before you start your first day, get a hang of how the work environment is at the client's place from any PCS person there or read on for some typical environments you may find.
- Project Leaders are very understanding and friendly. And do not unduly pressurize you to perform. They will definitely give you some time to come up to speed on their work environment.
- There is a lot of individualistic approach. Every person's inputs are given a lot of importance. Independent views are respected. Before discarding any of your ideas, they will give you a good enough reason for doing so.
- For the smallest of decisions they will sometimes hold a meeting and get the entire team's inputs/comments/suggestions before proceeding. One feels important when this is done. But sometimes it can get boring.
- Nobody double-checks what you are saying, they take you for your word.
- There are no suspicious feelings and managers don't fear subordinates.
- Managers will openly discuss about their meetings with "their" bosses, with the team. There is no hide and seek as far as information/feedback is concerned.
- People admit if they don't know or have information about certain things. They don't pretend to be all knowing.
- People are dedicated to their area of work and develop expertise in it. But they do not talk about work related topics, which are not in their area of expertise, they immediately refer you to the right person.
- People enjoy their work and leisure. They plan their weekends well in advance. Very few people stay back late in the office or come and work during weekends. Such things are not related to performance. As long as you do your work well and within time, nobody cares what else you do and when.
- Most companies allow you to compensate by working during the weekend if you take an 'off' from work on a regular weekday.
- The work hours in most companies are flexible. Come anytime and go anytime but you do need to put in a minimum of 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week as contractors.
- Regular time sheets "may" have to be filled, in some companies.

10. Americans and their Behavior
It’s helpful to know how Americans typically will be. Otherwise you will start feeling "These people are great dramatists... ". Here are some tips:-
- Americans are very friendly and helpful.
- They don't make you feel like a foreigner. (Though you feel!)
- It is very easy to adjust with them. But they don't like people getting very inquisitive or trying to get too personal in the initial phase of the acquaintance.
- They dress casually and nobody bothers which dress you wear etc.
- They are fun loving creatures and enjoy their free time. Most of them like to keep themselves physically fit by regular outings, hiking, exercise, biking, jogging etc. They love the outdoors and natural surroundings. They look forward to weekends and plan their weekend activities in advance. This usually consists of some outdoor activity.
- They are frank about their opinions.
- They respect individual views and allow everyone to voice their own ideas on a subject.
- They have a lot of patience. Especially when standing in queues or while driving, nobody will try to jump before you in the queue. Most of them are very disciplined drivers. However this differs from State to State.
- If they happen to come in your way or you happen to come in their way, you will promptly hear an "Excuse me" or "Excuse us".
- They need a lot of feedback while talking. You have to acknowledge/nod continuously. Otherwise they feel you are not interested in listening or are confused.
- They gesture a lot and shoot some funny (at least so it seems initially) phrases at you. It is a matter of "getting used to it".
- They are "very" proud of their country. To them, the Universe is the United States . So never ever make fun of or speak lightly about them or tell them that they do not have any social/cultural background. You will make more American friends that way.

Must read before going to USA

2007-04-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

1. Introduction

Usually, before anyone comes to the U.S.A for the first time from India he/she will start talking to people who have been here before and get information from them about what to expect, what to do etc. Though this gives some idea it doesn't make one confident or better prepared and moreover how much can one absorb at once.
So we felt the need for a small, informal document which anyone could carry along with or read on the plane before he/she gets to the USA The objective of this document is to make you aware of things, situations to expect and enlighten you with facts so you can be comfortable once you get there.
This friendly document will guide you during your stay in the U.S. You will be better prepared for the trip if you read this document before going or just after reaching. It tries to give information on preparing for the trip, food, travel, stay and culture in the U.S.
This is just out of our experience and should be considered as an advice rather than final authoritative statements, which may be arguable. We want you to enjoy your trip to the U.S. as much as possible. You bet.
All the best!! :-)

2. Carry Luggage
The carry baggage is the biggest problem while coming to U.S. What to carry? How much to carry? Do I carry more woolen clothes 'cause its cold out there? Well, we all think, it depends!!
Don't carry too many heavy utensils, cooker etc. You can buy most of the utensils there. They are not costly and you don't have to carry much. You can carry some spices with you if you want to, 'cause after going there you may start missing the Indian food taste. Make sure you get a cooker though, if you need one, because, they can get expensive in the U.S. .
Don't carry too many warm clothes (unless you are going there in winter), or sports shoes etc. It would be better if you buy them after going there. That way you can buy the latest style. But you should carry leather shoes from India , since leather items are costly in the U.S. Rest, it all depends on you and your needs!!

3. The Arrival
Enjoy your flight. Try to learn more about other nations from the co-passengers There can be international stops on your way to the U.S.

3.1 International Stops : Generally passengers are required to get down at an International top, which might be for Security checkup or cleaning of the airplane. You will be given a 'transit card` or say 'transit visa`. Normally the halt is for a couple of hours. Listen to the announcement, which is always made before the international halt. You will hear information about departure time, gate number etc. After getting down at Intl. Airport , you can move around in the airport. But be at the gate within 45 minutes of your flight's departure for the onward journey, 'cause they may require checking your tickets etc. Once you get in, you are all set to take off for the final destination.
3.2 Immigration : The first thing you need to go through at the port-of-entry U.S. airport (international airport where you first land in the U.S. ), after landing is the immigration and customs clearance. After which you may board a domestic flight to reach your final destination. Before getting down at your port-of-entry final international halt, inside the plane, you will be given a form to fill up called I-94. SPECIFY DCI`s CONTACT NUMBER, ADDRESS AND OTHER OFFICIAL INFORMATION AS YOUR CONTACT NUMBER, ADDRESS WHERE YOU ILL STAY etc.
On alighting from the plane you may ask people or signs will guide you to the immigration. Keep your passport, H1-paper (Blue form) and the form you filled inside the plane, handy. At the counter you might be asked some questions. TALK ABSOLUTELY TO THE POINT. DON`T TRY TO LIE. MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER YOU SAY IS WRITTEN ON THE PAPER. You will be given the counter foil of I-94 form. Keep that very carefully. And say to yourself "WELCOME TO USA".
3.3 Baggage Claim : Try to acquire some 25 cent coins (called "quarters"), which you may need for getting a trolley cart for your baggage and also for making telephone calls etc. Thereafter move toward the baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight; simply follow the signs directing you to the place. Collect your luggage and look for signs directing you to customs clearance. At the customs clearance they may ask you to open your bags for a security check/verification.
3.4 Domestic Flight: Since the Port-of-entry may not be your final destination in the U.S. and you have to proceed onwards, locate the counter for the domestic airline you will be taking to your final destination. Above all don't hesitate or feel shy to ask for help from airport support staff (at information desks) or police officers, if you need anything.
Follow signs directing you to your domestic flight because you will need a boarding pass. If it is far away, take the Airport shuttle (bus) service that is free. If you don't know where to get down, tell the driver in advance and he will drop you off at the proper place. At the counter (podium) check-in your baggage and get your boarding pass issued and ready. On arrival at the final destination, collect your baggage once again and look around for that someone who may be there to receive you. If you don't find anyone or you already have specific instructions, follow those, otherwise call up (telephone) the DCI area coordinator whose tel. number you should be carrying. Therefore remember to keep phone numbers handy. Get information from the DCI area-coordinator on the stay arrangements made for you. Finally, if no one comes to pick you up, try to locate the information counter from where you will get all the information regarding how to call for Also the Public Transport section of this guide will help you in understanding the travel facilities available in the U.S.

4. Using Telephones

The first thing you might do when you come to USA is calling someone. So this is a good time to tell you about telephone usage. Telephone calls within U.S. are considered "local" (within the area of the caller) or "long distance" (outside the area of the caller). Local calls
Within a short region are free unless made from a public pay phone, which is a coin-operated machine. Long distance calls are charged at varying rates, depending on how you make the call (which long distance carrier/company you use), for how long you speak and the time of the day. Note that the telephone companies in the U.S. are private. Each local region is assigned an "area code". So the phone numbers are denoted as (area code)-123 4567. Where 123-4567 is your actual phone number. If you are calling a number within your "area" then you should dial only the phone number. If the call is outside your area
You need to dial 1-(area code)-123-4567, which is the long distance call. Again, sometimes when the area code is the same as yours, you may still have to dial a "1" before the number without the area code e.g. 1-<7-digit> To make an international call i.e. to India you need to dial 011-91-- e.g. 011-91-22-1234567. Here 011 indicate an international call. 91 is the country code for India . 22 is the "area code" for Bombay and 1234567 may be the actual phone number you want to dial.
Other important facilities provided are -
1. Yellow pages (Tel. directory) Advertisements and Telephone numbers of businesses.
2. Emergency Telephone Number There is one emergency number that you can dial for any type of emergency, which is 911 (Fire/Ambulance/Police).
3. Directory assistance Local telephone numbers - 411 Long distance - 1-(Area Code)-555-1212 Toll Free number enquiry - 1-800-555-1212
4. Toll free
Most of the 1-800 numbers are toll free. You will not be charged for the calls you make to such numbers. e.g. The toll free number for Mr. Ashok Agarwal (DCI California) is 1-800-969-1117. This is a toll free number and you can dial it from anywhere in the U.S. without having to pay for it, even from a public phone. Some telephone numbers have alphabets in them such as 1-800-COLLECT. To dial this number, just press the digit on the telephone pad which has the corresponding alphabet you want to dial on it, simple!.
Most people use answering machines, which are connected to their telephones, or some kind of voice mail system. It has a standard pre-recorded greeting which is played when you call up and then after some beeps, it records your message. Initially you will feel like you were talking to a dead person, but soon you realize the importance of owning an answering machine. We bet you'll buy one too!.
Using the PUBLIC "pay" phones : The important difference is, you need to insert the money first then dial the number. To operate a pay phone you need 25 cents. This pays for one local call. If your call is not connected your money is returned in the "coin return" slot.
Collect call - If you want the called party (person whom you are calling) to pay for the call then you make a collect call. To make a collect call pick up the receiver and press 0. Let the operator know that you want to make a COLLECT call, the operator will connect you to the phone number you need. But before that the operator will check with the other party if they want to collect (pay for) the call. An easier way is to dial 1-800-COLLECT
from any phone and just follow the recorded instructions.
Time zones : There are four time zones in the U.S.
1) Eastern TZ
Example : Massachusetts , New York , Florida etc .
2) Central TZ ( lags Eastern TZ by one hour )
Example : Iowa , Kentucky , Indiana etc.
3) Mountain TZ ( lags Eastern TZ by two hours )
Example : Colorado , Utah , Wyoming etc.
4) Pacific TZ ( lags Eastern TZ by three hours )
Example : California , Oregon , Washington etc.
Daylight saving : As the name suggests, the time is set in such a way that maximum day
light could be used. e.g. During summer, the sun rises at around 4-5 o'clock. So the clock is set forward by one hour. This forces all activities to start one hour earlier so that maximum daylight is used till late in the evening.
Therefore : The Clock is set back by one hour on the first Sunday of November 1 (Fall Season) at 2:00 am . Clock is once again set forward by one hour on the first Sunday of April at 2:00 am . (Spring Season). The easiest way to remember this is FALL BACK, SPRING AHEAD. By the way, Arizona is the only state, which is not affected by day-light-saving. People there do not ever change the time in their clocks.
Currency :
Dollar : 100 cents Quarter: 25 cents
Dime : 10 cents Nickel : 5 cents
Penny : 1 cent

Initially there is some confusion since the quarter is exactly of the same size and shape as the Indian 50 paise coin.

5. Public Transport
All major cities have some sort of public transportation not necessarily very good or frequent or well connected. Therefore most people prefer to travel by their own cars. It is better that you own a car in the U.S. so that you are independent. But till you get to buy a car you can use the public transportation system or depend on your friends/colleagues for a ride.
5.1 Trains and Buses : In most cities, you may purchase Daily Tickets from the conductor or the driver on the train and buses each day. For more information on routes, schedules and fares, see the publications and maps published by the city's local authority. You can locate them in your telephone book.
5.2 Taxi Companies : In some areas you must telephone for a taxi and make an appointment. You will not find them waiting in the street corners but you do find them waiting in a queue at the airport. Taxis are listed in the yellow pages under the name "Taxi" or "Taxicabs".
When you call, tell the "dispatch" operator where you are and where you want to go. The dispatch operator will tell you how long it will take for the taxi to arrive at your starting point. He or she will ask for the telephone number, so they can call you if the taxi driver cannot locate you. You should ask for the estimated cost of the ride.
When you enter the taxi, the meter will read flat rate. This is the minimum charge. You will be charged the flat rate for each mile you travel.

be careful of consultancy's

2007-04-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

This mail is to warn ALL the visa aspirants who areplanning to go visa interview with FAKE FINANCIALdocuments.
I myself caught by visa embassy people on Aug 3th2006 for providing Fake FINANCIAL Documents, finalresult is my passport was kept under 212 A 6 C 1section - meaning PERMANANT INELIGIBILITY for enteringinto USA.
I was asked to go to Delhi for VISA by my consultancy (Jubliant) and i wenttrusting thier word and i was sent back to Chennai.I am a medical graduate and my final aim is to getinto residency programme. I had taken my step 1 & 2with good score 98 & 98 percentile.
I had spent fewlakhs and couple of years time into preparation,and ihad got a great dream to fulfill. ALL THIS WENT TOVAIN BECAUSE OF CONSULTANCY WHICH PROVIDED ME WITHFAKE DOCUMENTS charging 30000 rupee.

I Warn not to go to consultancies for financialdocumentaion. If you get caught, consultancy peoplewillnot take any responsibility.These days frequency of verfying documents hasincreased to 1 in 5 students and may be 2 in 5 forthis semester. So Be cautious you are not blacklistedby taking fake documetns.

Here few consultancies whih are blaclisted:

a) Jubiliant Consultancies, Begumpet.

b) S.V Consultancies, Mehdipatnam.

c) Overseas Consultancies, Secundrabad.

CA & CE

a) RAJA Sekhar & co. Old malakpet, Hyd-36.

b) Venugopal & Co. Begumpet.

c) Teja AssosiatesI warn not to go to above consultancies.Hope this message will be useful atleast for somemembers who are planning to go with fake documents.
Regards,
Dr. Suresh

this is the experince of a guy i found on the net...

Black listed Companies in US

2007-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

List of Blacklisted companies... be careful with them...
pleasesee the second company in the list!!Pls go thru Dont get into such a situation.

Here is a list of fraud companies which lure people in India to USA.

Pleasepass this on to all your friends and make them aware of it.

List of Companies you need to be careful.

1. Mastech Sys
2. Syntel
3. Computer People Inc.
4. Capricon
5. American MegaTrend Inc.
6. CBS
7. Intelligroup ( Edison - New Jersey)
8. Cybertech (Chicago - Ilinnois)
9. Systech (Gelndale - Calif.)
10. IntecNew Jersey. Now it is named as Compuflex.
11. Indotronixs or Indotronics?
12. Capricorn Systems Inc , Atlanta
13. BCC computers Ltd in Madras ***(Dangerously Blacklisted)******
14. Frontier Systems ***(Highly Black Listed)
15. C G VAK(Coimbatore)
16. Kumaran Software, Anna Nagar, Madras ******(Highly andDangerously Blacklisted)*******
17. BCS Project Consultants; Bangalore (These people callthemselves BCS Computer Consultancies and Services. Highlyblacklisted.)These people lay false claims of having done projects for Defenceorganisations.
18. Pragathi Computers; Bangalore. (HighlyBlacklisted)Infact aBelgium based organization is planning to take legal action on thisorganisation for claiming to do work for NATO.

Step wise details in scheduling the visa interview

2007-04-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

We are herewith giving the step wise details for scheduling Visa Interview Web Appointment in American Consulate General. Please go through the given below message:
1) Please connect to the web site www.vfs-usa.co.in
2) Enter in to the field of Apply for Non-Immigrant Visa and then press continue
3) Put No in the Field of BEP user ID, then automatically you will lead to the next screen
4) Click on the Create New Application
5) You have to fill the details like Purpose of Travel as Studying in USA etc. and then press continue
6) There is a screen showing the present status of Availability of Dates in the green mark - press continue
7) Give the details of Passport Expiry Date and then presws continue
8) You have to fill the details like First Name, Last Name, HDFC Bank Receipt No. etc. and then press continue
9) There is a screen showing the Visa Classes like F-1, B1/B2 etc. You have to click on the F-1 Visa
10) There is a screen showing the guide lines for web appointment and then press continue
11) You will lead to the DS-156 form. Please completely fill the DS-156 form and then press continue
12) Also completely fill the DS-157, DS-158 & Sevis Details and then press continue for confirmation
13) Again There is a screen showing the present status of Availability of Dates in the green mark - press on the appropriate date
14) Then it shows a screen, which you have taken the time and date of confirmed a appointment and then press continue
15) You have to give the Passsport delivery address (It will be your home address or any other alternative address) and then press continue
16) There is a screen showing Download - Press on the Download
17) Then the screen shows the DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, Interview Letter and Guide Lines - Press on the each link and then save a copy in to your computer
18) Press Exit19) Please take the printouts of DS-156 (Back n Back), DS-157, DS-158 (Back n Back) and Interview Letter

VISA Stuff

2007-04-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Fallow the links below they are very useful for you..

http://malvadkar.com/downloads.aspx

http://www.msdreamz.com/visadocuments.htm

http://pub36.bravenet.com/forum/3045007005

http://www.path2usa.com/immigration/visacategory/studentvisa/

http://www.orkut.com/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=8838618&tid=2493707949664233427

TO book visa slot after u get ur SEVIS......go 2 this site......http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/

Useful Tips for the prospective students

Here are few tips for you guys...The most important thing to keep in mind is that when a student is applying for a visa, he/she must prove to the consular officer that he/she is NOT going to stay in the US after graduating. In other words, the consular officer views the student as a potential immigrant and it is up to the student to prove that this is not the caseTell the applicants while applying for a visa that they must:project an image of maturity and independence: look the interviewer in the eye and speak in a very articulate manner;explain very clearly why they chose to enter such-and-such program and why it is necessary to do so in the United States! One of the questions that the officer will be asking him/herself is: why does this person need to go to the US to study this subject;when possible underscore what plans the student has upon returning home. Many of us don't know what we wanted to do when we graduated from college, but for the purpose of this interview, the student must be as forward thinking as possible.AMTen Points to Remember When Applying for a NonimmiTIES TO HOME COUNTRY. Under U.S. law, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are viewed as intending immigrants until they can convince the consular officer that they are not. You must therefore be able to show that you have reasons for returning to your home country that are stronger than those for remaining in the United States. "Ties" to your home country are the things that bind you to your hometown, homeland, or current place of residence: job, family, financial prospects that you own or will inherit, investments, etc. If you are a prospective undergraduate, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific intentions or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans, and career prospects in your home country. Each person's situation is different, of course, and there is
ENGLISH. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. Do not bring parents or family members with you to the interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room.
KNOW THE PROGRAM AND HOW IT FITS YOUR CAREER PLANS. If you are not able to articulate the reasons you will study in a particular program in the United States, you may not succeed in convincing the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study, rather than to immigrate. You should also be able to explain how studying in the United States relates to your future professional career when you return home.BE CONCISE. Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Keep your answers to the officer questions short and to the point.
SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION. It should be clear at a glance to the consular officer what written documents you are presenting and what they signify. Lengthy written explanations cannot be quickly read or evaluated. Remember that you will have 2-3 minutes of interview time, if you are lucky.
NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL. Applicants from countries suffering economic problems or from countries where many students have remained in the United States as immigrants will have more difficulty getting visas. Statistically, applicants from those countries are more likely to be intending immigrants. They are also more likely to be asked about job opportunities at home after their study in the United States.
EMPLOYMENT. Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their U.S. education. You must be able to clearly articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program. If your spouse is also applying for an accompanying F-2 visa, be aware that F-2 dependents cannot, under any circumstances, be employed in the United States. If asked, be prepared to address what your spouse intends to do with his or her time while in the United States. Volunteer work and attending school part-time are permitted activities.
DEPENDENTS REMAINING AT HOME. If your spouse and children are remaining behind in your country, be prepared to address how they will support themselves in your absence. This can be an especially tricky area if you are the primary source of income for your family. If the consular officer gains the impression that your family members will need you to remit money from the United States in order to support themselves, your student visa application will almost certainly be denied. If your family does decide to join you at a later time, it is helpful to have them apply at the same post where you applied for your visa.
MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal, and try to get the reason you were denied in writing.

Top 10 mistakes in the Visa Interview.

2007-04-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Mistakes at Visa Interviews Visa interview is most important part of the whole visa process. A successful interview can have greater positive impact in visa grant decision. Following are some of the most common mistakes people make during the interview.

1)Not Prepared Well for the InterviewBeing prepared for interview can better equip you for the interview. A prior research and preparation for commonly asked questions and their appropriate answer will be helpful during the interview.

2)Not Providing Complete and Truthful Information.It is very important that you provide complete and truthful information. Any incomplete/false information can lead to unnecessary delay. False information can have severe impact on your future ability to apply for US visa. It may also cause you lot of frustration and legal actions against you.

3)Providing Incomplete DocumentationMust carry all the required documentation with complete and authentic information. Read all the prerequisites and prepare all the documents accordingly. Keeping your documentation well organized can also leave a positive impression on the consulate officer.

4)Not Carrying Appropriate FeeUS consulate has strict methods of payments. Make sure you know the method and the exact amount of the applicable fee. For example, most US consulates don't accept cash as the payment method and would prefer separate bank drafts for visa application and visa issuance fee. Refer to an appropriate source for more detailed information.

5)Providing Unnecessary Extra InformationDo not give away any information voluntarily which is not being asked. In many cases, people trying to be over confident and over smart give out more detailed answers than is required. This may trigger additional related questions which may not work in your favor.For example:Question: Why do you want to go to the US?Wrong Answer: I want to see how USA is and if I like it I want to stay back with my son. Preferred Answer: For tourism purpose and..,

6)Inconsistent Information.Inconsistency in the information about what you provide in the documentation and what you say during the interview can go against your case.

7)Arguing with the Consulate OfficerNever ever make any arguments with the consulate officer. If you want some information ask in a polite manner

8)Having Poor CommunicationPoor communication is the number one reason reason that affect your case in a negative way. If you're not good in English, you should request for a regional language interpreter.

9)Having too Much Communication (talking too much)Remember, you are the one being interviewed and not the other way around. So, keep your communication brief and to the point. Speak only when asked for an answer.

10)Appearing to be Nervous Being confident can bring positive results. Especially, incase of visa interview where a consulate officer has to rely on limited information provided by you. Their judgment is highly influenced by the way you react to questions, your body language, and the authenticity of you answers..,Just Be confident.., & the VISA POWER will be u'r's