Automatically Adjusting Right-Panel Column Widths

The column widths in the right hand panel of the Explorer might not be the correct sizes to display all the file information.
To automatically adjust all the columns at once to show all the information,

Click somewhere on the right-hand panel
Simply press the Ctrl-+ key.
The Name, Size, Type and Modified columns will automatically adjust themselves to display all their information.
Note: The + is the one on the numeric keyboard

Student Visa

Now that you have been admitted to any University in US, you are probably thinking about when and how to get your F-1 Student Visa. This article will address general requirements and provide some tips for making the student visa application process a smooth one. We also recommend that you visit the State Department’s new web site that provides helpful information and tips about obtaining visas.
The first thing to understand is that there are always exceptions and that the particulars will vary for each person; therefore, it will be very important to obtain accurate information, instructions and forms for the specific U.S. Consular post through which you will be applying for the student visa. Click here, “U.S. Embassies and Consulates” for an official list of U.S. embassies and consulates in your country.
In general, most U.S. Consulates allow students to apply for the F-1 student visa no sooner than 90 days before the “start date” indicated on the I-20. UB’s official start date for Fall 2004 is August 23, 2004 (although it may vary for some majors and summer programs); that means most consulates will only allow you to apply for your visa after May 23, 2004. Some U.S. Consulates may have different application filing dates and deadlines; be sure to check directly with the U.S. Consulate through which you will apply for the F-1 visa.
There is no standard visa processing time; some consulates can review and issue an F-1 visa in as little as one week or less; some consulates may take as long as two months or more. We strongly recommend that you begin the student visa application process as soon as you can. May through August will be the busiest months for issuing student visas; allow enough time to learn about the requirements; allow enough time in the process in case you are called for an interview or must come back a second or third time. Some U.S. Consulates may require a 30-day waiting period so that a background check can be conducted. Do not wait until the last minute!
Most U.S. Consulates require that your passport be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to enter the U.S. For example, if you plan to enter the U.S. on August 23, 2004, most U.S. Consulates will require that your passport be valid at least through February 23, 2005. Even if the U.S. Consulate in your country does not have this requirement, it might be a good idea to make sure that your passport does meet this requirement – we don’t want you to encounter any problems when you attempt to enter the U.S. If you arrive in the U.S. with a passport that is valid for less than six months, the immigration officer at the Port of Entry has the right to deny your admission to the U.S. and send you back home. Check your passport now – better to be safe than sorry.
Most U.S. Consulates have very strict requirements about how you can submit your visa application form and documents. Some have a “drop box”; some require that you mail the application; some require that you use a visa service or authorized travel agent. Follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Consulate in your country.
Most U.S. Consulates do not accept letters or faxes sent to them directly from UB. We will not be able to honor requests for letters of support sent on your behalf. The merits of your visa application will be determined by your own efforts and your own documents.
» What do visa officers look for when you apply for an F-1 student visa?
1. They must be sure that you have the ability and intention to be a full-time student in the program and school to which you have been accepted.
You will demonstrate this by presenting your Certificate of Visa Eligibility (the I-20 Form or the DS-2019 Form for J-1 visas) and your official university acceptance letter. The consulate may also require that you present documents showing scholastic preparation: academic transcripts (with above average grades), TOEFL score reports, and standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.). Sometimes the U.S. Consulate asks to see documents that the university did not require; this is their right – they can do this; that’s why it’s always a good idea to have taken the typical standardized tests even if not required by UB. They may also check to see if you are prepared, in their opinion, to successfully complete your studies for the major to which you have been admitted. So if they doubt that you will succeed at UB in the major/department you indicated, they can reject your visa application.
2. They must be sure that you have adequate financial resources to pay for all of your studies and living expenses while in the U.S. without needing to work while in the U.S.
You will demonstrate sufficient financial resources by showing the visa officer your financial documents.
If you’re receiving a scholarship and/or an assistantship, be sure that your award letter is printed on official university department letterhead paper; if it’s not, contact your department immediately to request this. The visa officer will expect these letters to be printed on university letterhead paper.
If you’re documenting your own finances (from your personal funds, your family’s, or another sponsor’s), check with the U.S. Consulate in your country to see what forms of documentation they require. Some consulates require bank statements, past tax statements, company letters, employment contracts, etc. Some consulates require that you show evidence of funds for all years of study; some require evidence of only one year; some require that you actually bring a bank draft for the amount listed on the I-20. Check with the U.S. Consulate to see what you must bring. Then be absolutely sure that the documents are prepared and presented in exactly the manner required (for example, if they say “original only,” that means original only – no copies, no certified copies, no notarized copies, etc.).
3. They must be sure that you intend to go to the U.S. only to study; they must be sure that you have no intention of working; they must be sure that you do not intend to immigrate to the U.S.
This is the tough one! The U.S. Consular visa officers are required by law to begin with the presumption that visa applicants intend to immigrate to the U.S. and that they should therefore reject your visa application. The consular visa officers are supposed to issue the student visa only if they are persuaded beyond any doubt that you do not intend to immigrate; they must be 100% convinced you are going to the U.S. only to study, that you will not work, and that you will return to your home country after completing your studies.
You will attempt to document your intentions of returning home by showing that you have “strong ties” to your home country and legitimate, self-serving reasons to return home after graduation. “Strong ties” to your home country are things that bind you to your home town or homeland: future job, family, financial prospects, property that you will inherit, investments, etc. You will need to explain how you will gain the education and talent to succeed in jobs that are in high demand in your country. You will need to show that you are a familial son or daughter and will feel obligated to return home after graduation. If the visa officer thinks that you may work or stay in the U.S. after graduation, your student visa may be rejected.
Some U.S. Consulates may require a personal interview as part of the visa application process.
»If you are required to have a personal interview, what can you expect?
The interview will almost always be conducted in English.

The interview will be very short (probably 2 – 3 minutes).
Usually no other family members, friends or representatives can attend the interview with you.

The visa officer will render his/her decision immediately when the interview is finished.

» What does the visa officer expect from you?
Honesty.
Short and direct answers; not a memorized speech.

Good English proving that you have the necessary language skills to succeed in a competitive university in the U.S.

Documents that are in proper order as specified in the consulate’s instructions.

» What kinds of questions might you expect in an interview?
What is/was your high school (secondary school) GPA (grade point average)?
Graduate students: What is/was your university GPA?

Did you apply to local universities?

If not, why not?

If yes, why aren’t you going to a local university?

How many U.S. schools did you apply to?

How many U.S. schools accepted you?

Why did you apply to UB?

Did you do a lot of research about UB?

What’s so good about UB?

Why did you choose UB?

Name five things about UB that made you decide to choose UB.

Why didn’t you choose the other universities?

Why did you choose UB over the other universities?

What do you want to study? or What’s your major?

Why are you choosing this major?

What do you expect to get out of your education?

What’s the job scope (job market) for this major?

Do you intend to stay in the U.S. after graduation and work?

Would you like to stay in the U.S. after graduation in order to work?

Do you have any family in the U.S.?

Do you have examples of any family that studied in the U.S. and then returned home (to your home country)?

Does your family own any homes, businesses or property in the U.S.?

Does your family have any funds (bank accounts, money markets, stocks, etc.) in the U.S.?

How do you and your family intend to finance your education in the U.S.?

Don’t memorize your answers; rather prepare well and give short, direct answers.
You can see that most of these questions attempt to check and verify your academic intentions, how serious you are about your academic decisions, and your true intention of staying in the U.S. or returning home. Think about these questions carefully so that you can answer quickly and with confidence.

Final tips
Come to the interview well groomed and dressed neatly (but a suit or formal dress is not required).

Come to the interview prepared with all of the forms and documents as specified in the consulate’s instructions.

Have all of your documents organized neatly and logically. If the visa officer asks for a specific academic document, test score or financial document, you should be able to pull it from your file/organizer quickly. If you have to hunt through a stack of papers, the visa officer will think you are disorganized and hence not serious about your academic future.

Be prepared for quick, rapid-fire questions from the visa officer.

Keep your answers short and direct.

Practice your conversational English. Speak clearly (enunciate!) and with the appropriate volume.

Do not argue. Maintain a positive attitude. Be friendly and courteous.
The outcome of your interview depends on your answers, how well prepared you are, and some luck. So prepare well and hope for some luck!

Your Health and Safety

How can I protect my health when I travel?
If you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you’ll be visiting. This way you’ll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.
Find out what types of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases.
Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip. Get you vaccinations done early in case you have a reaction and need some recovery time.
You should consider a dental appointment if you haven’t had a check up in a while.
Be careful what you eat and drink.
Carry complete health information with you on your trip.
Consider joining Medic Alert or IAMAT, the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.
Where can I find information that will help keep me healthy while traveling?
www.cdc.gov/travel
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Information web page. This site contains updated information and articles on diseases. It also includes guidelines for travel to areas that have suffered a recent natural disaster. The most valuable section of the site is the destination section. This area of the site contains detailed specific information on diseases common to particular regions of the world, along with the recommended precautions and vaccines advised to avoid those diseases.

www.who.int/ith/english/index.htm
The World Health Organization’s International Travel and Health web page. This site contains information on recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travelers.

www.who.int/ith/english/region.htm
The World Health Organization’s Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travelers web page. This site contains information, divided by regions of the globe, on potential health hazards for travelers within that region.

Where can I find information that could help me to secure proper medical care while I’m traveling?
www.sentex.net/~iamat/index.html
The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that helps travelers to avoid illness while traveling abroad. It also helps guide travelers in 125 countries to competent medical care with doctors trained in Western countries that speak either French or English in addition to their native tongues. There is no charge for membership in this organization, but donations are appreciated to help continue IAMAT’s work.

www.medicalert.org
The Medic Alert homepage. This is a nonprofit organization that provides bracelets that identify diseases or allergies from which you suffer. The bracelet also contains a phone number that can be called so medical personnel can have access to your medical records 24-hours a day. There is a registration and yearly membership fee to receive this service.
What health information should I carry with me?
Complete and take with you a personal medical history. Your doctor should be able to help you complete the history. It should include:
Your Insurance Company’s name and address.
Trip Insurance contact information.
Contact person in case of emergency.
Your blood type.
A copy of your eyeglass prescription.
A list of current medications with their generic names, brand names can vary in foreign countries.
A list of allergies, including any known food or drug allergies.
A list of immunizations with their dates.
A basic description of your past and present medical condition, including past hospitalizations and any current problems.
Do I need Trip Insurance?
Check with your insurance agent to see if your current medical coverage will cover you outside the country.
Even if you are covered, you may still be expected to pay the bill in cash and be reimbursed from your insurance. Make sure you receive a completely itemized bill, in English, if possible.
Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payments for medical care given outside the United States.
If you don’t have any coverage that will apply, you should strongly consider travel insurance that will cover you outside the country.
Be sure to read the trip insurance policy carefully, noting any deductibles, exceptions or exemptions for pre-existing conditions, activities, diseases or areas of the world.
You also want to see if the policy covers any medical evacuation costs, especially if you plan on traveling to an area of the world that may not be able to provide you the type of medical care you will need.
You may be making your travel plans months in advance. Many things can happen in that time that would cause you to have to cancel your trip and possibly lose your deposits.
You are susceptible to travel delays, often ones beyond your control, which can cause you to miss all or part of your trip.
Check the policy to make sure you are covered for expenses caused by travel delays, as well as, cancellation coverage.
How can I protect my safety while traveling?
Do the research so you’ll know the particular risks you face.
Know the local laws and abide by them.
Dress conservatively and try to blend in.
Take care when choosing your hotel and transportation providers.
If you haven’t left your valuables at home, leave them in your hotel’s safe.
Don’t draw attention to yourself, avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don’t display large amounts of cash. Carry only enough cash to make it through the day and leave the rest in the hotel’s safe.
Avoid traveling alone.
Be careful about sharing your travel plans with strangers.
Stick to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts down narrow alleys and/or poorly lit streets.
Always be aware of what is going on around you.
Only use taxis, tours and other transportation services with official markings. Only select transportation from official pickup points at transportation hubs.
Never accept gifts or packages from unknown parties.
Approach any “special deals” with caution, especially if you have to go off the beaten path to get them.
Take precautions to protect your money and avoid pickpockets.
How can I avoid being the victim of a pickpocket?
Don’t travel in narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
When possible, avoid having crowds of people surrounding you.
Carry a dummy wallet and put your money in your front pocket.
Place a rubber band around your wallet, it will make it much more difficult to remove from your pocket without your knowledge.
Carry your purse under your arm.
Carry your money under your clothes.
Know some of the pickpocket’s tricks.
What are some of the pickpocket’s tricks?
There are lots of situations that pickpockets use to create opportunities to relieve you of all that heavy cash. Be especially aware of your money when you find yourself in the following situations.
Getting bumped by someone else.
Having something spilled on you or someone pointing out a spot on your clothing.
Someone approaching you and asking for help or directions.
Someone causing a disturbance that draws everyone’s attention.
Being surrounded by a crowd, especially if you are surrounded by groups of children.

Analyze Writing Assignments

When you receive a writing assignment topic, it is a good idea to start brainstorming by listing main ideas or key concepts. Put the words or phrases down on paper and just jot notes by them. Many people put circles around each thought and join them by arrows. This process may lead to a longer article.
Decide on the type of paper you are writing. This may be assigned by your teacher, but you may have to give an opinion and justify the opinion. Keep in mind the correct subjects and verbs to use.

Start researching your topic. Make sure you know what your teacher will and will not let you use. Start with the most general source first, so you can learn about the topic then work your way out to the most specialized sources. Use print materials. Before you use internet materials, make certain you know what is allowed.

Establish parameters for your topic. You do not want to be too generalized or too specialized. Make sure you pick a topic where you can find enough information.

Make a précis of your information. It may help to take this to your teacher, so you will know if you are on the right track. If it is necessary to write out your opinion or your thoughts on a topic, make sure that you have the facts to back it. Always remember to be a critical thinker and keep an open mind. Don’t overlook important research material because it doesn’t match your thesis statement.

Vocabulary Building

A good vocabulary is crucial to academic success. You will become a better student as you increase your word power. As you increase your vocabulary, you increase your reading ability that in turn should improve your critical thinking skills. A good vocabulary is the basis of understanding what you read and learn.

Memorization of lists is one of the most accepted ways of learning vocabulary. This is a good exercise for short term studying, but you often do not retain the information that you have learned for a particular class or test. Memorization is good for standardized testing.

You can often figure out the meaning of the word from reading in context. Read through the entire paragraph to see if you can get a meaning of the word. Figure out what the reading is exploring and try to learn the word.

The best way to learn a definition and to remember a word is to look it up the dictionary. Find the word, sound it out and spell it. Notice the syllables in the word. Read all the definitions listed. Always keep a dictionary on hand during your college career.

Another method of learning vocabulary is similar to concept mapping. Have a blank sheet of paper and put the word that you are trying to learn and remember in the center of the page. In another box, write down a description of the word. Be sure to keep the description short. Draw two columns. In one, list items that describe or would help you to remember the word. In the other column, write down examples that would be similar to the word. By using all these mapping tools, your chances of remembering a word are much higher.