Crossing the visa hurdle
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Obtaining a US visa may not be that easy. But a little hit of planning and better knowledge about the visa session will improve one's chances, writes R. Ravikanth Reddy.
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Regular interaction will help shatter many a myth.-- Photo: Mohd. Yousuf
Don't Blame the US Embassy if a lot of Indian students are getting rejected, but blame the students. They are not well trained to give precise answers sought by the visa officer, and a little bit of planning can make a huge difference to their chances.
This is the opinion of representatives of various US universities who have come to explain the opportunities available in the US and the numerous courses on the offer. "Visa officers are stricter after the terrorist attacks. But, there is no conscious effort to deny visas to students. Our Embassy officials say more number of Indian students are getting visas than earlier," says Gregory T. Walker of Linden Educational Services that has brought 25 different universities to Hyderabad as a part of the Indian tour.
Mr. Walker feels that education fairs like theirs help shatter many a myth, apart from guiding students to choose the course they want in the best available universities. Despite several sources available, students don't put in ef
forts to gain better knowledge about the all-important visa session at the Embassy. "Visits to offices dealing with US education and fairs like these would provide them fhe right perspective on answering the questions posed by the visa officer."
'Indians sought-after'
Indian students matter a lot to US universities not just in terms of money they bring but also the diverse culture that comes with them to the campuses. It is one primary reason why US universities aretrying to attract the attention Of Indian students than any other country, says Mr. Walker. "The response has been tremendous. But students still continue to seek information on core subjects like engineering, computers and business administration. There are many other courses in different streams that students need to look at," he says. "This particular fair has been of great help in reaching the right students," Mr. Walker says, expressing happiness over the response.
Contrary to the belief that Australia and Canada are emerging as alternative destinations, Mr. Walker says that the number of Indian students is rapidly growing in the US. In fact, they are now the largest foreign students' group on US campuses, overtaking China this year. "The cold response of Indian students to US education is just a rumour if the numbers are any indication."
Fair options
The fair at Taj Krishna was flooded with parents and students, and the growing interest in under-graduate courses has baffled the organisers. With more information spread out through m{circ}dia and education fairs, the myth that US was just for Masters is being shattered. "I would like to study biotechnology at the undergraduate level and the participating universities here have given me lots of options. I never realised the availability of the course at the under-graduate level in the US till I came to the exhibition," says Di-vya, a second year Intermediate student, and they explain the changing scenario.
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