Successful 27th Annual Pre-Departure Orientation for Indian Students joining Master Degree in the US for Fall 2024

Pre-Departure Orientation

On June 16th, 2024, Dilip Oak’s Academy, in association with HDFC Credila, hosted its annual Pre-Departure Orientation for students joining US universities for master’s degrees in August 2024 (Fall semester). This long-standing tradition, held since 1998, took place at Siddhi Banquet Hall, Pune and attracted around 1100 students and parents, making it one of the largest events of its kind in India.

Distinguished Guests and Key Insights

The event was graced by esteemed guests Dr. David Alexander, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Ms. Tasha Alexander, Director of International Student Services, both from California State University, Chico, and Ms. Sarika Oak, Senior Director, Udemy Inc., San Francisco. Their presence added significant value to the orientation, providing students firsthand insights into American campus life.

Mr. Dilip Oak explained that there are currently many job openings in the fields of engineering, architecture, and finance. It is a fact that, at present, job opportunities in computer science are very limited. But hopefully, the situation will change after January 2025. There will be more opportunities for the latest technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, cybersecurity etc. He also provided crucial information on pre-travel preparations, including medical checks, insurance, immunization, and foreign exchange regulations.

Practical Advice and Encouragement

Sarika Oak shed light on campus life, accommodation, and job opportunities after graduation. She added that students should be proactive and make the most of every opportunity as that would make them well-rounded and work-ready. She emphasized the importance of building relationships beyond the Indian community to land internships and jobs. Her advice about on-campus employment and paid internships during Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) was a game-changer for those worried about repaying student loans.

Dr. David Alexander said there will be job opportunities starting in January 2025. However, jobs will be available to those students who excel academically and can crack 5-6 rounds of interviews. He also recommended that students stay informed of the changing trends and learn newer technologies.

Celebrating Our Achievers

A special highlight of the Pre-Departure Orientation 2024 was the felicitation of our students who achieved exceptional GRE scores and secured admits to prestigious universities. These accomplished students will join top-tier institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkley and Purdue University. Their fields of study are as diverse as their talents, ranging from Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber Security Management Information Systems and various engineering fields. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident that they will continue to excel in their chosen paths, contributing to the global community with their expertise and dedication.

Read this blog to know more about getting an internship during your MS program.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The program left a lasting impression on both students and parents.

Pradeep Kulkarni said this session resolved his doubts and concerns as a parent, thus reassuring him about the investment in his child’s education, thanks to the positive job prospects in America. He also praised the comprehensive guidance, which covered everything from settling into university life to finding housing and securing jobs.

Khushi Shah, an academy student, shared her seamless experience with the Academy’s support in university selection, Statement of Purpose drafting, and visa interview preparation. Her efforts, guided by Mr. Oak, led to her securing admission to all the universities she applied to.

Shivendra Bhonsle, our online GRE coaching and counseling student, expressed gratitude for the support and guidance he received that helped him achieve his dream. Moreover, the pre-departure event addressed all his doubts and eased his parent’s concerns about safety, job opportunities, and accommodations.

Akanksha Bharambe said that the Academy’s efforts were crucial in securing her admission to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The application process was seamless for her, especially the mock visa interview conducted by Mr. Oak, which boosted her confidence.

Wrapping Up

The Pre-Departure Orientation 2024 was a great success, equipping students and parents with essential knowledge and boosting their confidence as they prepare for their academic journey in the US. With over 26 years of experience, Dilip Oak’s Academy continues to guide students through their higher education journey in America.

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Fall 2023 Pre-departure Orientation

A glimpse of the Fall 2019 Pre-departure Orientation

Dilip Oak’s Academy’s annual Pre-Departure Orientation is back for all students joining American and Canadian universities in the fall of 2023. This is your best opportunity to get all of your questions answered, learn about student life in the US, and connect with other students enrolling in the same university.

18th June 2023

Siddhi Banquet Hall

DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004

This session is open to all students joining US and Canadian universities for Fall 2023

Parents are strongly advised to attend

Conducted by Mr. Dilip Oak himself, this session will clear all your doubts regarding:

  • Pre-Departure: Forex Regulations, Medical Checks and Immunization, Insurance and Port of Entry Procedure
  • Life in the US: Campus Tips, Accommodation and Jobs after MS

Additionally, you’ll be able to arrange shared housing and coordinate travel with other students who are enrolling at the same university!

Also receive a free copy of “Get Set Go”, a guide on studying in the USA by Mr. Dilip Oak! 

Event Chief Guests

Jennifer Gruber (Associate Vice-president)
California State University, Chico

Dr. Seema Sehrawat (Chief of Staff)
California State University, Chico

Session Timings

As the capacity of the venue is only 1,400 pax, we have split the program into two groups based on alphabetical order. Find details of which session to attend below:

Group 1 (Timing: 8:30 am to 10:30 am)

Students joining universities with names ranging from A to S  (e.g. Arizona State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Diego State University)

Group 2 (Timing: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

Students joining universities with names ranging from T to Z (e.g. Texas Tech University)

Entry-Passes for the Event

Students are expected to collect entry passes for themselves and their parents from the Academy. 

Collect passes for event at the Academy between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 

If you are unable to collect the entry pass before 18th  June, click HERE to fill up the required form and carry the same along with you on the day of the orientation at least 45 minutes before the program. 

 Prerequisites to Obtain the Entry Pass

  • Admission Centre and Visa Counseling Students
    Produce your Academy I-card (compulsory) and a photocopy of the I-20 form.
  • All Other Fall 2023 Students
    Produce a photocopy of the I-20 form, or
    stamped F1 visa, or
    the admission letter from the university (in case you have not received the I-20 form/visa).

FREE seminars on bachelor’s and master’s in America!

Along with the Pre-departure Orientation, we have also organized FREE seminars on bachelor’s and master’s in America! Those aspiring to study in the USA, this seminar is the right place for you to get complete information about studying abroad. 

18th June 2023 at Siddhi Banquet Hall DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004

11:30 AM( English and Marathi)

6:30 PM (English)

This seminar will cover

  1. Present status of the American economy and job opportunities
  2. Funding your education
  3. Prerequisite examinations
  4. Application timeline

Book your seat Here

Please share this information with all your friends.

Prior registration is mandatory.

See you there!

 

1000 Students Of Dilip Oak’s Academy Set To Go To America For Higher Studies

 

A glimpse of the Fall 2023 Pre-departure Orientation

Like every year, Dilip Oak’s Academy, in association with HDFC Credila, conducted the Pre-Departure Orientation for students joining US universities in August 2023 (Fall semester) for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This event is one of the largest of its kind in India and has been conducted since 1996.

The event was held in two sessions at Siddhi Banquet Hall and was attended by an audience of around 1500, including students and parents. Dr. Jennifer Gruber, Associate Vice-President; Dr. Seema Sehrawat, Chief of Staff, both from California State University Chico and Ms. Sarika Oak, Director (Operations) Udemy, San Francisco, graced the event as chief guests.

Mr. Oak gave crucial information on things to do before traveling to the US, like medical checks, immunization requirements, insurance and foreign exchange regulation.

Mr. Oak explained that the overall unemployment rate in America is all-time low, i.e., 3.6% and the tech unemployment rate is only 2% in May 2023, suggesting that demand for tech professionals remains.

He further added that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S. will need over 1 million more tech professionals over the next decade. While some large IT companies may have experienced some job losses in recent years, there are still many opportunities for employment in midsize and small IT companies. Moreover, jobs in the non-IT field like engineering, architecture, and finance are not affected at all.

Sarika Oak threw light on campus life, accommodation and security, and important documentation like Social Security Number. She also discussed how to get financial assistance, including campus jobs and job opportunities, after completing the degree. She urged students to be proactive and focus on opportunities that would make them well-rounded, work-ready employees. She emphasized that relationships and networks are important in securing internships and jobs, so students should make friends beyond the Indian community.

Dr. Gruber and Dr. Sehrawat also pointed out that students engage in campus life, make friends beyond the Indian community, and explore student clubs and leadership opportunities. Students should take advantage of the different on-campus employment.

Both students and parents were greatly impressed by the program. Mrs. Geeta Velankar added, “The guidance given was very professional and comprehensive, covering all aspects from settling down in the university, finding housing, and even landing a job. Now, I can rest assured that studying in an American university far away from home will not be a struggle for my child.”

Sameer Bhuvaji said, “Before the orientation, we thought spending such large sums of money on our children’s education was a big gamble. But, Mr. Oak and the university representatives assured us that our children would have good job prospects in America after their studies. So now, we see the money spent on their education as an investment.”

Academy student Sharvari Joshi shared, “I got assistance from the academy regarding the selection of universities, drafting of Statement of Purpose and visa interview. The entire process was seamless, and due to Oak sir’s guidance, I secured admission from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for Mechanical Engineering.

Informative Seminars Receive Overwhelming Response

Along with the Pre-Departure Orientation, the academy conducted two free seminars on Masters’s education in America. Both seminars received great responses from around 1600+ students and parents.

In the master’s seminar, Mr. Oak highlighted the trending specializations for Computer Science, especially Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Robotics and Data Science. Also, engineering fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Bio-Medical have very good job opportunities.

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 30,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.

We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.  To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

Fall 2022 Pre-departure Orientation

A glimpse of the Fall 2019 Pre-departure Orientation

For all the students joining various American and Canadian universities in Fall 2022 – our mega event is back: Dilip Oak’s Academy’s yearly Pre-Departure Orientation, your best chance to clear all your doubts, gain insights on student-life in the US and meet other students joining the same university.

19th June 2022

Siddhi Banquet Hall

DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004

This session is open to all students joining US and Canadian universities for Fall 2022

Parents are strongly advised to attend

Conducted by Mr. Dilip Oak himself, this session will clear all your doubts regarding:

  • Pre-Departure: Forex Regulations, Medical Checks and Immunization, Insurance and Port of Entry Procedure
  • Life in the US: Campus Tips, Accommodation and Jobs after MS

You will also be able to make joint travel plans and secure shared accommodation with other students joining the same university!

Also receive a free copy of “Get Set Go”, a guide on studying in the USA by Mr. Dilip Oak! 

Event Chief Guests

Dr. Seema Sehrawat (Associate Dean)
Jennifer Gruber (Associate Vice-president)
California State University, Chico

Session Timings

As the capacity of the venue is only 1,400 pax, we have split the program into two groups based on alphabetical order. Find details of which session to attend below:

Group 1 (Timing: 8:30 am to 10:30 am)

Students joining universities with names ranging from A to S  (e.g. Arizona State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, San Diego State University)

Group 2 (Timing: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

Students joining universities with names ranging from T to Z (e.g. Texas Tech University)

Entry-Passes for the Event

Students are expected to collect entry passes for themselves and their parents from the Academy. A maximum of two passes for parents will be issued.

Collect passes for event at the Academy between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 

If you are unable to collect the entry pass before 19th  June, click HERE to fill up the required form and carry the same along with you on the day of the orientation at least 45 minutes before the program. 

 Prerequisites to Obtain the Entry Pass

  • Admission Centre and Visa Counseling Students
    Produce your Academy I-card (compulsory) and a photocopy of the I-20 form.
  • All Other Fall 2022Students
    Produce a photocopy of the I-20 form, or
    stamped F1 visa, or
    the admission letter from the university (in case you have not received the I-20 form/visa).

Along with the Pre-departure Orientation, we have also organized FREE seminars on bachelor’s and master’s in America! Those aspiring to study in the USA, this seminar is the right place for you to get complete information about studying abroad. 

Seminar on “Opportunities for Bachelor’s in America”: 19th June, 11:30 am, Register 

Seminar on “Opportunities for Master’s in America”: 19th June,6:30 pm, Register 

See you there!

Lockdown Dilemma : Go For Online Semester or Request a Deferral?

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak and lockdown, most of the US universities are currently offering two options to fall 2020 students:

1) Online semester for fall 2020 and regular on-campus coaching from spring 2021

2) Deferral to spring 2021/fall 2021

Now as you are aware, the situation is indeed gruesome in the United States where the number of corona patients is increasing every day and there is no clarity on when the pandemic will be arrested and things will normalize.  Under such circumstances, it is obvious for the universities to offer deferrals or move to online teaching as a precautionary measure.

However, as Indian students, here are a few things you must take into consideration before making any decision:

Feasibility of online semester

  • Even for the online medium, students will have to pay full tuition fees for the full semester. (Some universities may reduce fees by 20 to 25 percent)
  • Online semester will mean no financial assistance, no campus jobs/RA/TA which then makes the course unnecessarily expensive to bear.
  • Online semester does not offer the exposure and opportunities that a student otherwise gets while on campus.
  • There are certain limitations to online coaching since the interaction is usually limited as compared to classroom coaching.
  • In any case, students will have to apply for the F1 visa for spring 2021 and in the worst circumstances, if the visa gets rejected; the entire amount spent on the online fall semester goes waste.

Current visa scenario

  • The US consulate has been non-operational since March 16 and there is no clarity when it will resume operations. Once it resumes, there will be a tremendous rush for visas and the situation will become chaotic. (Though it is quite possible that the consulate will give priority to student visas.)

Taking all these factors into account, we recommend that you get in touch with the concerned university official and request time till the end of May to make the final decision of deferral.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Student Safety in US and Course Commencement Updates – Part 1

To update our students on the changing situations in the US due Coronavirus outbreak, we are publishing this blog that will be carried in three parts. In this first part, we shall provide you with firsthand information about student safety, fall 2020 admissions, and course commencement decision.

 International student safety scenario

All the international students in the US are safe and have been asked to stay in their respective housing facilities within the US.  For those who are on campus, many universities are providing temporary accommodations with fixed supplies until any other arrangements are made by the student.  All the universities are offering only online classes for the spring 2020 semester. Universities have offered webinars to enable students to continue their studies and chat in real-time with the faculty members. Most universities have also shifted their administrative offices online. Students have also been provided with essential contacts and links to US Health Departments.

Fall 2020 admissions and course commencement decisions  

A lot of confusion is going on among Indian students about the fall 2020 admissions and whether the course will commence in time or not, considering that the embassy has temporarily stopped processing US visas. However, universities are actively arranging webinars for the prospective students where they are informing students about the process. You can get in touch with the universities you have secured admits from and join the webinars. 

Meanwhile, here are a few developments about the fall admissions and course commencement, that as Indian students, you must pay heed to:  

  • Even if the visa process has been stopped, for now, admissions of students who have received admits for fall 2020 is secure. 
  • As per the possibilities cited by a few prominent US universities, there are three ways in which fall 2020 session will be commenced: 
    1. If the situation comes under control by May 2020, the session will commence in August as per regular schedule but the students will be required to join 14 days prior to the commencement date and they will be quarantined for these 14 days before moving them to the campus.
    2. If the situation comes under control by June/July, the semester will commence in   September and it will be an on-campus semester.
    3. If the situation does not improve until July/August, the fall semester too could likely be shifted to online mode.  The decision is also likely to be influenced by the situation in India but in any case, the fall semester and admissions will not be canceled. 
  • Those of you with I-20 forms already approved, their forms will land in India on time since the shipping process is still functional in the US but the forms won’t be delivered at home. They will be delivered only after the lockdown in India is lifted. Those who have their approval pending will have to wait for the updates as the Department of Homeland Security will be taking a call on it soon. 

 

The next blog will cover updates on the admission process to US universities and will be published on Thursday, 2nd April 2020.

Fall 2019 Pre-Departure Orientation

For all students joining American and Canadian universities in Fall 2019 – Don’t miss Dilip Oak’s yearly Pre-Departure Orientation! Here’s your chance to clear all your doubts, gain insights on student-life in the US and meet other students joining the same university.

Pre-Departure-2019


23 June 2019

Siddhi Banquet Hall
DP Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004

This session open to all students joining US and Canadian universities for Fall 2019
Parents are strongly advised to attend


Pack well and get to know about student-life in the USA at our insightful orientation session. Conducted by Mr. Dilip Oak himself, this session will clear all your doubts regarding:

  • Pre-Departure: Forex Regulations, Medical Checks and Immunization, Insurance and Port of Entry Procedure
  • Life in the US: Campus Tips, Accommodation and Jobs after MS

Receive a free copy of “Get Set Go”, a guide on studying in the USA by Mr. Dilip Oak

Further, make joint travel plans and secure shared accommodation with other students joining the same university!

Event Chief Guests

  • Melody Stapleton (Dean) and Dr. Seema Sehrawat (Associate Dean)
    College of Computer Science and Construction Management
    California State University, Chico
  • Margaret Wolford (International Graduate Recruiter)
    School of Engineering and Applied Science
    State University of New York, Binghamton

Session Timings

As the capacity of the venue is only 1,400 pax, we have split the program into two groups based on alphabetical order. Find details of which session to attend below:

Group 1 (Timing: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

Students joining universities with names ranging from A to R (e.g. Arizona State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, etc.) and those ranging from Sa to So (e.g. San Diego State University, Southern Methodist University).

Group 2 (Timing: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
Students joining universities with names ranging from T to Z (e.g. Texas Tech University, University of XXXX) and those ranging from St to Sy (e.g. State University of New York – Buffalo, Syracuse University).

 Please note that California State University will fall under the letter ‘C’ and the University of California will fall under the letter ‘U’. Similarly, Florida State University will fall under the letter ‘F’ and the University of Florida will fall under the letter ‘U’.

–> Refer to the session-wise university list at the end of this page to confirm the slot relevant to you <–

Who Can Attend?
This seminar is open to all students (and their parents) joining American and Canadian universities in Fall ’19.

Entry-Passes for the Event
Students are expected to collect entry passes for themselves and their parents from the Academy. A maximum of two passes for parents will be issued.

Collect passes for event at the Academy between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from

Monday, 20th May 2019
to
Saturday, 22nd June 2019

If you are unable to collect the entry pass before 22nd June, click HERE to fill up the required form and carry the same along with you on the day of the orientation at least 45 minutes before the program

 Prerequisites to Obtain the Entry Pass

  • Admission Centre and Visa Counseling Students
    Produce your Academy I-card (compulsory) and a photocopy of the I-20 form.

 

  • All Other Fall 2019 Students
    Produce a photocopy of the I-20 form, or
    stamped F1 visa, or
    the admission letter from the university (in case you have not received the I-20 form/visa).

See you there!

 Session-wise University List

3:30 pm Session 6:30 pm Session
Arizona State University State University of New York Institute of Technology, Utica
Boston University State University of New York, Albany
California State University, Chico State University of New York, Binghamton
California State University, East Bay State University of New York, Buffalo
California State University, Fullerton State University of New York, Stony Brook
California State University, Long Beach Stevens Institute of Technology
California State University, Los Angeles Syracuse University
California State University, Northridge Tennessee Technological University
California State University, Sacramento Texas A & M University, College Station
California State University, San Bernardino Texas A & M University, Kingsville
Campbell School of Pharmacy, North Carolina Texas State University
Carnegie Mellon University Texas Technological University
Clemson University University of Alabama, Huntsville
Cleveland State University University of Baltimore
College of Staten Island, New York University of Bridgeport
Colorado State University University of California, Davis
Columbia University University of California, Irvine
Cornell University University of California, Los Angeles
DePaul University University of California, San Diego
Florida International University University of California, Santa Cruz
Florida State University University of Central Florida
George Washington University University of Cincinnati
Georgia Institute of Technology University of Colorado, Boulder
Grand Valley State University University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Hult Business School University of Connecticut
Illinois Institute of Technology University of Florida
Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis University of Georgia
Indiana University, Bloomington University of Houston, Clear Lake
Iowa State University University of Houston, Main Campus
Kent State University University of Illinois, Chicago
Lamar University University of Illinois, Springfield
Lawrence Technological University University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Lehigh University University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Long Island University University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Michigan State University University of Maryland, College Park
Michigan Technological University University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Middle Tennessee State University University of Massachusetts, Boston
Mississippi State University University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Missouri University of Science & Technology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
New Jersey Institute of Technology University of Michigan, Dearborn
New York School of Interior Design University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
New York University University of Missouri, Kansas City
North Carolina State University University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Northeastern University University of Nebraska, Omaha
Northern Illinois University University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Northwestern University University of New Mexico
Ohio State University University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Oklahoma State University University of North Dakota
Old Dominion University University of North Texas, Denton
Pennsylvania State University University of Pennsylvania
Polytechnic Institute of New York University University of Pittsburgh
Portland State University University of Rochester
Purdue University University of South Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology University of Southern California
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey University of Texas, Arlington
San Diego State University University of Texas, Austin
San Francisco State University University of Texas, Dallas
San Jose State University University of Texas, San Antonio
Santa Clara University University of Utah
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville University of Washington, Seattle
Southern Methodist University University of Wisconsin, Madison
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wayne State University
West Virginia University
Western Illinois University
Western Michigan University
Wichita State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Wright State University

California State University Conducts Interactive Session for Students at Oak’s Academy

A four-member team representing four campuses of California State University visited Dilip Oak’s Academy, at Bhandarkar Road, on Tuesday, 11th April 2017. The visiting delegation comprised:

Dr. Ray Wallace
Executive Director (International Programs and Senior International Officer)
California State University, East Bay

Dr. Paul Hofmann
Associate VP (International Programs and Global Engagement)
California State University, Sacramento

Dr. Jennifer Helzer
Director – International Education
California State University, Stanislaus

Dr. Seema Sehrawat
Associate Professor and International Officer
California State University, Chico

The university officials addressed the students on a variety of topics that were important and relevant to the latter. They also took their questions and generally dwelt on the challenges they were likely to face as graduate students in the US. They spoke with students on resource management, coping with academic pressures, on-campus employment opportunities, and safety-related issues. 

CSU-Visit-Oaks-AcademyDr. Ray Wallace dwelt on three topics: employment opportunities in the US after MS, the dynamic of the H1B immigration regulations, and what he called the “Trump effect.”

Dr. Wallace expressed the view that employment opportunities in the US after MS, particularly in the IT sector were “spectacular”.  He revealed that companies were hiring university graduates “aggressively” and that job opportunities in the US at present were “strong”. Dr. Wallace predicted that economic growth during the next couple of years “will stay positive”.

Dwelling on the dynamic of the H1B immigration regulations, Dr. Wallace was of the opinion that the Trump Administration did not have problems with overseas students coming to US universities, and added that it had issues with contracting and consulting companies like Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, etc., which he pointed out had historically netted a large percentage of H1B visas from the quota allocated to Indians.

Seeking to allay the fears of students in general, Dr. Wallace assured them that change comes slowly with regard to regulations in the US and that change will be positive for university graduates. These changes will only present university graduates with more job opportunities, higher salaries, and less resistance in the immigration context.

Referring to what he called the “Trump effect”, Dr. Wallace shrugged off rhetoric of the US President during his election campaign and stated that he was a different man when he interacted with IT majors in the US. Dr. Wallace quipped, “Trump doesn’t speak like that to Bill Gates or people from other major IT companies like Apple,” and added that as a businessman himself, Trump understood and seemed to be sympathetic to the pleas of heads of IT companies for flexibility in immigration-related regulations as they needed to hire people from abroad. Therefore, Dr. Wallace said that change will only be positive for higher education, especially for students with master’s and PhD degrees in the STEM category.

Dr. Paul Hoffman pointed out that there was a wide range of on-campus jobs up for grabs for graduate students who chose to take up a job during their second or third semester. These included academic and non-academic job opportunities, he added. Dr. Hoffman said taking up an academic job on campus could lead to internship opportunities which receive academic credit for off-campus work experience.

On graduation, Dr. Hoffman revealed, one could transition to a period of practical training for 12 months. He stressed that STEM-major students could avail of an additional 24 months of off-campus employment, which would mean 36 months of practical exposure and experience for them. Dr. Hoffman stressed that students could thus make the most of the inherent privileges that would accrue to them by virtue of their H1B visas. He also disclosed that, often, such students are sponsored by their companies for an H1B visa, later, which allows them to continue working in the USA after this initial three-year period.

Dr. Seema Sehrawat spoke on the American education system. She pointed out that in the US students got a lot of practical knowledge. She said whenever she spoke with students of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and even MBA, all of them talked about how they greatly valued the practical basis of the education system in the US. Dr. Sehrawat did sound a note of caution on how this could pose a challenge initially to Indian students who are more accustomed to theory-oriented studies in India.

She pointed out that American professors were generally very dedicated and always there for their students. Referring to the current political climate, Dr. Sehrawat advised students not to go by heresay or exaggerated media reportage. She urged them to focus on their future and think of what the American system had to offer to them. Speaking of California, she emphasised that California was “quite safe” and added that it was a “melting pot” that welcomed diversity.

Addressing-StudentsAgainst the backdrop of attacks on Indians in the US, the experts pointed out that Indians staying in the US should be well aware of their surroundings and make the correct decision regarding matters such as whether or not stay out late at night. Untoward incidents occur usually late at night after partying. Therefore, it is advisable not to put oneself in such vulnerable positions.

University campuses and its surroundings, they stressed, are safe and every campus has a highly organised and professional police department. Every university is particular about student safety and makes it its top priority, they pointed out. The American people, they specially emphasized, are very supportive of cultural diversity. Sensational media reports usually refer to stray incidents in some trouble spots of the US such as the “Midwest” and some of the southern parts of the country.

Stressing security and safety, Dr. Sehrawat, speaking from her personal experience as an expatriate Indian, opined that American people in general were kind hearted and welcoming, and that one could easily make friends with them.

The visiting delegation of California State University officials spent a couple of hours interacting with students at Dilip Oak’s Academy. They gave students their calling cards and encouraged them to meet them when they joined their colleges.

Dilip Oak’s Academy – Roommate Finder for the Fall 2016 Semester

So, you’ve got the admission news you were waiting for: your coveted admission for an ‘MS in US’ is confirmed. You’re scheduled to join your American university in the fall 2016 semester – and now it’s time to book airline tickets and start thinking about travel plans and accommodation.

One problem, however, is contacting senior students who are already in your desired US university, so you can arrange for a pickup and drop from the airport and some temporary accommodation. Another is finding other students who are heading to your US university, so you can choose room-mates and make joint travel plans.

So, here’s one more thing that Dilip Oak’s Academy is doing to make finding travel and room companions easier for you through Dilip Oaks Academy Online. We call it our Roommate Finder and it will help you locate and coordinate with other students joining the same university.

Here’s how it works: if you are a signed up member of Dilip Oak’s Academy Online, all it requires is that you update your application status using the University Applications Tracker. Once you’ve done that, the names of other students going to the same university as you are will automatically be updated on your Roommate Finder page. Then, just hit the contact button.

If you’re not a member then, joining up is free and easy – it just takes a minute or two – and then you will be able to find roommates as explained above.

Remember, Dilip Oaks Academy Online is free to join! So, tell all your friends who are applying for an ‘MS in US’ to join and update their admission updates. The more people join, the more everybody benefits! But, even now there are enough folks like you signed up with us to make this feature a big help to you!

P.S. we love your feedback, so let us know how we are doing at: support@dilipoakacademy.com

Have you Met our Roommate Finder!

Living in a foreign country can be both exhilarating and daunting. So can finding the ‘perfect’ roommate.

Anyone who plans to do an ‘MS in US’ has to stay away from family and venture out on their own; and most of you will have come a ton across of horror stories about staying with complete strangers. Differences over how to arrange the apartment, food preferences, keeping different hours or even a sharing a bathroom can turn your dream of studying in America pretty sour! What may not have been significant when you lived with your family may become huge issues when you start sharing living space with others. So, maybe this will sound like advice for someone who is looking for a life partner rather than just a room partner but remember you are going to be sharing cooking, washing up and even laundry duties with that person (or those people). You are going to have to make arrangements to pay the rent and other bills and to share the keys – if that’s not like being married then what is? So, you have to make up your mind about what you are looking for in someone you are probably going to see, be with and work with almost every single day of your stay in the United States.

Do you simply need someone to help pay the bills or are you looking for someone you could be comfortable just being with as well? Would you like to work together with your roommates on cooking and washing and laundry or would you prefer that everyone made their own independent arrangements. Are you the social, friendly, partying type who would like to invite friends over for get-togethers on weekends? Or are you more of a reclusive loner who would prefer others to respect his or her privacy? And so, for example, would you like your roommates to welcome social ‘invasions’ or strongly resist them.

Even if you are the more gregarious type, remember that your new-found roommates may not automatically become your new best friends; people come with their own social circles ‘pre-loaded’. So, if you expect to immediately integrate into the social life of your roomies, you may end up feeling shut out for a while. Conversely some lifelong friendships begin when people started sharing a room, and you too might discover that meeting your roommate was one of the best things that ever happened to you.

On another note, you also need to find good accommodation. You are going to a foreign land, but you can still use your common sense to sniff out and avoid bad options. Here’s a simple pointer: if something seems too good to be true it usually is. Be especially careful if:

  • An ad quotes rates that seem too low for the area and the standard shown in the photos.
  • The landlord tries to get you to pay before you have seen anything (they may sometimes claim that they can’t show you the place but you have to pay if you want to seal the deal – in such cases, just say, “No thanks!”).

But as they say, joys are doubled and sorrows halved when you share them with friends – or roommates! A fresh, completely free and, very importantly, safe way of finding a room or roommate is Dilip Oak Academy’s Roommate Finder. This feature will help you find other students who are already in your desired US University or who are headed there.

Here’s how it works: if you are a signed up member of Dilip Oak’s Academy Online, all it requires is that you update your application status. Once you’ve done that, the names of other students going to the same university as you are will automatically be updated on your Roommate Finder page. Then, just hit the contact button.

If you’re not a member then, joining up is free and easy – it just takes a minute or two – and then you will be able to find roommates.

Remember, Dilip Oaks Academy Online is free to join! So, tell all your friends who are applying for an ‘MS in US’ to join and update their admission updates. The more people join, the more everybody benefits! But, even now there are enough folks like you signed up with us to make this feature a big help to you!

Dilip Oak’s Academy – Roommate Finder for the Spring 2015 Semester

So, you’ve got the admission news you were waiting for: your coveted admission for an ‘MS in US’ is confirmed. You’re scheduled to join your American university in the spring 2015 semester – and now it’s time to book airline tickets and start thinking about travel plans and accommodation.

One problem, however, is contacting senior students who are already in your desired US university, so you can arrange for a pickup and drop from the airport and some temporary accommodation. Another is finding other students who are heading to your US university, so you can choose room-mates and make joint travel plans.

So, here’s one more thing that Dilip Oak’s Academy is doing to make finding travel and room companions easier for you through Dilip Oaks Academy Online. We call it our Roommate Finder and it will help you locate and coordinate with other students joining the same university.

Here’s how it works: if you are a signed up member of Dilip Oak’s Academy Online, all it requires is that you update your application status. Once you’ve done that, the names of other students going to the same university as you are will automatically be updated on your Roommate Finder page. Then, just hit the contact button.

 

If you’re not a member then, joining up is free and easy – it just takes a minute or two – and then you will be able to find roommates as explained above, AND explore all the other cool features that Dilip Oak’s Academy Online has to offer!

  • US University Information and Document Checklists
  • Question & Answer Forum
  • University Applications Tracker
  • Full-length Online GRE Practice Tests

Remember, Dilip Oaks Academy Online is free to join! So, tell all your friends who are applying for an ‘MS in US’ to join and update their admission updates. The more people join, the more everybody benefits! But, even now there are enough folks like you signed up with us to make this feature a big help to you!

P.S. we love your feedback, so let us know how we are doing at: support@dilipoakacademy.com

Life at ‘University of Maryland’, College Park

By Aditya Kulkarni, ENTS Major, Class of 2014

Aditya, an alumnus of Dilip Oak’s Academy shares his insights on the University of Maryland:

University of Maryland: An Overview

The University of Maryland (UMD), located at College Park, just north of Washington DC is a Public University and is the state’s flagship educational institution. Its suburban campus is spread over 1,250 acres (5.1 sq. km.) and has roughly 38,000 students (2012-13 stats), with a teacher-student ratio of nearly 1: 10.

UMD is well known for its state of the art M-Square research park, a new performing arts center and a quantum science lab among other things. The University houses 13 colleges offering courses in Arts and Humanities, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Music, Behavioral and Social Science, Computers, Math, Natural Science, Engineering, Education, Information Studies, Journalism, Business, Planning and Preservation, Public Health & Public Policy. Admissions are ‘very selective’ with an acceptance rate of about 40%. GPA averages for bachelor’s students range from 3.8 to 4 and for master’s level students from 3.5 to 4.

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