Ultimate Guide: Safety Tips for International Students in the US

Safety is very important factor while traveling abroad. Students studying abroad get chances to explore more places which ask for safe travel. University campuses and surroundings will be safe and secure for students. But, when they want to travel new places is a different matter. Students like to explore the neighbouring cities, countries and communities as a part of study abroad experience. Here are a few tips to ensure that your travel is safe and free from troubles.

Know the people:

People in USA are generally very friendly and like to help others, especially foreigners. But, there are exceptions too. Do a research on people in the locality you want to visit and be prepared to face and react appropriately. It is advisable to avoid places which are noted for nasty behaviour or such incidents. Ask your fellow students whether they can give tips on visiting other places.

Be vigilant:

Follow the same rules that you practice in your home town. You know very well about your native town, learn about the place you are residing abroad. Knowing the hues and shades of the town/city will help you live comfortably. Observe your surroundings, go for nights walk with a group, examine and know the locality as your home town.

Do not trust media too much:

This is common and straightforward. Media will try to showcase a place as most secure. This may not be always true and sometimes misguiding. Learn to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Seek help from authorities:

Foreign students are generally reluctant to bring any problems to the authorities. Universities and colleges have authorized people to take care of the safety of their students. Do not hesitate to report any issues or obstacles to the authorities immediately. Call to emergency phone number if you are away from university surroundings.

Be smart and keep your eyes open to your surroundings. Following little simple things will keep you away from troubles. There are mobile apps available for students to report any offences faced by students. Make use of every option to keep in touch with your university, college and friends. If you are going to some other city or country, ask advice from your travel agent regarding the people and safety of that respective destination. It is always good to travel as a group as you will be with people you know closely.

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Super Tips to Cut Cost of Studying in the USA

Studying in the US is expensive and often international students wonder how they are going to meet the expenses for four years. The fact is that there are ways to cut down costs and you just have to explore it in the right way. Here are a few tips that will help avoid drain money from your bank account.

Off Campus housing can save you a few dollars:

Accommodation takes a good share of money from your wallet. I you are going for a room for rent or housing, it will cost you more for sure. To avoid this, look for off campus housing which most of the universities provide for affordable rates. Students can send their queries about off campus housing to university’s housing office or by visiting university website. Ask about types of accommodation, room sharing options and expected cost of stay. Finding off campus housing not only helps to save money but, students can develop their language and inter personal skills by interacting with students from other countries.

Meal plan options or start cooking:

Students who chose to live in off campus housing should opt meal plans carefully to avoid unnecessary expenses. International students living in the campus purchase meal plans. Students should carefully research on cuisine and other options in the campus. If the menu is not appealing students shall consider other options for meal. Purchasing a smaller plan or budgeting between smaller and larger plans for dining out would help balance the expense. The most profitable option is to start cooking for self.

Ask about employment options:

Normally, international students are not allowed to work off campus. But there will be options to do job in the campus itself. Some schools offer employment for international students in their offices. There are clerical, lab assistant, tutoring positions for international students who needs financial assistance to continue studies. Some students earn money more than their scholarship which is enough to cover taxes, health insurance and other personal expenses.

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The US Student VISA Interview - How They Evaluate a Student

After rejection of student VISA, many would be wondering about the criteria in which the Consular Officer decided that your VISA should be rejected. Are you one of them?

Here we go. At the outset, please do not feel that the Consular Officer is very rude and don’t want to help you. In fact, they are not at desk to help anyone; they are very much worried about the US VISA law. It is their responsibility to ensure that the purpose of applying for VISA is genuine. Many people come up with fake documents to get an entry to the US at any cost and once they get it, they vanish. The US government does not want to encourage these illegitimate activities. That is the reason why the interview for US student VISA is very tough and demands high concentration on what you are going to say.

Below given are the things that run through the Consulate Officer while interviewing a student VISA applicant:

Genuineness:

It is a very difficult and crucial part in the interview for a consulate officer. Is this student heading to the US for studying or faking? Is this student’s intention is to work in the US during academic year? Will he/she leave USA after completion of education? The officer would ask tricky questions to unveil the real intention of the student sitting in front. In this situation a student might get confused or feel demotivated. The only solution is to think a lot about this part of interview and be ready with a convincing answer. If you are not sure, say it honestly. This is just to express that you have done homework about the matter.

About the academic program:

Yes, it will be a brilliant question from the officer. Why USA when there are many universities in your homeland and other parts of the world? You should explain the reason for selecting USA for your higher education with convincing facts. It is very important to link your academic program with the employment situations available in India. This will throw an impression that you are not planning to continue in the US after studies. That’s what Consular Officer is looking for.

Financial situation:

Education in the US is expensive compared to other countries. Other than fees, you should possess enough money for food, accommodation, traveling, medical etc. So, it is important that you should furnish details about the source of finance to study in USA. Some students would go with scholarships but most of the students are self-depended. Convince the Consular Officer that you have enough financial resource to stay and study in USA.

About your family:

The officer will be interested to know about your family in India and abroad. This is to ensure that you have enough reasons to study abroad and come back for a prosperous future in India itself. If you cannot give satisfactory answer, the officer may assume that you are planning to continue in USA after education.

Current situation in India:

You don’t have to worry much about this part of interview; it’s not in your hands. The embassy officers have clear idea about the financial, employment and political situation of each country. They are ready with all the latest information about the country they are working in. The reason they connect the situation in India with your VISA application is to make sure that you have opportunities in India when you come back after education. There are numerous incidents from citizens of poor or unstable countries to provide fake documents to get into USA and find a better living.

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Tips for Students Who Plan to Travel Abroad

Are you a student ready to fly abroad for the first time? Most of the times, students do not plan well or seek advice from experts which would result in obstacles or unsatisfactory experiences. You can avoid such unexpected impediments by following a few simple tips regarding travel, accommodation etc. Don’t worry, here are a few things which will help you save money and get other needs done in 

satisfactorily. 

Book tickets much in advance: You might be waiting for your visa approval and plans to buy flight 

tickets after the arrival of visa. This is not a good practice as by the time you go for ticket booking prices may go high due to increased demand. It is wise to get the tickets booked in advance because you can save money and do not have to worry about ticket availability. There are airline companies who refund the ticket amount if your visa gets rejected. 

Get Special Offers for Students: Airline companies announce special offers for students throughout the year. But, most of the times you will miss it or ignore it. Approach a travel agent and look for offers available exclusively for students during your time of travel. This way you can enjoy benefits like discounts on airfare, carry more luggage for free etc. 

Seek the help of a travel agent: It is a misunderstanding that travel agents charge more money from 

you. In reality, they can help you save money. Travel Agents are well connected with airline companies and keep updated on offers and deals provided by each service provider. By getting tickets booked by travel agents will definitely bring you savings in travel cost and other benefits.

Finding Accommodation: It is very important to find suitable accommodation in the country you are going to live for a while. Do the arrangements before you leave. You got to know about the 

neighbourhood areas in that country and facilities for food, transportation etc. Consult appropriate 

agents who can help you find a convenient accommodation for affordable rates. This way you ensure 

that you live in a most comfortable place and also is within your budget. 

The crux of planning well before travel is to make sure that you will get satisfactory services while travelling and after reaching destination. You can ensure a safe and effortless travel once everything is arranged in a proper way.

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Why Student Visa to USA Gets Rejected?

A VISA to USA is not an easy apple to pluck. Consular Officers in the US embassies are well trained and experts in smelling the true intention of the applicant. They may not ask too many questions but will be observing your body language, expressions and all. Those who have applied for student VISA in USA should be very careful while answering questions. The reason for rejection may sound silly, but Consulate Officers are very sure about their decision.

Most of the times, the reason for VISA rejection will be ‘Section 214(b)’ of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act.  As per section 214(b) the Consulate Officer should be convinced that the applicant has a true intention to leave her/his home country and shall return after completion of the purpose to visit USA. If a proper and convincing answer is not provided by the applicant, it is likely that the VISA gets rejected.

For e.g., a student was asked why did he chose that particular University for doing his course. He sincerely answered that he has a few years of experience in the same field and wants to go for advanced studies which will bring him better opportunities. Immediately his VISA got rejected. The Consulate Officer assumed that he is planning to continue in the US even after his studies which the officer is not happy with. So always be ready with a convincing answer which does not kill the purpose. The consulate officer will be looking into your social, economic, family and other ties to India which will ensure your return from the US after studies. Give them proper information which will guarantee your return from the US.

Another reason for rejecting VISA is that the officer is not satisfied with your qualifications for that particular VISA category. In that case always be ready with documents which will prove that you are eligible for getting the VISA. Clearly demonstrate your qualifications and experience with the help of supporting documents and do not get panic if the consulate officer looks unhappy. Remember that they don’t spend hours to analyse you; they are well trained that from the first look itself they can judge you. Be confident and speak clearly with good accent and don’t show your tensions to the officer.

Remember that you alone are responsible for the rejection of VISA. Do not try to fake any information related to you which has been submitted to the embassy. They all are stored in their database and you cannot make any changes to it when go for reapply. So be sincere and always give exact information to them. Many VISA consultants train you to fake but the consulate officer can easily identify it and it may lead to permanent VISA rejection.

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5 Tips for Indian students to Travel USA

The US is a large country with diverse climate and culture in each region. Students who are traveling for the first time to USA should know a few things to be followed for a safe journey. These tips will help you in managing your resources effectively, avoiding unwanted expenses, keeping healthy and confident during your stay in the US.

Packing:

Do a research on the climate in the region you are about to go. In USA, weather differs and it is advisable that you keep cloths that are suitable for the particular region. It is better to keep a handbag to easily take out and drop cloths that are frequently needed (Sweaters, woolen caps etc.). Try to keep a pouch which can be attached to your belt. This helps in handling small amounts of bills which is necessary while travelling in the US. Carry some general medicines for fever, cough, pains and all because it is costly in the US. You cannot buy a medicine from a pharmacy in the US without prescription from a doctor, which will make a little more expense.

Travel:

Always opt for travel by air in the US. It is time saving and comparatively cheap for long distances. If you need to travel short distances, make use of bus services. You may not find bus services to all the suburban places; in which case look for an economic car rental service. Travel agents can advise you on the best available transportation options based on the destination you are heading to. Experiences travel agents can even pre-book your seats for your continued journey in the US.

Phone:

It is unavoidable. You need to be in touch with your family and friends both in India and the US. It is always better to buy telephone cards to keep it under your budget. Coin operated pay phones are available everywhere in the US, but they are comparatively expensive. For making international calls, use telephone cards or buy a cellular phone with best offers given by major telephone operators. Do remember that, all the handsets in India are not suitable for usage in the US, voltage is different and electronic gadgets from India may not work properly in USA. Try to get a cellphone from USA itself to avoid inconveniences.

Food:

You may feel nostalgic about homely food after a few days in the US. Students, who are supposed to stay there for a long while needs to take care of their health; especially about food. Carry necessary utensils to cook for yourself. Many students prefer to buy electronic cooker from the US itself; not bad it is. Other utensils like spoon, stirrers, and vessels of various sizes are cheap in the US. If you prefer to carry it from home; go on. Don’t forget to pack some Indian masala powder packets like sambar/rasam powder, turmeric and  haldi powder, cumin seeds, mustard seeds etc. You can pack some of your pickles also to not to miss the delicious food your mummy cooks.

Miscellaneous:

There are other things you will need while staying in the US. Toiletries are one of the important in that. Get a toilet mug for your use, you may not find mug in toilets in the US. Stock toothpaste, soaps, powders, hair oils,  shampoos etc. You may also carry stationeries like gum, stapler, punching machine, note books, pen & pencils, erasers, ruler etc. CDs/DVDs of your favorite music or movies will help you when you feel nostalgic or lost. Pack some of your favorite books if you are a veracious reader.

Knowing and planning your journey well in advance will help reduce stress and obstacles while you live in the US. Anyways, you are going to make friends of your choice very soon. So, no need to worry too much about your safety in the US.

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Attractive offers for Students Planning To Go USA

Students who are looking for flight ticket from India to USA can benefit from discounts offered by airlines exclusively for academic needs. Save money on airfare by contacting Centra Travels team and know about other benefits and services which can be obtained along with discounts. Deals and offers are available throughout the year to support students in fulfilling their wish to study in the US.

Lowest rates on air tickets for students travelling USA

Students can get discounts on flight tickets from registered travel agents. Centra Travels have collaborations with top consolidators which allow us to provide maximum discounts on flight tickets for students. Airline companies also allow students to travel cheaply to the US by providing discounts. Centra Travels has all the updates on discounts announced by airlines. Some of the other benefits that students can enjoy are given below:

•        VISA Assistance for flexibility of travelling
•        Car pick and drop from airport
•        Accommodation for lowest possible rates
•        Round the clock customer service

Plan your travel

There are other things that you should consider while getting ready to fly. Finding a suitable flight according to your convenience is most important in this regard. Centra Travels can assist you in searching and finding the appropriate flight for your maximum comfort. We can also provide additional travel facilities like train, bus ticket booking, hotel and accommodation booking etc.

Logistics Management

Forget all worries about carrying heavy luggage while flying. Centra Travels can guide you to manage luggage effectively. This is an additional advantage that students get along with discounts on air tickets. Centra Travels can help you travel safely with your luggage avoiding all possible issues on the way.

Bring your parents to USA

Students can bring their parents for lowest price now. Special packages available with airlines make it easy for parents to visit their children in USA. Call Centra Travels to learn about offers available right now.

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Attractive Travel Offers to Students Traveling from India to USA

Are you planning to book your flight tickets on your own from India by contacting US-bound airlines directly? Spending plenty of money might be on the anvil in case you are not wary of the actual flight booking process. Seeking more information from our travel experts will help you in getting access to the best features on an overall. Centra Travels provides valuable benefits for students for their expected US travel from India.

Best Possible Lowest Airfares

Centra Travels offers the lowest flight charges available in the market. There are many special offers for students announced by airlines with which we can bring down the airfare to your budget.

Visa Assistance

Centra Travels can help you with VISA processing. By avoiding unnecessary delays and complications, we can get your VISA processed much faster than expectation. Our team of experts is ready to help you at any time and situation.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is something which is inevitable while travelling abroad. It will be very useful in countries where medical expenses are more. Get a travel insurance from Centra Travels with best offers and cheapest rates to secure your journey.

Allowance on Extra Luggage Deals

While on a travel for academic need, you should carry an extra luggage than usual. Get extra luggage deals from Centra Travels to avoid unnecessary hurdles and luggage charges while travelling.

End-to-End Travel Services

Our services are not limited to flight ticket booking and all. We provide car, train or bus bookings for students for their convenient travelling. We can arrange pick and drop from airport to your college or university in lowest rates to save your money and time.

Family Frequent Flyer Deals

If your family visits you often in the US, you can check for deals available for frequent flyers with Centra Travels. This helps you from spending more money on flight tickets and struggling to find suitable flight as planned.

Group offers

This is for students who travel in groups. Centra Travels offers huge discounts for students travel as a group to the US. Contact our customer care team to know more about the offers available for a group of student travellers.

24*7 Customer Support

We are awake 24*7 to serve you. Feel free to contact us at any time if you come across any doubts or problems. Our team will be of your assistance with solutions for your issues in travelling.

Festive Offers

Overcoming the frequent problems that students abound US experience is best possible with the consideration of top travel offers during festive times. Talk to travel professionals in Centra Travels and know about the offers announced by airlines instantly.

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Best Independent Travel Agent Services to Jobseekers for US Travel

Looking for a travel agent independent of any agency or firm? Get access to the top US flight deals with no strings attached. Explore the top travel deals in order to ensure that you realize comfort without foregoing upon your actual requirements whatever it is. Explore several options available at the same time in a comprehensive fashion to pick the premium travel deals that are meant for job seekers in India eager to travel to US.

Given below are some of the best ways that you get to secure cheapest airline fares for your personal requirements.

One Way Airline Tickets:

Approach an independent travel agent to ensure that you plan your travel to the US smartly. Most of the travel agencies will provide you with deals that are included with return journey as well. Avoiding such a jinxed scenario is best possible when you prefer one way airline tickets that will provide you a discount of at least 50% for sure.

Last Minute Travel Deals:

Imagine that you schedule your travel in the last minute without proper planning. Perhaps, you could take advantage of the situation by choosing an independent travel agent who will secure your travel preferences with the inclusion of key features. Multiple features that are tailor-made for your urgent travel to the US for job will help you extensively. 

Latest US Seasonal Offers:

Relying upon an independent travel agent specializing in US flight deals and airline offers will benefit you to a maximum extent. Do you know that traveling in specific seasons will ensure you obtain more discounts? Perhaps, it is possible that you realize a handsome discount of at least 85% offering you increased flexibility of travel from a financial perspective. 

Cheap US Flights On line:

VISA assistance provided by the independent travel agent in a personalized manner will ensure that you never come across any other better deal. Choosing the diverse range of features with respect to the latest flight deals will help you to a best deal for sure. All you need is to organize your preferences allowing you to come across various features with ease. 

Affordable US Travel Quotes:

How to materialize the best travel deals to US without worrying about busy flight schedules. An independent travel agent will be a perfect fit for your requirements with the provision of cheapest quotes possible without any complicated scenarios as well. Eventually, it is possible to pick from the best travel quotes to US with optimum features included in an eventual manner that you expect.

Apart from the features and benefits, you will be able to schedule your travel in such a way that maximum flexibility has been realized to the core. Seasoned travel agents working independently will be able to offer you all those features that are guaranteed to you on the whole. Get access to such deals directly to your inbox by subscribing to the best travel offers on the whole.

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Affordable Travel for Your Parents from India to USA

Every student and every professional from India settled in the US who plans to bring their parents to the US will be looking for affordable and comfortable journey for them. Remaining proactive will ensure that no complex issues are experienced during or before for sure. Ultimate priority given in this context will ensure that no issues are experienced by them during the journey. Experienced travel agents will be able to provide assistance right from airport pick and drop with ease.

Are you an NRI settled in USA?

Would you like to invite your parents to visit the US and spend some of the best moments of their life with you? Perhaps, you take a lot of onus by planning their ticket booking schedule and transport services itinerary. A simple mistake that you make might prove to be complex for them. By monitoring their preferences in an exclusive way, you will be able to organize their preferences in such a way that no issues are experienced at all.

Benefits from travel agents:

·         Dedicated services for US travel.

·         Exclusive travel packages for utmost comfort

·         Innovative tour features with maximum assistance

Do you plan a visit to US for your parents?

Students who have left for US for their higher studies in their chosen disciplines might have stayed long enough away from home. Perhaps, their parents might be raring to meet them after a long gap. Managing their safety with the consideration of several features is something what they need to prefer the most. Perfect realization of top quality travel benefits is something what you must consider for your parents.

Benefits from travel agents:

·         Luxury amenities for effortless travel

·         Perfectly planned tour itinerary

·         Optimum travel protection

Have you obtained travel insurance besides VISA?

Getting the much needed VISA assistance at the crucial juncture of your travel is something what you need to focus upon. Exclusive travel features are guaranteed to you so that you will never confront any complex scenarios. Innovative travel deals that you go through in deal will benefit your parents to the core.

Benefits from travel agents:

·         Travel insurance from proven sources

·         Excellent VISA assistance for assured US travel

·         Complete management of tour itinerary with protection

Indian students and professionals in the US will be able to bring their parents to their place of residence in an affordable budget. Cheapest tickets with discounts are now available with the consideration of excellent features without going through any complex scenarios. Attractive flight deals are announced on a regular basis so that you could prefer one at a time. Such a sophistication is not possible for you in case you approach travel airlines directly without getting access to the desired features in an eventual manner. Maintaining the perfect quality standards throughout your travel is easily realized in this context with ease.

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Five Things to Remember Before Travelling to India from USA

Traveling from USA to India might be highly taxing because of two different culturally diverse locations. Effective travel deals that you consider will help you in coming across many features that you expect to the core. 

Given below are the top five facts that you must remember when traveling to India from USA.

What's hot and what's not

Travel agents are well aware of the latest promotions and discount offers as far as flights abound India and hotels in the region are considered. By associating with them in a comprehensive way, you can experience the best trip ever to India. Maximum discounts too could be obtained upon them providing you with the best results that you consider without going through any complex scenarios.

Special offers

Before traveling to India, it is necessary that you know about the special offers available for you in India. Perhaps, it will consume a lot of time in case you make such a wider research on your own. By leaving such time consuming tasks to the travel agents, you can organize your travel schedule in a perfect way.

Latest promotions

Top international flights are known to announce special deals depending upon the season. As a tourist, it is not possible for you to get acquainted about the same at all time. However, you can seek the premium services offered by the concerned tour operators providing you with the exclusive information in this regard. Excellent promotional strategies that you come across in a prolific manner will help you save more time and money as well.

Free consultations

Travel agents allow you to learn about the best deals for you with the consideration of several options the way you prefer. By going through a detailed consultation for free, you will be able to learn about the top features of your India travel schedule. Reputed travel agents offer free consultations for US citizens on a regular basis so that they could strike familiarity in a proper way.

Customized plans

Traveling to India requires you to specify your tour plan in a detail so that you could save unnecessary flight tickets and hotel accommodations. After having the necessary access to the desired tour features, it is possible to end up in a clear and well-tailored travel plan. Latest plans involving precise details will help you in realizing an effortless travel that you prefer. Seek more information online in case you have got any issues that which you need to confirm to enjoy a highly enjoyable tour to India.

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