Dear friend, you have been waiting for D-Day all year: collecting documents, paying for the program, attending organized meetings, searching for or choosing a Job Offer, feeling nervous, worried, and preparing.

And now, the interview date is set.

I had the fate (or honor) of being the first student from the IEC office in Astana to go in. My palms were sweating, my heart was beating fast, and I was very nervous. I recalled all the possible questions they might ask at the interview and tried to calm down. My English is good enough, but you can't rely on that alone.

I sat in the waiting room after numerous checks, and everyone around me was also nervous. One guy couldn't stop talking and was making nervous jokes due to stress. The consul read my last name with a strong accent and only pronounced it on the third attempt. When I entered the small office, I immediately said hello and asked the consul how they were doing. The only response was "Hi" - the consul didn't smile. I was worried, but I tried to focus as much as possible on the questions.

They asked me which university I study at, what year I am in, and what my major is. Then they asked in more detail about the subjects I am studying. Then about my parents' place of work and their positions. At one point, the consul moved away from the microphone and I didn't hear the question, so I had to ask again with a polite "Excuse me?" There were questions about the purpose of my previous travels and again about my year of study. At the end, the consul asked me to list my rights, which are stated in the booklet (which the coordinators gave us); they listened very carefully and did not interrupt until I had listed them all.

My visa was approved!

My happiness knew no bounds! It seemed that the hardest part was behind me, but that was not the case.

Next, you need to pack your suitcase and book a hotel.

Packing recommendations: take only the essentials. Be sure to take a first-aid kit, a light jacket for cold weather and for bus trips (they always have the air conditioning on and it's very cold); light clothes for warm weather; clothes you can work in (in case they don't give you a uniform); comfortable shoes that you won't mind too much at the end of the summer; a hat and food.

As for food, it is advisable to take something almost ready. For example, I took ten packs of instant noodles and they ran out by the end of the second week.

Be sure to book a hotel or hostel if you arrive at night. Spending the night in a 24-hour McDonald's or Central Park is a good idea only in theory. After a long flight, fatigue hits instantly, and walking with money and all important documents at night through a metropolis like New York is not entirely safe.

After a seventeen-hour flight and a three-hour transfer, my friend and I arrived in New York. We arrived at night with large suitcases, having changed so many time zones that the idea of looking for a bus or trusting taxi drivers at the airport was not even considered.

I had money on my card and I immediately activated the SIM card that I was given at the IEC office. This way I was able to call a taxi via the Uber app and we calmly headed to the hotel.

Life hacks:

1. It is advisable to install the SIM card in your phone in advance so you don't have to mess with it at the airport, but can activate it immediately.

2. Talk to students on the plane. I met two girls when I was flying to New York who were also flying from Astana and Almaty. Even though we had jobs in different cities, we all went to the city together in a pre-booked taxi. Thus, the payment for the trip was 50 dollars, but there were four of us and it came out much cheaper.

That was my first time in New York and it is beautiful! #visa #NewYork #IEC.Exchange