Expedite Travel Services – Expedite Travel Services

Benefits of a Graduate Assistantship

Expedite Travel Services — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 13:47:04 +0000

An assistantship is a paid academic position that includes part-time teaching or research and is granted to a graduate student. The requirements to be eligible for an assistantship may vary based on the institution. However, some crucial requirements include:

Being admitted into a graduate program (whether MSc Degree or Ph.D.) Hence, you must have received an acceptance to the school and an offer for your assistantship.

You must have a valid F-1 visa on file before you can begin working in your assistantship role (Research or Teaching) if you are an international student.

You must be in good academic standing, that is, having a certain GPA. This may differ based on the University or program you choose to apply/attend. Some schools require 3.00 or better. They will look at your previous institution’s GPA if this is your first semester at the new institution.

You must also be registered for classes or hours, for example, 9 hours per academic semester (again, this depends on the University or program).

Some schools may require you to register for volunteer events, while some may expect you to attend professional development sessions. In essence, you are expected to be present and participate in just about every event your department hosts.

Having an assistantship comes with a lot of benefits that will, in turn, enable you to focus on your studies without being financially frustrated. Some of the benefits of having a graduate assistantship includes:

Receiving a stipend in exchange for your hours worked. As for me, I receive a monthly salary, and so I am not sure if some universities do weekly. Also, I am not allowed to work for more than 20 hours.

Tuition waiver benefits

Health benefits

Research and teaching experience

also, the opportunity to sharpen skills to add to your Academic Vita, which can later help you to get jobs as well as future grants to conduct studies.

Attend conferences with your Academic Mentor and network with others in your field of study.

Four (4) reasons why Travel Insurance is essential

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:31:59 +0000

It covers against medical emergencies:

The travel insurance policy covers the cost of medical treatment that may arise when you travel. These usually cover up to a particular limit. These policies do not discriminate between the types of medical emergencies. It could be any medical or accident treatment and the insurance company will reimburse costs up to a particular limit to the mentioned limit. (As per the policy Terms and Conditions against each cover). Having these risks covered provides a level of compensation if you are planning to travel.

It covers against medical emergencies:

It covers against risks of travel:

Travel Insurance covers risks such as loss of passport and personal belonging cover, loss of checked-in baggage, etc. Having these risks covered provides an additional layer of protection against financial loss due to losing valuable documents/ assets while travelling. Without Travel Insurance, you would have to stand the responsibility of your losses. By reimbursing such non-refundable expenses, Travel Insurance alleviates unnecessary spending. (As per the policy Terms and Conditions against each cover). Having these risks covered provides a level of compensation if you are planning travelling.

Covers trip disruptions:

Trip disruptions that may cause your trip to cancel your trip. If your flight was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, having Travel Insurance will compensate you for your trip without you having to book another ticket out of your pocket. Travel Insurance also provides coverage for canceled bookings, entire by you cancel your trip or by the tour company, among others. (As per the policy Terms and Conditions against each cover). Having these risks covered provides a level of compensation if you are planning travelling.

Types of Travel Insurance

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 03:20:43 +0000

Spending a little extra to purchase travel insurance will protect you from an unexpected situation that may arise while traveling. A vacation can cost you thousands of dollars. Having travel insurance can save you from losing the money that you have invested in your trip.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of the trip if you decide to cancel. For example, if a tour company decides to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be refunded the amount you paid for your trip. Each policy has specific coverage, so read the insurance policy in depth to know precisely which situations your policy covers.

Baggage Insurance

The baggage insurance policy covers luggage that is stolen or damaged during your vacation. Baggage insurance sometimes referred to as personal effects insurance which covers your baggage in the event of dilemmas. Each policy has specific coverage, so read the insurance policy in depth to know precisely which situations your policy covers.

Emergency Medical Assistance

The cost of health care to fly you home if you get sick while on vacation can be very expensive. Emergency medical assistance insurance covers these costs if an emergency occurs while you are traveling. Some personal health insurance covers up to particular expenses while you are on vacation; call your insurance provider to find out the specifics of your insurance policy. Each policy has specific coverage, so read the insurance policy in depth to know precisely which situations your policy covers.

Accidental Death Insurance

Accidental Death Insurance cover accidental death while traveling. However, it is available under other policies, such as life insurance, if you are not covered under a different policy. It’s best to get Accidental death insurance. Accidental death insurance takes care of your family financially if you die while traveling.

Passport Tips

Expedite Travel Services — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:43:48 +0000

A passport is an essential document you need when traveling outside of your home country. This document is what every country uses to recognize you and let you enter the country. Ensure that safeguard that you safeguard your passport. If you are traveling outside of your home country, especially for the first time, ensure that you take a few minutes to read up on important passport safety tips. Keep your passport in a safe place at all times while you are out of the country. Your passport is the key to traveling the world, as well as traveling back home.

How to Keep Your Passport Safe – Tips for Travel

Before you decide to travel, ensure that your passport is up to date. Once your passport has less than one year remaining, ensure that you get your passport renewed.

Store your passport in a safe place when you are not using it. This will keep your passport from getting lost or misplaced.

Keep your passport in a dry place. Ensure that wherever you are keeping your passport, you regularly check on it to ensure that moisture does not cause your passport to get mildew.

Whenever you are washing, ensure that you check your pocket for your passport because, by accident, you might end up washing your pants with your passport in your pocket or bag. If your passport goes through the washing machine, you’ll have to get a new one.

Keep your passport out of the reach of children, pets, and insects.

U.S.A Student Visa: Sponsorship

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:11:57 +0000

Most applicants who apply for a student visa seek financial assistance from family members and /or close relatives to offset their educational expenses. A sponsor can be anyone; however, it is best when your sponsor is an immediate family member such as your parents, spouse, or siblings. If you plan to use a sponsor to aid your educational expenses, they must have more money in their bank account than what is required for your educational expenses.

Realistically, if the money in your sponsor’s bank account is the exact amount that you need for your educational expenses, the visa officer may wonder why this person would give you their entire life saving to study in the United States. When your sponsor gives you all the money in their bank account to study in the United States, what will they do if an emergency situation arises and they need cash? Therefore, it will be more believable if your sponsor’s bank account reflects more than the required amount for your tuition and living expenses.

Likewise, it is best when your sponsor is your parent/s, spouse or a close relative. The reason for this is the visa officer may wonder why someone who is not a close relative would give you their life savings to study in The United States. Additionally, you must provide documentation to show your relation to your sponsor. For instance, if your mom is sponsoring you, you will need to submit your birth certificate so that the visa officer can see that your sponsor is your mom. In the event the relationship with your sponsor is not clearly established, the visa officer may ask himself, is it believable that this person who is a family member, friend or employer would give all this money to you to study in The United States?

When you are ready to attend an interview at the Embassy, your sponsor must give you a bank statement showing the amount of money they are sponsoring towards your educational expenses. If your sponsor cannot provide you with a bank statement with the required amount of money that they are paying towards your tuition or living expenses, it is unwise and often futile to apply for a study permit as it will be overlooked. Why would the visa officer grant you a student visa when it is not clear as to how you will be paying for the tuition and living expenses? Many applicants state that someone is sponsoring them, but fail to produce a bank statement.

When someone is sponsoring you, the visa officer will thoroughly review your application, because they want to make sure that funds will be available for the duration of your studies. Advisably, though someone will be sponsoring you, it is best to have savings available in your bank account, especially if you are traveling with your entire family. Please don’t rely on your sponsor for the entirety of your educational expenses. At least try to have some finances of your own, especially if your sponsor is not an immediate relative or extended family member.

The sponsor will need to provide a photocopy of the following documents:

Bank statement/ 4-month transactional history.
Passport (front page)
Sponsorship letter
A job letter, if employed
Pay slips for the past four (4) months (optional)
Business registration, if the sponsor has a registered business

U.S.A Student Visa: Personal Savings

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 02:46:35 +0000

When applying for a US student visa, the best option is when you can fund your tuition and living expenses without having to rely on a sponsor. The amount of money available in your bank account should cover at least one (1) year of tuition and living expenses. However, it is good to show the tuition and living expenses for the entire duration of your studies. When you have the money for the entire duration of studies, this will better convince the visa officer that you can finance your educational expenses without relying on a sponsor. If you cannot show the funds for the entire duration of your studies, there should be a clear indication as to how you will finance the remaining tuition and living expenses. Most applicants do not have the full amount to show at once. However, showing the exact amount of your first-year tuition and living expenses without any clear indications about how you pay for the remaining duration of your studies may leave the visa officer with questions and uncertainties which will result in your student visa being denied.
Finally, before considering to apply for a student visa, it is paramount that you have sufficient funds available to pay for your studies and living expenses.

Tourist Attractions in Antigua and Barbuda

Expedite Travel Services — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 09:24:45 +0000

Book a trip to visit Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda have lots of spectacular white sand beaches, blue seas, beautiful scenery, and lots of things to do in the sun, which is a must-visit destination. Antigua and Barbuda is a tropical paradise and explore its 365 beautiful beaches. Antigua provides vacationers with a simple escape, a destination that gently nudges visitors to swim, relax, and explore the great outdoors under the sun throughout the day. There’s no shortage of things to do and other attractions on the island of Antigua.

About Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is one of the most spectacular white-sand crescent beaches in the world. With 132 stunning oceanfront acres, 3,200 feet of white coral sand. Half Moon Bay provides a breathtakingly beautiful setting for a resort that redefines private luxury in the Caribbean.

About Stringray City

Stingray City Antigua Snorkel adventure will be an experience that you will never forget. It will live with you forever. The Southern Rays are the brightest in the Caribbean, very friendly and gentle. When you visit stingray city, you can interact and feed Stingrays, together with snorkeling amongst magnificent coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.

About Darby Cave

Darby is not an actual cave but a 300ft-wide, 70ft-deep sinkhole with tall palm trees growing out of it and mighty ferns and lianas dangling down from the rim, creating a miniature rainforest ecosystem.

Book a trip to visit Antigua & Barbuda

Canada Visitor’s Visa: Reasons for denial

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 00:19:28 +0000

I was denied a Canadian visa and I would like to know why; my application was done properly, and I provided all the required documents that were requested by IRCC?

We know how disappointing it can be when someone is denied a Canadian visitor visa. Just so you know, when you apply for a Canadian visa several factors are taken into consideration before your Canadian visa is approved. The visa officer carefully reviews your visa application to ensure that you have sufficient ties to your home country based on the supporting documents you submit to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

You did not provide enough evidence that demonstrates that you are able to pay for your trip

Having sufficient funds available to pay for your trip is the most crucial factor when applying for a Canadian visa. The visa officer wants to know that you can finance your trip to Canada based on the amount of money you are earning from your job and the money in your bank account. However, it is not solely dependent on the amount of money that is in your bank account. A person with one million dollars ($1,000,000) in their bank account may be denied; while a person with $100,000 in their account gets approved a visa. This is because the person with one million dollars ($1,000,000) in their bank account may not be able to prove how they accumulate the funds. While, at the same time, the person with $100,000 in their account can substantiate how they acquired the funds in their account. Though the visa officer wants to know that you can pay for your trip to Canada, they still want to see how you acquired the funds in your account. Notably, if they suspect that you borrowed the funds in your account to obtain a visa, they will deny you.

You have not provided enough evidence to prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay

The visa officer wants to know that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay. As such, they will thoroughly review your visa application and the circumstances surrounding your travel plans, as well as other ties to your home country. Strong ties may vary from person to person; they generally include your job, house, family, and assets. Various aspects of your life bind you to the country within which you reside, such as employment, children, and spouse. If you fail to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, they will deny you under the pretense that your ties to your home country are weak. The visa officer wants to know that you have your job, children, or spouse to return to after a short stay in Canada.

Failure to provide all relevant supporting documents

Many applicants who choose to complete their Canadian visa application independently end up ruining their application, as well as failing to submit all the required documents. Resultantly contributing to their Canadian visitor visa application denial. Let’s say you did not fill out your application correctly and/or failed to submit all the supporting documents-for instance, if you were arrested in the past and didn’t provide a police record, they will deny you, for the fact that you did not provide all the relevant documents to support your visa application. Hire a professional immigration consultant if you do not understand the entire process and the primary documents needed submission to the Canadian Embassy.

You haven’t provided enough proof to support your reasons for visiting Canada

When you apply for a visa to travel to Canada, the invitation letter should state your reason for travel whether for: a family visit, tourism, funeral, wedding, or graduation. If you are attending a funeral, you must provide evidence of the death certificate. In the event that you fail to submit the right documents to indicate your main intention in traveling to Canada, the visa officer might deny you due to unclear reasons for traveling to Canada. Hire a professional immigration consultant if you do not understand the entire process and the primary documents needed submission to the Canadian Embassy.

Limited Employment and Job Stability

Being employed or working at a previous establishment for less than one (1) year indicates inconsistency and inability to settle in a job. The visa officer wants to know that you are stable working in a job for at least (1) one to one (2) years. The longer you are employed in an organization, the better are your chances of being granted a visa.

Benefits of studying in Canada

Expedite Travel Services — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:42:11 +0000

You can work while you are in Canada

Students studying in Canada can work up to 20-hours per week during regular school sessions and work full-time during the holiday when school breaks. Please note that while you are planning on working whilst studying in Canada, you still need to demonstrate to the visa officer that you are capable of paying for your educational expenses without relying on the job you will be doing while working in Canada.

Study in Canada with your family

Canada has made it possible for you to bring your spouse and children along with you while you are studying. How wonderful this is to have your family accompany you to Canada on this beautiful journey? If your spouse is going to Canada with you, he/she can apply for an open work permit that allows your spouse to work full-time while you are studying. The open-work permit will last for the duration of your studies. If your spouse gets approved for an open work permit, the money they will be earning can alleviate some of your educational expenses.

Getting a job in Canada after you graduate

All international students who have completed their studies in Canada are eligible to obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit. However, to qualify, they must have completed their studies at an eligible Canadian tertiary institution. The Post-Graduate Work Permit allows you to work in Canada and gain work experience, which makes you eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class.

A Post-Graduate Work Permit allows you to work in Canada for the same duration as the program you studied in Canada. For example, if you graduate from a four (4) years degree program, you will be eligible for a three (3) years Post-Graduate Work Permit. If you graduate from an eight-month (8) certificate program, you will be eligible for an open work permit valid for one (1) year.

Studying in Canada is the easiest way to apply for permanent residency

Studying in Canada is the easiest way to become a permanent. After graduating, the next step will be to apply for your post-graduate work permit so that you can gain one (1) year of work experience to be eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Canada Experience Class. For example, a student that has completed their studies in Canada and is currently working on their post-graduate work permit for one (1) year would be qualified to apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class. The Canadian Experience Class allows graduates to make a successful transition from temporary to permanent residence.

Lower tuition costs

Many students choose to study in Canada because Canada has one of the lowest tuition fees in the world. Though some students might have the opportunity to study in other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, they prefer to study in Canada as Canada remains competitive when it comes to accommodation, tuition fees and other expenses. Canada places a lot of emphasis on education and maintains one of the highest standards in education. A degree acquired from a Canadian university is recognized globally and highly valued in the international job market.

Safe and friendly environment

Studying in Canada is one of the best decisions you could ever make in your life. Canadians are some of the friendliest people globally, and you will probably find this to be quite true if you decide to study in Canada. The Canadian society is welcoming to all people. The country is considered safe, and there is a relatively high standard of living. Canada is among the ten (10) safest countries in the world to live and do business. While studying, you won’t be alone; approximately half of a million international students in Canada are currently pursuing their educational goals and dreams.

The main reasons why applicants are denied a UK Student Visa

Expedite Travel Services — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 20:59:39 +0000

Failure to demonstrate that you can pay your tuition and living expenses

Having sufficient funds available to pay for your tuition and living expenses is the most crucial factor in a visa officer’s decision when granting a UK student visa. The Home Office stipulates that you at least one (1) year of financing for your tuition and living expenses in your bank account. Most applicants that are denied a UK student visas don’t have the funds to cover their tuition and living expenses, which generally leads to their denial.

Before you decide to start your journey of studying in the UK, ensure that you know how much your tuition and living expenses will cost to have the funds available to pay for these expenses. A visa officer can immediately know without a doubt whether an applicant can pay for their tuition and living expenses based on the amount of money that is in their bank account or their sponsor bank account. Suppose you do not have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses. In that case, the visa officer will deny you due to insufficient funds to maintain yourself or any family member that will accompany you to Canada.

Though you can work while studying in the UK, this should not be entirely relied upon to pay your tuition and living expenses, as you are only entitled to work 20 hours per week, and you might not get enough hours to work. The money that you earned while working in the UK can be used for basic necessities. This is why The Home Office is adamant that you should have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses.

Failure to provide all the relevant supporting documents for the processing of your UK student visa.

The main reason for student visa denials is missing or incorrect documents. Many applicants have tried to complete their study permit application by themselves. As a result of this, they fail to submit some of the required documents, resulting in many student visa denials. The British High Commission does not tolerate simple mistakes. Once a form or a document is missing, they will not place your application on hold, nor will they send you an email for the missing copy. They will deny you immediately. So, if you did not submit your bank statement along with your application, you will be automatically denied. Ensure that you hire a professional immigration consultant if you do not fully understand the entire process and the necessary documents to be submitted.

Providing inaccurate information on your application form

Many applicants have tried to complete their UK student visa application independently while oftentimes making several grave mistakes while filling out the student visa application.
The UK Student Visa application form can be a complicated form to fill out. As a result of this, many applicants misinterpret some questions on the application form. The possibility of making mistakes while filling out the application form is very high and should be avoided under all circumstances.