“Since receiving support from 8B Education, I was able to continue my studies uninterrupted, which directly helped me to secure competitive internships at Chubb and EMC Insurance. Most importantly, I received a full-time return job offer with Chubb. 8B’s support not only kept me in school but also opened doors to the future I once feared I would lose.”
Full Q & A with Nancy Phombeya
(1) Could you please tell us your full name?
My name is Nancy Phombeya.
(2) Where are you originally from?
I come from Malawi.
(3) Which university are you currently attending?
Georgia State University
(4) What program are you studying?
Dual MSc in Data Science & Analytics / Quantitative Risk Analysis & Management
(5) Before finding 8B, what challenges did you face in trying to fund your education? Who else did you seek help from, and how did they respond?
Before coming across 8B Education, I was in one of the most stressful and uncertain moments of my academic journey. I had worked tirelessly to pursue my Master’s degrees in the United States, but despite my best efforts, I found myself unable to cover my remaining tuition balance. As an international student, the financial gap didn’t just threaten my education, it also threatened my visa status and everything I had worked so hard for. I remember the fear of possibly having to withdraw from school and return home simply because I couldn’t secure the funding I needed.
Before discovering 8B Education, I explored every possible avenue. I reached out to my university’s financial aid office, academic departments, and graduate programs searching for assistantships or tuition waivers, but most opportunities had either closed or were unavailable to international students. I also applied for multiple private lenders, but the responses were denials due to ineligibility based on my country of origin. I even contacted banks, only to be told I needed a U.S. co-signer, something I did not have. Each failed attempt made the situation feel more hopeless. Finding 8B Education was truly a turning point.
(6) When you reached out to 8B for help, what was that experience like? How did the team respond and support you?
My experience seeking support from 8B Education was life-changing. When I reached out, I was in a very vulnerable position; I was anxious and completely running out of options. From the very first interaction, the 8B team treated me with a level of empathy and understanding that immediately made me feel seen. Instead of feeling like just another applicant, I felt like a student whose dreams truly mattered.
The response from the team was timely and reassuring. They walked me through the entire process with patience, clarity, and encouragement. Every question I had, and I had many, was answered with care. What struck me most was how human the interaction felt. They didn’t just evaluate my documents; they listened to my story, acknowledged my struggles, and genuinely wanted to help me stay in school.
Throughout the application and approval process, the 8B staff communicated openly about each step, making everything feel smooth and manageable. Their support removed a weight I had been carrying for months. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I finally felt hopeful again. At a time when everything felt uncertain, 8B Education stepped in as a true partner. Their support didn’t merely fund my education; it restored my confidence and sense of possibility.
(7) How did the support from 8B change your education and professional journey?
The support I received from 8B Education made a profound difference in both my academic and professional journey. At a time when I feared my education would come to an abrupt end, the funding from 8B allowed me to stay enrolled, maintain my visa status, and continue progressing toward my dual Master’s degrees. Without that support, I would not have been able to complete my coursework, participate in key programs, or gain the experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Because 8B stepped in, I was able to focus fully on my studies instead of worrying about how to pay my tuition. I excelled academically, engaged deeply in research, and took on leadership roles that have defined my time at Georgia State University. Their support also opened the door for me to participate in the Panther Immersion Program and ultimately secure competitive internship opportunities in the financial and insurance industries.
Most importantly, 8B’s help positioned me for long-term professional growth. Today, I am entering my field with strong skills, confidence, and a full-time opportunity ahead of me, something that might not have been possible if I had been forced to pause or abandon my studies. 8B not only helped me complete my studies but also helped me build the future I always dreamed of.
(8) Since receiving support from 8B, what new opportunities have opened up for you?
Since receiving support from 8B Education, countless opportunities have opened up for me. I was able to continue my studies uninterrupted, which led to strong academic performance, leadership roles, and participation in programs like the Panther Immersion Program. These experiences directly contributed to securing competitive internships in data science and risk analytics, including roles at Chubb and EMC Insurance. Most importantly, I received a full-time return offer from Chubb, where I will be starting my career after graduation. 8B opened doors to the professional future I once feared I would lose.
(9) Looking ahead, what are your future career goals?
My future career goals are centered around becoming a leading expert in data-driven risk management and analytics within the insurance and financial services industry. I hope to contribute to innovative solutions that help organizations better understand, predict, and manage complex risks. In the long term, I aspire to grow into leadership roles where I can mentor others, influence strategy, and drive meaningful impact in the industry. I also want to give back by supporting initiatives that empower African students pursuing global education, just as 8B Education supported me. Ultimately, I aim to build a career defined by purpose, innovation, and positive impact.
(10) What would you say to other African students who are thinking about 8B?
I would tell other African students that 8B Education is far more than a financial resource; it is a lifeline. If you’re struggling to close a funding gap or feeling overwhelmed by the financial barriers of studying abroad, 8B is truly worth considering. They understand our unique challenges, treat students with dignity, and provide support that feels personal and empowering. Their process is transparent and their team is compassionate. If not for 8B, I might not have been able to continue my education. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with 8B, this could be the support that secures your future.
(11) Before joining the 8B loan program, how would you describe your financial literacy around student financing?
Average
(12) After completing the program, how would you rate your financial literacy now?
Excellent
(13) And finally, how satisfied are you overall with the support provided by 8B?
5/5
