8B BORROWER TESTIMONIAL Q & A WITH Samuel Akogun
Full Q & A with Samuel Akogun (1) Could you please tell us your full name? My name is Samuel Akogun. (2) Where are you originally from? I am from Nigeria. (3) Which university are you currently attending? Syracuse University. (4) What program are you studying?...
Q & A with Blessing Uchechi Nwala (Borrower Testimonial)
(1) Could you please tell us your full name? My name is Blessing Uchechi Nwala. (2) Where are you originally from? I am from Nigeria. (3) Which university are you currently attending? Bowling Green State University. (4) What program are you studying? Master’s in...
How 8B Education Helped Turn a Funding Crisis into a Dream Breakthrough
Full Q & A with Olajumoke Omosowone (1) Could you please tell us your full name? My name is Olajumoke Omosowone. (2) Where are you originally from? I am from Nigeria. (3) Which university are you currently attending? University of New Haven. (4) What program...
Kept in School, Opened to the World: Nancy Phombeya’s Path from Malawi to a Career in Risk Analytics
“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...
Empowering African Entrepreneurs: The Role of Fintech in Driving Economic Growth
In recent years, the African continent has witnessed a remarkable surge in entrepreneurial activities, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) emerging as the backbone of its economic landscape. However, one of the most significant challenges these...
Financial Inclusion in Africa: Leveraging Fintech to Bridge the Gap and Drive Prosperity
The World Bank describes financial inclusion as a key enabler of 7 of the UN sustainable development goals. But what is financial inclusion? Financial inclusion is the practice of creating accessible and affordable financial solutions for all. These solutions...
Non-Traditional STEM-Designated Degrees for International Students
If you don’t consider yourself a science and math whizz, you might assume that you can’t take advantage of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM-designation program in the US. Well, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are many non-traditional STEM...
5 Common Scams that Target International Students
Newly independent in a new country, international students are especially vulnerable to being victims of scam. Scams are crimes that involve someone using false pretenses to illegally obtain money from another. The most common scams targeting international students...
Bridging Continents: How Your University Can Tap into African Talent with 8B Tuition Share
The 8B Tuition Share Program: A Strategic Advantage for Universities In the competitive landscape of higher education, universities are in a race to not only diversify their student base but also to extend their global influence. The 8B Tuition Share Program offers a...
Navigating F-1 Visa Obstacles: The 8B Loan Program’s Lifeline for African Students
For many African students, pursuing a U.S. education can be life-changing. The U.S. has some of the best universities in the world, and African students who study there are exposed to an array of resources and networks. Unfortunately, many ambitious students from...
STEM Degrees: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does STEM stand for? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 2. Why is there an emphasis on STEM education in the U.S.? STEM education is emphasized due to its importance in driving innovation, economic growth, and global...
Tips for Maintaining Your Visa Status as an International Student in the U.S
Obtaining a student visa to study in the U.S takes careful planning and preparation. Maintaining your visa status is crucial for your continued stay in the U.S. If you’re wondering what you need to do to maintain your visa status, this article is for you. We’ll...
5 Unexpected College Costs International Students Must Prepare For
It’s a no-brainer – studying abroad is expensive. Tuition and housing, as expected, are likely to make up a huge chunk of your college costs. However, they’re far from being the only expenses you’ll have to worry about. As an international student, it’s prudent to...
Social Media Dos and Don’ts for College Students
Everyone and their dog is on social media – literally. According to research by Experian, 98% of college-aged students are on social media. In the past people primarily used social media to connect with family and friends. Today, social media users leverage these...
Why Should You Set Up Automatic Student Loan Payments?
Missing your monthly student loan payments can attract costly penalties and negatively impact your credit score. That’s why automatic student loan payments come in handy. Setting up automatic payments for your student loans can streamline the repayment process and...
5 Key Strategies to Pay Off Multiple Student Loans
A college degree abroad is a significant investment. That’s why it makes sense to take an international student loan to finance your degree. For many students, it might be necessary to take multiple student loans. If you have to take education loans from different...
How to Minimize Student Loan Debt as an International Student
For a long time, African students have heavily relied on scholarships to pursue studies abroad. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough scholarships available to meet the enormous demand. The good news is that there’s another funding option for African students studying in...
7 Ways to Improve Your Language Skills While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to be immersed in a new culture and language. Research shows that language immersion is the best way to learn a new language – it helps learners develop the brain patterns of a native speaker. Learning the native language...
How to Apply to US Colleges for Free
Applying to college in the US can be quite expensive. While college application fees vary from institution to institution, you can expect to pay an average of $45 per application. Some of the most selective and prestigious universities can charge as much as $100 per...
Key Campus Resources International Students Should Take Advantage Of
Pursuing your degree abroad is one of the best things you can do for your academic and professional growth. However, as an international student, you’re likely to experience challenges that domestic students don’t face. For instance, you may have language barriers and...
Everything You Need to Know About Ivy League Universities
Every year, thousands of students apply to Ivy League universities in the U.S. These are some of the most prestigious universities in the world, renowned for strong alumni networks, academic excellence, and accomplished faculty. Ivy League universities have a long...
How to Convert Your Grades Into an American GPA
1 - How to Convert Your Grades Using WES iGPA Calculator The WES iGPA calculator is a free tool that enables students from countries outside the United States to convert their grades into a US-style GPA (out of 4.0 scale). You may use the WES iGPA calculator to...
5 Things You Can Do If Your U.S Student Visa Is Delayed
Applying for a U.S student visa is a painstaking process. You’ll have to make your online application months, ace the visa interview, and wait to receive either an approval or rejection. Sometimes, your F-1 visa approval can be delayed beyond the standard processing...
Opening Your First Bank Account in the U.S as an International Student
When you arrive in the US for your studies, one of the first things on your to-do list should be opening your first bank account in the US. “Can I use my home country’s bank account while studying in the U.S?” While you may be able to use your home country’s bank...