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...
How to Expedite Your U.S. Student Visa Appointment
Embarking on a journey to study in the U.S. is a thrilling chapter in any student's life. One crucial step in this process is securing your U.S. student visa. The procedure might seem a bit overwhelming, but worry not! We've prepared a simple guide to help you...
4 Tips for Making the Most of Virtual College Tours
Virtual college tours, popularized during the Covid 19 pandemic, have become a common feature to aid students in their college research process. Without the luxury of being able to visit the college in-person, virtual tours give prospective students a feel of the...
How Can I Pay for College In the U.S as an International Student?
Studying abroad in U.S colleges and universities gives you access to quality education, a multicultural environment, and opens up doors to an infinite number of opportunities. U.S colleges and universities are prominently featured among the highest ranking educational...
How Much Can I Borrow for College Abroad?
The cost of attending university abroad continues to rise, and for many African students in U.S colleges and universities, paying for their education requires borrowing. If you’re considering applying for an international student loan, you’re likely to be wondering...
U.S University Intake Seasons: A Guide for International Students
Fall, spring, and summer – these are three main intake seasons in U.S colleges and universities. You’ve probably come across mention of these U.S university intake seasons in your university research process. What exactly do they mean? Which months of the year do the...
Should You Submit Optional Materials When Applying to International Universities?
The specific application materials required for international universities can vary depending on the institution and the program to which you are applying. The most commonly required materials for college applications abroad include: Academic transcripts Standardized...
6 Tips for International Students with Disabilities on Navigating University Selection and Application
Living with a disability comes with additional challenges. If you have a disability and are aspiring to study abroad, your school selection process may have to include a few additional steps to ensure your comfort. You’re likely to be wondering “How do I navigate the...
Success Stories: Expanding the Study Abroad Narrative by Sidikat Olajuwon, African Leadership University
Like many African college applicants, studying abroad meant three places to me: the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Australia, China, Japan, and Paris were plan Ds and Zs. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. But I am saying, and you would...
When Is the Best Time to Apply for a Master’s Degree in the U.S?
Are you wondering about the best time to apply for a Master's degree in the United States? Let’s explore the best timeline to follow for your U.S Master’s degree applications. A Master’s degree from a reputable university in the U.S can broaden your horizons – both...