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What does studying abroad teach you beyond the classroom?

For our CEO and Founder, Bimpe Femi-Oyewo, it taught her about resilience, the importance of support, and the power of access.

Bimpe was recently featured by NAFSA: Association of International Educators alongside other voices in the international education community, where she reflected on her experience as an international student and how it continues to influence the work she does today. 

Here are a few highlights from her contribution: 

🎓 Her journey as an international student

Bimpe moved from Nigeria to the United States at just 16 on a partial scholarship. Her journey came with its share of challenges, including losing her scholarship after transferring schools.

Those experiences shaped her understanding of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance, while showing her how much the right support can influence a student's journey.

💡 The experience that inspired Edward Consulting

Being an international student also opened Bimpe's eyes to the information gaps many African students face.

She realised that talented students could have the academic ability to succeed but still struggle to identify the right universities, funding opportunities, and support systems.

That experience helped shape the idea behind Edward Consulting, built around providing students with honest, transparent, and personalised guidance.

🌍 Turning access into impact

Seven years later, the mission has grown beyond one student's experience.

Edward Consulting has supported students from more than 10 African countries, helping them gain admission to leading global universities and secure more than $30 million (₦40 billion) in scholarships and funding.

⭐ One success story that stands out

Bimpe highlighted Bright Uwakwe, a scholarship recipient who secured over $2.1 million in scholarship offers and admissions to more than a dozen universities. Despite multiple visa refusals, he persevered and eventually earned a fully funded Chancellor's Scholarship at Appalachian State University, becoming the institution's first international student to receive the award.

🔑 Why access remains at the centre

For Bimpe, it goes beyond admission. It is about giving students the information, guidance, and support they need to pursue opportunities with confidence.

We are proud to see our CEO's perspective included in NAFSA's feature and to have her journey contribute to the wider conversation around international education.

Read the full NAFSA feature here

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