Barely 48 hours before his J1 visa interview, Wisdom Taal was at a crossroad, facing the possibility of losing his opportunity to learn as an exchange student in the United States. A friend's referral to use the Pay4Me App solved the payment problem. However, he had another hurdle to cross: preparing for his visa interview the night before.
He got his request granted and learned everything that helped him secure his visa a few hours later.
Tell us about yourself and your career life.
I am a young man who is enthusiastic about farming. I earned my degree in Agricultural Biotechnology at university and have eight years of experience in the field. Farming is my occupation and serves as my primary source of income.
What inspired you to pursue training in sustainable agriculture in the USA?
Without agriculture, we cannot sustain ourselves; therefore, it is crucial to protect the soil using sustainable methods to ensure that future generations can continue farming.
Why is producing clean, chemical-free food important to you and your community in Ghana?
Everyone has the right to lead a healthy life. Chemicals contaminate our food, while in His wisdom, God has given us natural resources to help us create nutritious organic foods as our ancestors did. They enjoyed long, healthy lives; why shouldn't we?
How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in the USA when you return to Ghana?
I will be thoroughly prepared with expertise and extensive knowledge to educate local farmers. The goal is to grow nutritious food in plentiful amounts to ensure that it reaches everyone.
Can you walk us through your visa application journey?
My sponsors in the United States provided me with all the necessary documents for my J1 visa interview. I utilized the pay4me app to settle my SEVIS fee while opting for the 24-hour SEVIS subscription. I took advantage of their mock interview session to help me prepare for the interview, and now we have some great news.
How did Pay4Me support you through the payment of your SEVIS fee?
Pay4me performed exceptionally well. I completed my SEVIS fee payment on Friday night before my interview on Monday. It was quite a rush. I contacted them via mail, and they worked hard to ensure the payment was processed. When it appeared that it might not be feasible, they found a way to make it happen, and I am thankful for that. Thanks to their dedication, I didn't miss my chance to train in the U.S.
What was your experience during the free mock interview with Pay4Me the night before your visa appointment?
It was challenging and demanding, and I felt underprepared for it; however, it gave me the confidence I needed. Ernest offered valuable advice, and I am grateful for his intense session. It was essential.
How did you feel when you finally heard your visa had been approved?
I experienced a sense of relief and a feeling of pride in my accomplishments.
What role do platforms like Pay4Me play in helping African students and professionals achieve their international dreams?
I benefit from conducting transactions from the comfort of my home. Thankfully, I used MTN mobile money, which was very convenient.
What advice do you have for other young Africans who want to pursue a similar path in agriculture or international training?
Agriculture is a vocation driven by passion, so having that is essential for success in the industry. It is also a lucrative endeavor that allows one to earn a decent income while addressing a crucial issue facing humanity.
If you could describe your journey with Pay4Me in one word, what would it be?
Reliable
In the final 48 hours before his J1 visa interview, Pay4Me didn’t just help him pay his SEVIS fee; they showed up, and offered late-night visa coaching. This is what we mean when we say Pay4Me goes all out for its users. Whether it's a time-sensitive payment or nerve-wracking visa preparation, we treat every journey like our own.
Today, Wisdom’s internship is not just an achievement for one young agriculturalist; it represents the hope of an entire community in Ghana that will benefit from his knowledge of sustainable, chemical-free farming. When one student travels, a whole generation moves forward.
At Pay4Me, we don’t just power payments. We power possibilities
