The partnership between Adro, a technology company specializing in no-fee financial services, and Shorelight, a global platform for international student success, is set to transform the financial onboarding process for students coming to the United States. This initiative addresses a critical barrier faced by international students: establishing a financial presence in a new country before arrival.
Adro's offerings, including no-fee checking and savings accounts and the Adro World Mastercard, are tailored to meet the needs of international students. The collaboration with Shorelight, which operates in over 200 countries and has more than 9,000 distribution points, significantly extends Adro's reach. This partnership leverages Shorelight's comprehensive support services, such as academic and admissions assistance, visa help, and career development, to complement Adro's financial solutions.
Amarildo Gjondrekaj, Adro's Founder and CEO, highlighted the alignment between Adro's mission to facilitate early US account setup for international students and Shorelight's goal of supporting their overall success. Gautam Bazaz of Shorelight noted the partnership's role in enhancing students' confidence about their US journey. Key features of Adro's services include no need for a Social Security Number, ITIN, or credit check, alongside benefits like zero fees on incoming wire transfers and no foreign exchange fees.
This collaboration is timely, considering the increasing number of international students in the US and the financial challenges they encounter. By enabling access to banking services prior to arrival, Adro and Shorelight are removing a significant hurdle for students pursuing education in the US. The partnership not only promises to ease the transition for international students but also has the potential to enrich US campuses with greater cultural and intellectual diversity.
Moreover, the initiative could lead to higher international enrollments at US universities, fostering more globally-minded academic communities. The US economy may also benefit from the contributions of well-prepared international graduates. As Adro expands its services and Shorelight continues its leadership in student support, this partnership represents a progressive step towards a more inclusive international education system in the United States.
