Podcast
Worldview Wavelengths
Hosted by International Student Advising Team (The College) · EN
In this podcast, the International Student Advising Team at the College uncovers the resources, insights and unique support available for international students at Brown. Each episode offers expert advice and important conversations to help empower all undergraduate international students to build resilience and thrive on their journey.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Navigating Today's Job Market: Networking Strategies for International Students
3w ago00:34:49Tap to summarizeDo you hate networking? You are probably not alone! Listen to this podcast episode with Dean Matt Donato and Peer Career Advisor Henrique Gabriel to learn more about how to strategically build relationships and expand your professional network as an international student at Brown. Resources Mentioned: Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Center for Career Exploration: Located on campus for one-on-one advising with Career Counselors and Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) open hours. UNIV 0456: Exploring Career Options: A course on job search skills – resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile writing, networking, interviewing, and negotiating. BrownConnect+: The primary platform for finding and connecting with over 120,000 Brown alumni, join Brown communities, find opportunities, and get involved in mentoring programs. Interstride: A specialized platform for international students to find employers who have previously sponsored visas as well as international opportunities for all students.
Transcribe →The International Student's Summer Travel Guide
3w ago00:28:40Tap to summarizeAre you an F-1 or J-1 student planning summer travel? Whether you're heading home, joining a global program, or traveling within the U.S., preparing for summer travel can be a particularly stressful moment, especially as you juggle final exams, finalizing your summer plans, and packing all your belongings into one suitcase. In this episode of Worldview Wavelengths, we sit down with Andrew Shiotani, Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), and Kelsey Dennis, Assistant Director, International Student Services (Undergraduates) to break down how to proactiely plan your trips and what to consider if you're staying local. We discuss: Travel & Re-entry Essentials: crucial immigration, visa, and documents every international student needs to have in order before traveling. Domestic vs. International Travel: best practices and required documentation for crossing borders versus traveling within the United States. Guidance for Graduating Students: advice for May graduates transitioning to Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. Navigating Campus Resources: A quick refresher on how ISSS can connect you with broader support during your time at Brown. Resources Mentioned: Travel Resources for International Students (ISSS): carefully review this page for all the information you need to know, including a list of required and recommended documents for traveling. ISSS News and Announcements 2026 Summer Travel Guidance Current Travel and Visa Restrictions by Presidential Proclamation Assessing Travel Safety ISSS Gateway Portal Request a Travel Signature Schedule an appointment with an ISSS Advisor Office of Global Travel Operations, Risk & Resilience TravelSafe Registration Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →Is a Leave Right for You? Leavetaking as an International Student
Apr 1400:31:22Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt like you needed to press pause on your degree, but were too worried about falling behind or losing your visa status to actually do it? Leavetaking, which is a period of non-enrollment, can serve many purposes: whether you need rest, time to recalibrate, or space for personal exploration. But for F-1 visa-holding students, stepping away from campus comes with unique logistical and emotional hurdles. In this episode of Worldview Wavelengths, we sit down with Janet Isserlis, Assistant Director at the Curricular Resource Center (CRC), and Ah-Young Moon, an international senior who navigated taking a leave during her own sophomore year. Together, they demystify the process, share lived experiences, and offer practical advice for taking control of your own academic timeline. In this episode, we discuss: Defining Leavetaking: What it means to step away and the diverse reasons students choose to do so. Navigating the Stigma: How to manage the fear of falling behind and let go of academic FOMO. Family Dynamics: Honest advice on how to have difficult conversations with parents who might be worried about your timeline. Logistics: Critical advice on tracking deadlines, communicating with the international office, and returning smoothly. Reframing Opportunities: Why taking a pause doesn't mean missing out, but rather opening doors to different paths. Resources Mentioned: The Curricular Resource Center (CRC): Visit the Leavetaking webpage to read leavetaking policise, student stories and connect with Leavetaking Peer Advisors. Leavetaking & Return from Leave Checklist Speak with an Academic Dean International Student and Scholar Services Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →Academic Coaching: How to Build Academic Confidence, Support Your Wellbeing and Grow Through Transitions
Mar 1700:28:06Tap to summarizeEvery student's journey at Brown is unique, and it's important to learn what that path can look like for you. Yet, it is entirely natural to wonder how your path compares to others, especially to that one roommate who magically wakes up at 7 AM to hit the gym, takes five classes, and seems to have it all together. Are you ready to discover what thriving looks like on your own terms? In this episode, we unpack the reality of academic well-being and the myth of the "perfect student" that lead to imposter syndrome. We are joined by Emily Collins Garcia, International Student Advisor, and special guest Julia, an international student from Brazil, to discuss the real process of transitioning to life at Brown University. From managing heavier course loads and navigating new classroom expectations to overcoming language and cultural barriers, this conversation is all about giving yourself grace. Resources & Links Mentioned: Request an Academic Coach: Get one-on-one support for time management, study habits, and personal well-being. Level Up: Academic Cohort Meetings: Join a supportive group setting for international students to share experiences, tackle imposter syndrome, and sharpen your study strategies together. For more details, email internationaladvising@brown.edu Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →Designing your Fellowship Journey as an International Student
Feb 1100:29:44Tap to summarizeDo you think that fellowships are only for U.S. citizens? In this episode, Dean Joel Simundich and Olha Burdeina dispel this myth, exploring opportunities ranging from travel grants to graduate funding and discussing the best ways to get started. Olha shares how the Projects for Peace fellowship helped launch her "Reborn" initiative in Ukraine, while Dean Simundich offers advice on crafting your narrative and starting early. Resources Mentioned: Brown Ever True: wide range of existing and new support services and resources both on and off campus, including 24/7 crisis support resources and mental health support. Fellowships at Brown: Central hub for opportunities and advising. Projects for Peace: the specific grant behind Olha’s initiative. Make an Appointment: connect with the Fellowships team. Fellowships@Brown Newsletter: stay informed on national and international fellowship opportunities Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →The International Student Travel Checklist: Immigration, Documents, and Peace of Mind
Nov 1800:27:01Tap to summarizeAs we head into the holiday season, we sit down with Andy Shiotani, Director, ISSS, and Kelsey Dennis, Assistant Director, ISSS (Undergraduates), to ask all the questions you have about international travel as an F-1 or J-1 visa holding student. Don't forget to check out the following resources: 1) ISSS Travel Resources for International Students 2) ISSS Requesting a Travel Signature: 3) Form I-94 arrival record (after re-entry into the U.S.) 4) ISSS Assessing Travel Safety 5) Book an appointment with ISSS Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →Finding Your Next Step - Career Exploration as an International Student
Nov 400:24:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we talk to Karen Whittet, Associate Director of Career Counseling and international student and PCA Ola Dubno about career exploration and career development for international students. Don't forget to check out the following resources: 1) PCA Open Hours 2) Center for Career Exploration Events and Workshops 3) Brown Connect Plus 4) Handshake 5) Interstride Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.
Transcribe →Owning Your Journey at Brown - An International Senior's Words of Wisdom
May 12, 202500:27:50Tap to summarizeEver feel like everyone else has it all figured out? Like dreams and passions are a luxury, and finding a career is all you should care about as an international student?In this episode, we talk to Dean Lindsay Garcia and international senior Nathan Winoto about everything that he learned during his journey at Brown, both inside and outside of the classroom and how he carved himself a unique path by always doing what he loves.Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock by app.sessions.blue/browse/track/214527
Transcribe →Summer Ready? Let's Talk Money for International Students!
Apr 1, 202500:26:58Tap to summarizeSummer break is just around the corner! Whether you are planning on going back home, doing an internship, participating in a SPRINT fellowship program, or taking course on campus, managing your finances is key to making the most of your break.In this episode, we cover essential financial tips, from building your budget to preparing for hidden costs, so you can enjoy your summer without financial stress.Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock by app.sessions.blue/browse/track/214527
Transcribe →Key Considerations for Choosing a Concentration as an International Student
Mar 3, 202500:30:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are joined by Dean Peggy Chang, Associate Dean for Curricular Engagement, to discuss something that is crucial to all students at Brown: choosing your concentration. Whether you’re just starting to explore, or have already taken many classes, we will cover how to take advantage of the open curriculum, where to go for advice (while learning how to also listen to your inside voice), and what to do when it all feels too overwhelming.Dean Chang, is also the lead director of the Independent Concentration program and the director of the Curricular Resource Center, a peer-to-peer advising space on Angel Street where you can find academic coaches and a variety of advising programs.
Transcribe →