Is a Leave Right for You? Leavetaking as an International Student

Have 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.