Graduate International Connection
by Graduate International Connect
The Graduate International Connection program (GIC) supports the transition of international graduate students at UC Irvine. Our podcast shares the stories and experiences of our graduate students as they transition to Irvine, California, the U.S., and life as a graduate student.
Episodes
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From Search to Offer with Career Support at UC Irvine
Career Corner: Join Sarvenaz Fatapour, Sahitya Madipalli, and Zhaobin Li, GIC Mentors, as they share strategies for finding internships and jobs, building professional networks, strengthening your resume, preparing for interviews, and making the most of the UC Irvine career resources as a…
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"Do I need a car in Irvine?"
Culture & Community: Join Stella Choi and Jina Chun, GIC Mentors, as they discussed the transportation options in Irvine, including walking, biking, public transit, and car ownership, with practical advice to help you decide whether getting a car fits your budget, lifestyle, and graduate student...
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Campus Resources Every Grad Student Should Know
Campus Compass: Join Jina Chun and Seungjun (Josh) Kim, GIC Mentors, as they discuss essential UC Irvine resources for graduate students, including academic support, career services, health and wellness programs, basic needs assistance, and community-building opportunities to help you succeed on...
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Finding Community in Irvine
Culture and Community: Join Medi Zakizadeh, Taryn Mary Williams, Seungjun (Josh) Kim, GIC Mentors, to learn the various ways you could build connections and find a sense of belonging at UC Irvine and beyond, through student groups, campus events, hobbies, local activities, and meaningful…
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A Guide to On-Campus Jobs
Career Corner: Join Taryn Mary Williams, Christian AndradeHerrera and Pranav Upadhyay, GIC Mentors, to learn about academic and non-academic on-campus job opportunities at UC Irvine, including where to find them, eligibility requirements for international students, and how these roles can help...
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Your First 72 hours in the U.S.
Countdown to California: Join Nidhi Pandey and Zhaobin Li, GIC Mentors, as they share practical tips for navigating your first days at UC Irvine, from airport arrival and housing setup to banking, phone service, campus essentials, and settling into life in Irvine as an international graduate...
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Navigating UCI with help from the International Center
Campus Compass: Join Frances Li, GIC Mentor and MeganPetersen, International Student Advisor from the UC Irvine International Center as they talk about arrival essentials, maintaining your visa status, employment, and finding community at UC Irvine. This episode provides general visa information...
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Packing for Irvine: Essentials and Extras
Countdown to California Series: Join Aayushi Sadani and Nidhi Gyan Pandey, GIC Mentors as they discuss how to pack smart for Irvine, including what to bring, what to skip, and what you can buy once you arrive. Host: Aayushi Sadani, GIC Mentor Guest: Nidhi Gyan Pandey, GIC Mentor Music:...
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Housing at UCI: On-campus, Off-campus, and Everything in Between
Countdown to California Series: Join Will (Chih-Chao) Chang, Aayushi Sadani, and Frances Li, GIC Mentors as they discuss housing options at UC Irvine from on-campus, off-campus and everything in between. Host: Will (Chih-Chao) Chang, GIC Mentor Guest: Aayushi Sadani and Frances Li, GIC Mentors...
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New Season, New Start
Join Advitha Thotapalli Arun, GIC's new Podcast Coordinator and Ruth Ortega-Gonzalez, Manager of Graduate International Recruitment and Retention as they introduce the new season of the GIC podcast. Many new exciting episodes to come! Host: Advitha Thotapalli Arun, GIC Podcast Coordinator Guest:...
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Portable Perspectives: Tax Talk
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Anna Fitzpatrick, Account Manager at Sprintax as she goes over tax forms, filings and common mistakes international students should be aware of. Please note that anything discussed on this episode is for general informational purposes. This is not...
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Halloween Special: Anteater Apparitions
Join Catherine and Ruth, Manager of Graduate International Recruitment and Retention as Ruth shares some of the urban legends of the UC Irvine campus. Please note that these urban legends are passed down student to student and details may have changed throughout the years. These ghostly stories...
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My Comfort Corner - Teacup Tales
Join Fran and Anushka, current GIC Peer Mentors as Anushka shares how she has been able to make Irvine her home away from home. Host: Fran Beresford, GIC Peer Mentor Guest: Anushka Dwivedi, GIC Peer Mentor Edited by Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo Music: Travel The World [Original Mix] by Aftertune is...
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Portable Perspectives - Money Matters
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Sara, Founder and COO of Adro as they discuss how to build financial literacy and navigate U.S. financial services with confidence. Please note that anything discussed on this episode is for general informational purposes. This is not official financial...
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Portable Perspectives - Immigration Insights
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Vicka, Co-Founder & COO @ Imera as they discuss the importance of knowing the various options or pathways international students may have to obtaining different types of visas that go beyond the student visa. Please note that anything discussed on this...
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My Comfort Corner: Kitchen Kinship
Join Jeferson, GIC Peer Mentor, and Anais, GIC Peer Mentor, as she shares how she has made Irvine her home away from home. Host: Jeferson Martins Guest: Anais Elena Fernandez Calzavara Edited by Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo Music: Travel The World [Original Mix] by Aftertune is licensed under a...
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Portable Perspectives: Campus Connections
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Jennifer, Associate Director of Development, Industry Partnerships at UC Irvine Graduate Division as she discusses how to build community and the importance of preparing yourself for the professional world. Host: Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo Guest…
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My Comfort Corner: Diwali Diaspora
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator, and Ishita, GIC Peer Mentor, as she shares how she has made Irvine her home away from home. Host: Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo Guest: Ishita Singhal Edited by Yeonseong (Catherine) Seo Music: Travel The World [Original Mix] by Aftertune is licensedunder a...
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GIC Introduction
The Graduate International Connection is a program that supports incoming international graduate students in there transition to the UC Irvine campus. We touch on many topics from how to buy a car to how to navigate Grad life. For transcript please visit:...
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Welcome Wisdom
Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator, as she kicks off Season 2 of the GIC Podcast with the former Manager of Graduate International Recruitment and Retention, Aimee Marie Jiang who talks about her history with GIC, UCI and her recommendations for vegan/vegetarian restaurants near campus!…
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State and National Parks
Join Aimee and Yang as they discuss exploring the California and National Parks within California. *This podcast was recorded for the GIC 2023 Cohort and is being reshared for the GIC 2024 Cohort. Transcript Available Here:...
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Amusement Parks in SoCal
Join Aimee, Hugo, and Maryam as they talk about their favorite amusement parks in southern California. They discuss prices, rides, and which parks are more family friendly. *This podcast was recorded for the 2023 GIC Cohort and has been reshared for the 2024 GIC Cohort. Transcript Available Here:...
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GPSRC
Join previous GIC mentor Nitish Nagesh and Aimee Jiang as they discuss the benefits of utilizing the GPSRC and what offerings are available there. *This podcast was recorded for the 2023 GIC Cohort and has been reshared for the 2024 GIC Cohort. Transcript available here:...
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Hikes and Activities in OC
Join Aimee and Balam as they discuss their favorite places for hiking and favorite things to do in Orange County. *This podcast was recorded for the 2023 GIC cohort and is being reshared for the 2024 GIC cohort. Transcript available here:...
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Exercise and Outdoor Activities
Join Melisa and Josh as they discuss ways to exercise and activities that are popular to do outdoors in Southern California. *This podcast was recorded for the 2023 GIC cohort and is being reshared for the GIC 2024 cohort. Transcript available here:...
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Student Discounts
Join Melisa and Elsie as they discuss utilizing student discounts and best places to get discounts in the local area as a student. *This podcast was created for the 2023 cohort and is being reshared for the 2024 cohort. Transcripts available here:...
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Grants and Fellowships
Join Aimee and Hemangi as they discuss applying for grants and fellowships throughout your academic journey. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X9D0-ibw9N_Dm8YUdqtxrslhJd0JxdLYJpMsReNGKqw/edit?usp=sharing
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Weekend Trips Around Irvine
Aimee and Sukriti once again discuss traveling and stick to places near Irvine that you can visit for short quick trips. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1imAJK4g-vIMVIZ6z89oT59Ws6zZGWohEr6PCoK5TB0g/edit?usp=sharing
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Travel Deals
Join Aimee and Sukriti as they discuss travel deals and how to save money when exploring the U.S., attending conferences, or visiting family and friends. *This podcast was created for the 2023 cohort and is being shared for the 2024 cohort. Transcript available here:...
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Concerts, Venues, and Exploring Southern California Events
Join Aimee and Vidya as they discuss concerts and events in Southern California as well as how to find events happening in the area. *This podcast was recorded for the 2023 cohort and has been shared for the 2024 cohort. Aimee and Vidya discuss a podcast on museums that has gone missing. However...
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PhD Stages Part #2
Join Aimee and Roman as they discuss his experience recently passing his advancement and how he prepared for this important milestone in this academic journey. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v4MheZvqSw5pFz_YQ4oqj4_cfn8zaE2Dm7-ltuswUtA/edit?usp=sharing
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PhD Stages Part #1
Join Aimee and Vidya as they discuss Vidya's experience progressing through her PhD program and the different stages of progress. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16r7UMegGtfjRvJojp_PCcyB3XwMgz74VVbAEAEYpLiI/edit?usp=sharing
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Imposter Syndrome
Join Aimee (Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention, Amelle (Outreach and Retention Coordinator) and Phong (Director of Wellness and Inclusion) as they discuss what imposter syndrome is and how it can impact your graduate academic journey. *This podcast was recorded for the…
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Dream and Latinx Resource Centers
Join Jyotsana and Jose as they discuss the Dream and Latinx Resource Centers, how to engage with these two centers, and what are the benefits of getting involved. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jsM3XpuBDpwhVQsNSgo2Rv6Fi46-BlxksAjsHCBsRfs/edit?usp=sharing
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Dining Culture
Join Aimee, Kamal and Monica as they discuss dining culture in the U.S. such as what to expect at different types of restaurants, budgeting for eating out, and tipping culture. *This podcast was created for the 2023 GIC Cohort and is being reshared for the 2024 cohort. Transcripts available here:...
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Tipping Culture
Join Aimee and Jina as they discuss things you should know about tipping culture in the U.S. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DsKoWC4cYtXHDGyROyxYtpYXirN9xh8GtY06jD0k8iQ/edit?usp=sharing
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TW: Dating Culture
TW (Trigger Warning) Sexual Assault. UCI CARE provides free and confidential support services to members of the UCI community who have been impacted by sexual assault, relationship abuse, family violence and/or stalking. Transcripts available here:...
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TW: Student perspective: The Counseling Center
TW (Trigger Warning) This episode includes conversations about mental health including depression, anxiety, panic, and suicide ideation. Discretion is advised. Join Aimee and Balam as they discuss his experiences utilizing group and individual campus therapy services as well as off campus…
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Public Speaking
Join Melisa* and Balam as they discuss tips for improving speaking skills in English as well as tips for preparing for public speaking and presentations. *This podcast was created for the 2023 GIC Cohort and is being reshared for the 2024 GIC Cohort. Transcripts available here:...
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Research Expectations and Work Life Balance
Join Aimee and Nadia as they discuss what it was like starting in her current research lab, things Nadia has learned along the way, and how to maintain a healthy balance between being an academic and taking care of your mind and body. Transcripts available here:...
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Womxn's Center for Success
Join Aimee Jiang (She/Her), Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention & Erika Cortez (She/Ella), Assistant Director of the Womxn's Center for Success as they discuss what opportunities graduate students have at the Womxn's Center for Success and how to best utilize this campus...
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Associated Graduate Students (AGS)
Join Aimee and Kamal as they discuss what AGS is and how to get involved. Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SWyKwHWS5cYZ5SCFyEiq9uIV23oPz6nNUd7iyGXJb6E/edit?usp=sharing
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Summer in Irvine
Join Aimee and Sukriti as they discuss what campus culture looks like in summer versus what it looks like during the traditional academic terms. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RsuXXhOJsSf2GZeqLgip53QvAV-DcC8ipPgTIgQg1r0/edit?usp=sharing
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Where to Find Events
Join Aimee and Christian as they discuss where to find events on campus for professional development, academics, and community building. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tAaG2PKOqavfqCFoC9xl2rtr7V3DJg3fU-1i7T-fGpk/edit?usp=sharing
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Joining Clubs Part #2
Join Aimee and Thea as they discuss joining clubs, where to find interesting clubs, and building community while in graduate school. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CMt-ZotUE3D01PjkAGbPjx-y73IN1B7LK6G7H9F4Vsc/edit?usp=sharing
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Joining Clubs Part #1
Join Aimee and Christian as they discuss joining clubs, going to the Anteater Recreation Fair, and ways to build community. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZrMBGcdIMwAjPpHTMIJyJ8F7ei0SsSXrKoUqpToGzLY/edit?usp=sharing
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Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) Services
Join Aimee and Sharanya as they discuss the Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) and the services provided by this campus resources. Transcripts available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ArP-ff7leIhp9klHeaMrL1igRPjNjVeAfY6eATfZcr4/edit?usp=sharing
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Counseling Center Basics
Join Dr. Bessel and Aimee as they discuss the counseling center and individual appointments. This is part one of a three part series. Part three will be launching later in the quarter. Transcripts available here:...
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Establishing an Effective Relationship with your Advisor
Melisa* and Hugo share their experiences with their advisors and how to build solid communication and an effective and health working relationship with your advisor. *This podcast was created for the 2023 GIC Cohort and has been reshared for the 2024 GIC cohort. Transcripts available here:...
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Establishing Work/Life Balance
Join Melisa* and Hemangi as they discuss forming healthy habits and making sure to have balance in your work and personal life. *This podcast was created for the 2023 GIC Cohort and has been reshared for the 2024 GIC Cohort. Transcripts available here:...
About this show
The Graduate International Connection program (GIC) supports the transition of international graduate students at UC Irvine. Our podcast shares the stories and experiences of our graduate students as they transition to Irvine, California, the U.S., and life as a graduate student.
Hosted by
Graduate International Connect
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