Worldview Wavelengths

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.

Every 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 [email protected] Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.

Do 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.

As 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.

In 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.

Ever 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

Summer 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

In 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.

Do you know about all of the available benefits to your health insurance plans? Listen to our podcast episode with Erika Lorange, Health insurance expert, to hear why it is important to utilize your full health care insurance benefits, such as preventive care appointments, as well as why opting into vision and dental plans can set up for not only healthier practices, but financially sound decisions. Erika guides listeners through the Health and Wellness resources as well as aspects to look out for when being billed and how you can work with her today!Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock by https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/214527

Our guests, Chrissy and Mustapha, dive into the must knows for recently admitted students. They discuss everything from what to do after saying yes, to practical tips once you arrive. Fortunately, most of their advice comes back to you finding the balance between putting yourself out there and feeling burnout and spending time soaking up every moment with loved ones before you venture off to Rhode Island. There are so many warm and welcoming folks ready to support you when you arrive! Chrissy and Mustapha highlight who some of those key resources are and wish you well on your way to us!

Hear from our graduating international student, Abdulla Aldhaheri, as he shares his experience of falling into academic warning and the strategies he used to achieve his academic goals and cross the graduation stage this May. Regardless of where you are in your academic journey, you will benefit greatly from hearing Abdulla share his story and his powerful connection to a key member of his support system, Dean Pan.Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock by app.sessions.blue/browse/track/214527

Regardless of where you are in your career exploration process, this podcast addresses key components to your career search as an F-1 international student. Dana shares her personal career exploration journey as an international student and how non-linear a “smooth” job search process is while Matt guides us in an audible ride of his experience working with an international student’s career search.

Hear from our guests about the advising team in the College and how it is relevant and supports international students. Our guests are the podcast idea initiators and you’’ll be able to hear directly from them about what they hope listeners gain.Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock by app.sessions.blue/browse/track/214527