beyond borders dilemma podcast

Elegant

Beyond Borders Dilemma is a storytelling podcast exploring the real experiences of immigrants navigating life abroad. Hosted by Dr. Naomi Manu, the podcast features honest, interview-driven conversations with international students, successful immigrants, and early- to mid-career professionals as they share what it truly takes to study, work, and build a life across borders. From visas and education to careers, money, mental health, identity, and belonging, each episode centers voices that are often unheard—highlighting both the struggles and the resilience behind migration journeys. This is not a how-to guide or a highlight reel. It’s a space for real stories, shared lessons, and community. New episodes drop on YouTube and podcast platforms. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt alone navigating life abroad, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. Jun 3

    Episode 11: Overcoming Challenges as an International Student-Athlete

    In this episode, former Serbian national team hammer thrower Sara Savatovic shares her inspiring journey from Serbia to the United States as an international student-athlete. Sara discusses earning a full scholarship to Kansas State University, balancing the demands of academics and athletics, adapting to a new culture, and navigating life beyond competitive sports. Through candid reflections on resilience, personal growth, and the power of support systems, Sara offers valuable advice for aspiring student-athletes and international students pursuing their dreams abroad. Tune in for an insightful conversation about determination, cultural adaptation, and building a successful future beyond the playing field. 🎙️✨

    23 min

  2. May 23

    Episode 10: Building Your Professional Identity Abroad: Finding Balance in Career and Personal Life

    In this episode, we dive into the journey of building a professional identity abroad while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For many international graduates and immigrant professionals, success goes beyond landing a job — it’s about adapting to new workplace cultures, managing personal well-being, and staying connected to your identity. Inspired by the story of Dr. Barbara Amoah, this conversation explores practical strategies for thriving in a new environment, including setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, building support systems, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Tune in for honest insights on resilience, adaptation, and creating a fulfilling career without losing yourself along the way.

    59 min

  3. May 10

    Episode 9: Transition from graduate student into Professor of Economics

    International students pursuing academic careers often face uncertainty in navigating the transition from student to professor. In this article, Dr. Tinesha Dacaz shares her journey from Jamaica to academia in the United States, highlighting the realities of the academic career pipeline. She explains that becoming a professor involves much more than teaching, including research, mentorship, publishing, and community service. Dr. Dacass also discusses common challenges international students face, such as visa restrictions, publishing pressure, and understanding the academic job market. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, building a strong publication record, and finding institutions that align with one’s strengths and values. Her story encourages international students to remain adaptable, seek guidance, and actively engage in academic communities as they pursue careers in academia.

    53 min

  4. Apr 28

    Episode 8: Navigating Financial Realities as an International Student

    In this episode of Beyond Borders Dilemma, Dr. Naomi Manu is joined by Dr. Augustine Bosomtwe to explore the financial realities of studying abroad for international students. Beyond tuition, many students face unexpected school fees, living expenses, and financial constraints that can significantly affect their experience. Dr. Bosomtwe shares his journey of adapting to these challenges, including recalibrating his budget, managing financial pressure as a Graduate Research Assistant, and making personal sacrifices to stay focused on his academic goals. The conversation also highlights the emotional and mental weight of financial uncertainty, as well as the importance of transparency from institutions and reading and understanding as well as proactive planning by potential students. Whether you’re preparing to study abroad or currently navigating the experience, this episode offers valuable insights and practical lessons to help you plan smarter and thrive despite the challenges. Key Topics: Tuition vs. hidden school feesBudgeting and financial adaptationWork limitations for international studentsSacrifices and lifestyle adjustmentsPreparing for unexpected expensesTags: international students, studying abroad, financial challenges, budgeting, higher education, student finances Join and follow @beyond_borders_dilemma

    31 min

  5. Apr 8

    Episode 7: When your PI moves Universities

    Ever felt trapped by your PI's decisions? I did when mine moved Universities without warning. Here's what I learned... Tag someone who needs to hear this! Transitioning schools as a graduate student isn’t just about changing classrooms; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. When my supervisor decided to move to Tulane, I felt blindsided. What happens to your funding, research, and visa status? It’s a lot to unpack. I was left with two options: move with her or stay behind with another PI. The pressure was real. This experience taught me the importance of advocating for myself and understanding the academic landscape. Navigating these changes is tough, especially for international students. We often don’t have the same flexibility as domestic students. Just remember, you’re not alone in this journey. It’s okay to seek support and ask questions. What are your thoughts on handling supervisor transitions? #GraduateLife #InternationalStudents #PhDJourney #AcademicChallenges #BeyondBordersDilemma

    33 min

  6. Mar 30

    Episode 6: Overcoming Rejection: A Story of Resilience

    Rejection is often seen as failure—but in many cases, it is simply a redirection. Dr. Nana Yaw Kusi’s journey from Ghana to becoming an Associate Professor of Soil Science in the United States is a powerful example of resilience in the face of uncertainty. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Kusi recognized that advancing in his field required further education. With determination, he pursued graduate studies in the U.S., successfully passed the GRE, and secured admission. However, just as he was ready to begin, his visa application was denied due to timing issues related to his reporting date. For many, this would have been the end of the journey. Instead, he chose persistence. After a period of reflection and preparation, he reapplied—and this time, he succeeded. In January 2013, he began his academic journey in the United States, eventually becoming a professor. Key lessons from his journey: Rejection is not always final—it can be a strategic pausePersistence often matters more than initial successMentorship and guidance can make a critical differenceLong-term vision helps navigate short-term setbacksFor students and professionals navigating similar challenges, Dr. Kusi’s story is a reminder: setbacks do not define your future—your response does.

    40 min

  7. Mar 21

    Episode 5: Culture Shock is Real

    Moving to a new country is often painted as exciting—but what happens when that excitement meets uncertainty, isolation, and the unknown? In this episode, Dr. Mayuri Kachnaz-Shawale shares her deeply personal journey of moving to the Czech Republic in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue her PhD. From navigating language barriers and cultural differences to adjusting to a completely new academic system, her story captures the emotional highs and lows of starting over in a foreign land. She opens up about the loneliness that comes with independence, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and how asking for help became her greatest strength. What begins as a story of culture shock transforms into one of resilience, growth, and finding community in unfamiliar places. Tune in to hear how stepping into the unknown can shape not just your career—but who you become. 🌍🎙️ Follow us and share this episode with someone who ust moved countries.

    38 min

  8. Mar 12

    Episode 4: Navigating the Visa Processes

    This episode aims to demystify the visa process by providing grounded advice and real-life experiences for first-time applicants. Dr. Augustin Bosunche shares insights and guidance on navigating the visa system, emphasizing the importance of preparation, honesty, and calm confidence. Takeaways Preparation, honesty, and calm confidence matter more than fear-driven rumorsVisa interviews are about clarity and being consistent with intent Chapters 00:00 Demystifying the Visa Process07:15 Moments of Uncertainty and Coping with Waiting17:35 Mental Preparation for Visa Interviews23:32 Correcting Visa Myths

    21 min

  9. Mar 1

    Episode 3: The H1B-visa Journey

    The H-1B visa is more than paperwork — it’s pressure, silence, ambition, and survival. In this episode of Beyond Borders Dilemma, we hear firsthand what it means to work when your legal status is tied to your job, how power dynamics shift, and what no one prepares you for after graduation. This is the part of the H-1B journey people don’t usually say out loud. “Your visa depends on your job. Your job depends on your silence.” This episode explores the real H-1B experience — performance pressure, fear of speaking up, and navigating work when your status is on the line. If you’re on OPT, CPT, or H-1B, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we break the silence — sharing lived experiences of working, surviving, and pushing forward under visa constraints. You’re not alone in this journey. 🎧 Listen now | 💬 Share your story #BeyondBordersDilemma #H1BJourney #InternationalProfessionals #ImmigrantCommunity Youtube :; https://www.youtube.com/@beyondbordersdilemma instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the_elegant_ama/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_elegant_ama/

    32 min

  10. Jan 25

    Episode 2 : Choosing the right school

    In this episode of the Beyond Borders Dilemma podcast, host Naomi Menu and guest Dr. Barikisu Isaka discuss the intricacies of choosing the right school for international students. They explore the importance of funding, the application process, and the challenges faced by students. Barikisu shares her personal journey, offering valuable insights and advice for aspiring students navigating their academic paths abroad. Takeaways Choosing the right school is crucial for international students. Funding is a major priority when selecting a school. Start your application process early to avoid stress. Networking can provide valuable insights and support. Research schools thoroughly to understand their offerings. Avoid distractions and focus on your academic goals. Be patient and persistent in the application process. Scholarships can significantly ease the financial burden. Every school has its strengths and weaknesses; choose wisely. Support from professors and peers is vital for success. Titles Navigating the International Student Experience Choosing the Right School: Insights from an Expert Sound bites "Choosing the right school is crucial." "Start your application process early." "Be the best at what you do." Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@beyondbordersdilemma Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the_elegant_ama/ Instagram 2 : https://www.instagram.com/beyond_borders_dilemma/

    33 min

  11. Jan 17

    My transition story: between home and here

    In this powerful solo episode, host Naomi Manu steps out from behind the microphone and tells her own immigrant story. From leaving home with dreams and expectations, to navigating visas, culture shock, and isolation — Naomi shares the moments that shaped her journey across borders. She opens up about the things she didn’t know before migrating, the mistakes she made, the lessons she learned the hard way, and the quiet resilience it took to keep going when things felt uncertain. This episode isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about surviving, adapting, and becoming—while living between worlds. If you’re an international student, immigrant, worker, or anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fully belong “here” or “there,” this story is for you. 🎧 This episode sets the tone for Beyond Borders Dilemma—a space for honest conversations about immigrant life, power, struggle, growth, and hope.

    13 min

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    Coming Soon !!!!

    Beyond Borders Dilemma Podcast ✨ New Podcast Launch ✨ Across borders, many of us chase education, opportunity, and better futures. But behind the visas, degrees, and job titles are stories we rarely get to tell. Beyond Borders Dilemma is a podcast about the real immigrant experience — the uncertainty, the resilience, the loneliness, the wins, and everything in between. Here, international students, immigrants, and professionals share honest conversations about: 🌍 life abroad 🎓 education & career paths 🧠 mental health & survival 📄 visas, work, and identity If you’ve ever felt alone navigating life in a new country — this space is for you. 🎙️ Hosted by Naomi Manu 📺 Episodes coming soon on YouTube & podcast platforms 👉 Follow, share, and join the conversation. Your story matters. #BeyondBordersDilemma #ImmigrantStories #InternationalStudents #LifeAbroad #DiasporaVoices #ImmigrantLife #NewPodcast

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Beyond Borders Dilemma is a storytelling podcast exploring the real experiences of immigrants navigating life abroad. Hosted by Dr. Naomi Manu, the podcast features honest, interview-driven conversations with international students, successful immigrants, and early- to mid-career professionals as they share what it truly takes to study, work, and build a life across borders. From visas and education to careers, money, mental health, identity, and belonging, each episode centers voices that are often unheard—highlighting both the struggles and the resilience behind migration journeys. This is not a how-to guide or a highlight reel. It’s a space for real stories, shared lessons, and community. New episodes drop on YouTube and podcast platforms. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt alone navigating life abroad, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Elegant
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Elegant