International Student Experience International Student Experience

In our latest episode, Mo shares a truly inspiring journey transitioning from an undergraduate in Algeria as a UGrad participant to an F1 student in the US, diving into his role in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion on campus. The discussion with our host, Vlad, uncovers numerous facets of navigating life as an international student while embracing and sharing one's heritage. Here are some invaluable takeaways:

🌎 **Cultural Exchange & Integration**

- Mo successfully initiated the celebration of Ramadan at Mercyhurst University, setting a precedent for integrating diverse cultural practices within the campus community.

🏛️ **Leadership in Action**

- Demonstrated leadership by organizing an International Day at Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Charter School, showcasing global cultures to local students and fostering global awareness.

🔗 **Building Community**

- Suggested that active involvement in campus events and government helps mitigate feelings of homesickness among international students by creating a sense of belonging and community.

👉 Whether you're an international student, educator, or someone passionate about fostering inclusive environments, there's much to learn from Mo's journey and initiatives. Let's embrace and advocate for diversity, enhancing our communities for everyone!

#InternationalStudents #CulturalDiversity #InclusiveEducation #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #isePodcast

Losing his scholarship due to COVID, Musa's international journey gets complicated; his university tells him he must leave, which means he must go back to Liberia. As an international student, this is the email you never, never, NEVER, NEVER want to read from your DSO.

In today's episode, Musa delves into a narrative of struggle, support, and success that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

- Financial Resilience During COVID: Musa opens up about the economic hardships faced during the pandemic and the invaluable support that got him through this challenging period.

- Educational Challenge: Musa had to drop his Java class because his computer knowledge was limited.

- Campus involvement as an international student: we sometimes shy away from different roles on campus because we think we are not suited for the position. We have to step out and try different things while we are students.

🌍 Discover Liberia with Elphena Joyce Elsar and Kaisa Musa

Elphena and Musa took us through their nostalgic trip to their homeland,
giving us a tour of Liberia's landmarks, markets, mountains, rubber farms, the
iconic St. Paul's bridge, and even a house shaped like the African continent!
She also opens up about the stark transition from the Va tribe's vibrant
culture to the new norms she faced immigrating to the US at 14, all while
maintaining her identity.

🥘
A Taste of Tradition

We delve into the intricacies of traditional Liberian dishes, from the cozy
'torborgee' soup to the beloved 'potato greens,' 'cassava leaves,' and 'more.'
Discover why rice is more than just a staple—it symbolizes home! And if you're
new to Liberian cuisine, don't miss Elphena's recommendation on the 'chuck rice
gravy,' the perfect introduction for any palate.



💪 Strength, Struggle, and Success

Listen to Elphena's inspiring story of overcoming cultural shocks, bullying,
and academic pressures. Please find out how her father's support and resilience
shaped her into a role model for her siblings and others. Elphena's testimony
is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and perseverance.

🕊️
Peace and Unity: The Liberian Way

Explore Liberia's rich history of religious tolerance, the role of Muslims
and Christians during the civil war, and how the harmonious blending of beliefs
contributes to the country's unique culture.

💍
Cultural Insights on Marriage & Family

Musa shares insights on arranged marriages and the significant role of
family approval in his culture. These discussions taught me the depth and
respect imbued within such traditions.

🏆
Meet the Leadership Luminary: Kaisa Musa M. Kamara

Kaisa Musa, a shining beacon at Gannon University, talks about winning the
award for leadership in justice and service and his multifaceted roles in
various student organizations. His dedication to community and education is
nothing short of inspirational.

And there's much more! ISE offers a podcast episode and a cultural tapestry
interwoven with humor, humanity, and heritage.

👂
Listen now to "Episode One_Elphena's Trip to Liberia" and share the
journey with friends and family – it's an auditory escape you won't want to
miss!

Stay tuned for our next journey,

The ise Team

Links:

 

Music From: @Pixabay

Videos From: @Pixabay, @RakGhana, @WodeMAYA

Images from: Wikicommons, https://kqlcafrica.com/
, https://www.okrapantry.com/2021/04/21/liberian-beans-torborgee/

In our final episode of Season 1, We delve into the fascinating story of Vischall. From Bafoussam, to Ngaoundere to Canton and finally in Erie, Vischall shares how his different experiences shaped his life in America. As an international student, how was his student life in America? What type of jobs did he get when he was student? What was his major and how did that affect his life in America?

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey of cultural exchange, personal growth, and the pursuit of academic excellence. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into this captivating

Nada's Experience in the USA… what is a Fulbright, how does the Fulbright program work, and how long is the Fulbright. How did Covid affect the Fulbright year? Why is the program helpful? We also talked about her culture shock and how I used to convert each amount I spent. Nada's experience is entirely different, and it was a pleasure to know her and her experience in the USA.

Of course, there is no ISE without traveling; she said that, New York had some Cairo vibe, and she went to LA, DC, FL, and Cleveland. As an international, sharing our culture and being curious about others' cultures is essential.



Enjoy Today's episode.



ISE, Let's Go Home.



See You on the ISE Airline for more.

Instagram: @_iseworld

Music: ANGWA

Let’s go to Egypt, مصر, misr. This country is on my bucket list; you will know why today. Nada Soliman is a Fulbright lecturer, and during her time in Erie, PA, I had the opportunity to interact with her and discover her country. This episode explores Egypt, its culture, music, cuisine, and tourism. We recorded during the Ramadan period and asked Nada to share her Ramadan experience in Egypt, and how, if any, it is different in the US. 

In this first part, we see Egypt through her eyes; we went to some interesting touristic areas, and I will encourage you to google those places for a preview.



Egyptian museum, 
Cairo, 
Alexandria library, 
Cairo Tower, 
Cairo Opera House, 
Siwa Oasis (I will visit this place)


There is no ISE episode without our culinary experience. Nada recommendations: 



Mulukhiyah, 
Mahshi, 
Koshary, 
fabulous Kahk, 


We also talk about Egyptian music and her favorite artist Umm Kulthum, a unique artist with a fantastic voice, so Angelique. 

Thanks for your support and your Love

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Website: https://anchor.fm/ise65



Instagram: @_iseworld  https://www.instagram.com/_iseworld/



Music: https://angwa.bandcamp.com/releases