ISE Podcast

ISE Podcast

Welcome to The International Student Experience Podcast—a place for stories and conversations about what it’s like to study far from home. Here, our guest, called iseians, from around the world share the highs, the struggles, and the little moments in between—navigating visas, adjusting to new cultures, celebrating wins, and growing in ways they never expected. Whether you’re already abroad, preparing for your journey, or simply curious about life through the eyes of international students, welcome to home.

  1. 03/31/2025

    Discovering Dominican Treasures with María Estévez

    Join us in this captivating episode as we welcome María Estévez, an adventurous international student and travel enthusiast, originally from Colombia but raised in the Dominican Republic. This episode is packed with intriguing stories, cultural insights, and personal experiences that will transport you to the heart of the Caribbean!Key Moments to Look Forward To:🏝️ Breathtaking Beaches: Maria paints a vivid picture of the stunning beaches she loves, from the pristine shores of Samana to the multicolored waters of Bahia de las Aguilas. 🍽️ Flavorful Food Adventures: Dive into Dominican cuisine with Maria as she shares her passion for traditional dishes like mofongo, sancocho, and the versatile plantain varieties. 🌆 Cultural Exploration: Discover the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo and learn about the lively dance and music scene, including the popular "Dembo."✈️ Travel Tales: Hear about Maria's transformative journey as an exchange student in the U.S., her challenges in adjusting to a new culture, and the heartwarming encounters that made her journey memorable.🏈 Sports Excitement: Maria shares her exhilarating experience attending an NFL game, highlighting the electric atmosphere and lively crowds.Whether you're interested in international student life, exploring new cultures, or simply love a good travel story, this episode offers something for everyone. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from around the globe!

    52 min
  2. Mo's Educational Voyage: From Ugrad Exchange to F1 Student in America

    05/02/2024

    Mo's Educational Voyage: From Ugrad Exchange to F1 Student in America

    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

    26 min
  3. Immigration, Culture, Cuisine, and Challenges

    03/01/2024

    Immigration, Culture, Cuisine, and Challenges

    🌍 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/

    46 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The International Student Experience Podcast—a place for stories and conversations about what it’s like to study far from home. Here, our guest, called iseians, from around the world share the highs, the struggles, and the little moments in between—navigating visas, adjusting to new cultures, celebrating wins, and growing in ways they never expected. Whether you’re already abroad, preparing for your journey, or simply curious about life through the eyes of international students, welcome to home.