Worldview Wavelengths

International Student Advising Team (The College)

In this podcast, the International Student Advising Team at the College uncovers the resources, insights and unique support available for international students at Brown. Each episode offers expert advice and important conversations to help empower all undergraduate international students to build resilience and thrive on their journey.

  1. MAY 12

    The International Student's Summer Travel Guide

    Are you an F-1 or J-1 student planning summer travel? Whether you're heading home, joining a global program, or traveling within the U.S., preparing for summer travel can be a particularly stressful moment, especially as you juggle final exams, finalizing your summer plans, and packing all your belongings into one suitcase.  In this episode of Worldview Wavelengths, we sit down with Andrew Shiotani, Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), and Kelsey Dennis, Assistant Director, International Student Services (Undergraduates) to break down how to proactiely plan your trips and what to consider if you're staying local.  We discuss: Travel & Re-entry Essentials: crucial immigration, visa, and documents every international student needs to have in order before traveling. Domestic vs. International Travel: best practices and required documentation for crossing borders versus traveling within the United States. Guidance for Graduating Students: advice for May graduates transitioning to Optional Practical Training (OPT) status. Navigating Campus Resources: A quick refresher on how ISSS can connect you with broader support during your time at Brown. Resources Mentioned: Travel Resources for International Students (ISSS): carefully review this page for all the information you need to know, including a list of required and recommended documents for traveling. ISSS News and Announcements 2026 Summer Travel Guidance Current Travel and Visa Restrictions by Presidential Proclamation Assessing Travel Safety ISSS Gateway Portal Request a Travel Signature Schedule an appointment with an ISSS Advisor Office of Global Travel Operations, Risk & Resilience TravelSafe Registration Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions, Greylock.

    29 min
  2. APR 14

    Is a Leave Right for You? Leavetaking as an International Student

    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.

    31 min

About

In this podcast, the International Student Advising Team at the College uncovers the resources, insights and unique support available for international students at Brown. Each episode offers expert advice and important conversations to help empower all undergraduate international students to build resilience and thrive on their journey.