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What is the true cost of pursuing a dream? For Zahra M. Aghajan, moving from Iran to the US for her love of science meant navigating a path of profound challenges, heart-breaking choices, and deep self-discovery.

In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Zahra shares her story with incredible courage and honesty. She details the complex motivations for leaving her home, including the specific hurdles for women in her field and the "unbelievably hard" F1-visa process that is a unique challenge for Iranian students.

Her journey is one of inspiring resilience. She gets candid about the waves of loneliness, the cultural shocks of arriving at UCLA (plus some hilarious misunderstandings), and the devastating, personal impact the Muslim ban had on her and her family.

Zahra also speaks openly about:

How grad school "breaks you down emotionally" and how therapy became an essential tool for her to heal and grow.
How she built a new "family" in LA through friends who made her feel at home.
The joys and beautiful similarities of marrying into a different culture.
Her hopes and dreams for raising a bicultural daughter in America.

Throughout the episode, she and host Harshrajsinh Gohil have a compassionate and insightful discussion comparing the cultures of Iran, India, and the USA. This is a story you won't want to miss.

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
04:59 Life at Home in Tehran
20:21 Choosing UCLA
22:54 Experiencing cultural shock when returning home, Iran and India
25:40 Cultural shocks in Los Angeles
28:46 US Student Visa challenges
34:54 Muslim Ban and it's Impact
44:50 Life at UCLA
01:03:44 Marrying in a different culture and raising children in the US
01:11:32 What would you borrow from American culture and Iranian culture

About Outsiders Insiders Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904
Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8
iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

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Chance Lim grew up in Seoul being told to put her head down, stop asking questions, and become someone she wasn't.
She didn't.
Instead, she left Korea alone — no family abroad, no roadmap — took a blind leap, and built a life and a following in America.
But when she went back to show her success? Nobody even reacted. That's when she realized: who was she proving wrong all along?
In this episode, Chance and I talk about what really happens when you live between two cultures — the identity pressure, the "you're not Korean enough" comments from her own followers, the loneliness of not fully belonging anywhere, and why that in-between space might actually be the most honest place to live.
I share my own story too — from a small village in India to Los Angeles, choosing love over tradition, and learning to accept what I take and leave from both cultures.
You are not the prime minister of your country. You don't have to represent anyone. Just be yourself.

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Why Chance didn't fit into Korean culture growing up
03:30 The pressure of becoming who you're not
04:26 Korea's education system and suppressing individuality
07:10 Taking a blind leap — leaving Korea with no roadmap
09:00 Looking back on Korea with more compassion
12:00 She proved everyone wrong — then realized no one cared
13:30 Hersh's journey from a small village in India to LA
16:00 Accepting and rejecting parts of your culture
18:00 You don't have to represent your country
19:45 Chance's favorite childhood memory

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience-podcast/id1848975904
🎙️ iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InternationalStudentExperiece

#InternationalStudent #KoreanAmerican #IdentityCrisis #NotKoreanEnough #ThirdCultureKid #StudentLifeUSA #KoreanInfluencer #ChanceLim #StudyInUSA #CulturalIdentity #BelonginG #InternationalStudentExperience #F1Visa #ImmigrantStory #DiasporaIdentity

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Chance Lim, an international student in the U.S., shares her full journey — from getting a campus job (which many students struggle with), to earning scholarships, and landing multiple internships and job offers in a competitive market.

More importantly, she talks about something most people ignore:

how to avoid burnout
how to not obsess over outcomes
how to grow as a person while chasing success

This is an honest, unfiltered conversation with Harshrajsinh Gohil about what it really takes to succeed as an international student.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
02:21 First Month in the USA and Cultural shocks
07:23 Advice for on what to do before and right after moving to the USA
13:18 How to get a campus job as an International Student
19:00 Understanding immigration laws for International students
21:10 How to get scholarship as an International Student
24:05 Why she is so disciplined and hard working
27:09 What to learn from mistakes of International Student
29:34 How to take care of your mental health as an International Student
33:44 Why you should not be too hard on yourself as an International Student
36:28 How to get paid internship as an International Student
45:13 Things to do in internship that can lead you to get a job offer
48:57 How to get Job as an International Student
51:50 Plans after Student Visa and why not take any pressure of H1B Visa
56:10 Her Online community for International Students resources
57:53 TikTok Video focused on International Students

Resources & Links

🌎 Crossworld (International Student Community):
https://www.notion.so/cross-world/CROSSWORLD-2c0537c65dbc8040b009c3d4eb4c9e72?source=copy_link

📊 Crossworld Database (as shown in video):
(Screenshots included in this episode)

📱 Chance Lim on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@doachacha

Special thanks to Chance Lim for sharing her experience and allowing us to feature her content and insights.

Crossworld platform screenshots are used for educational and informational purposes.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is based on personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

About International Student Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904

Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8

iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

#InternationalStudent #F1Visa #StudentLifeUSA #internships #JobSearchUSA #CPT #OPT #StudyInUSA #CareerAdvice #InternationalStudents #h1bvisa #jobtips #studyabroad

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Edward Haryono shares his Indonesian immigrant journey — from moving to America for education to navigating the H-1B visa and green card process while building a life as an entrepreneur.

What is it like to grow up in a middle-class family in Indonesia and pursue opportunity in the United States?

In this episode, Edward Haryono shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Indonesia to building a life and business in America. He talks about his education journey, navigating the H-1B visa and green card process, and how his parents’ support shaped his path.

Edward opens up about the cultural transition, immigration challenges, and the determination required to start over in a new country and become an entrepreneur.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
03:25 Middle Class Family Life and Childhood in Surabaya, Indonesia
11:40 People get married early in Indonesia and India
15:33 Saving Money for Boys vs Girls in India and Indonesia
19:05 Why he decided to Move to USA for education and His American Dream
22:44 How Middle Class Parents raised and helped 6 kids to get best education abroad.
33:00 Life in Seattle as an International Student
37:51 Life in School in the USA as an International Student, community college, Masters and finding the passion
43:42 Reality of Job hunt as an International Student and Understanding Networking
49:03 H-1B Visa and Lottery Process and Challenges as an Indonesian Student
56:49 Green Card Process For Indonesian Immigrants
59:28 Why Quite Amazon job and Start business
01:04:03 Advice to International students coming to the USA

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

About International Student Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904

Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8

iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

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Send us Fan Mail

A quiet, honest conversation about two international students who find love, identity, and independence while studying film in LA — without trying to label or justify their choices.

时间轴 (Time Axis / Timestamps)

00:00 开场简介 (Intro)
02:10 中国的生活经历 (Life in China)
04:45 为什么中国学生选择留美 (Why Chinese students come to USA)
07:44 两位中国留学生如何在美相遇并结婚 (How two Chinese students met and got married in the USA)
16:33 两位已婚双性恋留学生对国内同性婚姻非法化的看法 (The perspectives of two married bisexual students from China on the illegality of same-sex marriage in their country)
17:14 作为一个双性恋者在中国成长、出柜及家人的反应 (Growing up in China as a bisexual person, coming out and how family reacted)
21:47 LGBTQ+ 社群、文化与身份认同：美国 vs 中国 (LGBTQ+ Community, Culture and Identity: USA vs China)
25:09 如果回国生活，他们将如何面对未来 (How will they live if they move back to China)
26:04 “骄傲运动”在美国与中国的对比 (Pride movement in USA vs China)
30:00 当你想到“家”这个词，你会想到什么？ (What do you see when you think of the word Home?)

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

About International Student Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904

Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8

iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

#留学生 #中国留学生 #海外生活 #洛杉矶 #爱与身份 #中文播客 #留学美国

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Is it worth moving to Hollywood in 2025? For Italian filmmaker Simone Tringali, the answer is yes—but the path wasn't easy.

In this episode, Simone shares his calm and insightful journey from a small town in Italy to film school in Ireland, and finally to Los Angeles on an O-1B Artist Visa. He breaks down the reality of the O-1B visa process, sharing crucial advice on why you need to start collecting your "paperwork" from day one.

He also discusses the major differences between the film industries in Italy, Ireland, and the US. He explains why he felt the Italian industry was "closed" and why the American "can-do" attitude is so vital for artists.

This is a perfect episode for aspiring filmmakers, actors, and artists who want to understand the business and legal side of chasing a Hollywood dream.

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
01:54 Life at Home in Turin, Italy
08:22 Move to Dublin, Ireland
14:49 Advice for people moving to Dublin, Ireland
17:22 US O1B Visa process and challenges
21:49 Life in LA as European
31:16 Advice for people applying for O1B Visa
41:17 Lessons learned after moving from Italy

About International Student Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904
Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8
iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

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"I was waiting 5 months... then suddenly they denied my OPT."

This is just one part of Yu's incredible journey from Tokyo to Los Angeles. He had to leave the US twice due to immigration errors, all while chasing his dream of becoming an actor. His story is one of amazing positivity, even in the face of unbelievable challenges.

In this episode, Yu gets real about growing up in Fuchu, Tokyo—a "local place" you won't see in the movies. He shares what it was like feeling like an "outsider", being the only one who looked different, and how teachers would blame him for any problem in school.

He also tells the amazing story of his family: he grew up as the personal translator for his Japanese father and Brazilian mother, who were together for 7 years without speaking the same language!

This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or faced a major obstacle in pursuit of their dream.

Have a story to share? Email us at yourstory.oie@gmail.com

About International Student Experience:

Welcome to International Student Experience, the essential podcast for international students navigating life, study, and careers in the USA. We share authentic stories and practical advice to help you thrive. Each episode provides a guide to the biggest challenges of studying in America, with expert advice on everything from the F-1 visa, OPT, and H-1B to overcoming culture shock and building your community.

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904
Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8
iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro
02:26 Life at Home in Fuchu with Brazilian mother and Japanese father - Tokyo, Japan
10:31 School life and challenges
19:27 USA Dream, preparation and first visit in San Diego
26:09 Student Visa Experience and name Mix up
30:23 Japanese Film Industry and Challenges for new actors
40:18 OPT Denial, Artist Visa Plans and Hopes
52:45 What if he doesn't get work visa?

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

การค้นพบตัวตนที่แท้จริงของคุณในต่างแดน? ใน EP นี้ของ Outsiders Insiders Experience เราจะมาฟังเรื่องราวจาก นิธิ แสงแก้ว (Nithi Sangkaew) นักเรียนไทยที่เชื่อว่าชีวิตของเขาได้เริ่มต้นอย่างแท้จริงเมื่อมาถึงอเมริกา ปัจจุบันนิธิเป็นนักเรียน Community College ที่ต้องการเรียนต่อปริญญาโท (Master's) และตั้งเป้าถึงปริญญาเอก (PhD) ในลอสแอนเจลิส เขาจะมาแบ่งปันเส้นทางการเปลี่ยนแปลงและเติบโตที่น่าทึ่งนี้

มีเรื่องราวอยากแบ่งปัน? ส่งอีเมลมาหาเราที่ yourstory.oie@gmail.com

มาร่วมฟังนิธิเปิดใจแชร์วิธีรับมือกับความเหงา ข้อผิดพลาดทั่วไปที่นักเรียนต่างชาติควรหลีกเลี่ยง และประสบการณ์อันลึกซึ้งในการสร้างบ้านหลังใหม่ในอเมริกา เรื่องราวของเขาเป็นเครื่องเตือนใจที่ทรงพลังว่า การไปเรียนต่อต่างประเทศไม่ใช่แค่เรื่องเรียนเท่านั้น แต่มันคือการเปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเองเป็นคนใหม่

มีข้อผิดพลาดอะไรที่คุณอยากย้อนกลับไปแก้ไขในตอนที่เป็นนักเรียนต่างชาติ? แชร์ความคิดเห็นของคุณในคอมเมนต์ข้างล่างนี้เลย!

เกี่ยวกับ International Student Experience:

ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ International Student Experience พอดแคสต์ที่นักเรียนต่างชาติทุกคนต้องฟัง สำหรับการใช้ชีวิต การเรียน และการทำงานในสหรัฐอเมริกา เราแบ่งปันเรื่องราวจริงและคำแนะนำที่ใช้ได้จริงเพื่อช่วยให้คุณเติบโตและประสบความสำเร็จ แต่ละตอนจะเจาะลึกความท้าทายที่ใหญ่ที่สุดของการเรียนในอเมริกา พร้อมคำแนะนำจากผู้เชี่ยวชาญในทุกเรื่อง ตั้งแต่วีซ่า F-1, OPT, และ H-1B ไปจนถึงการเอาชนะ Culture Shock และการสร้างสังคมของคุณเอง

​Thai audio translation for this episode was made possible using VMEG AI technology.

เวลา (Timestamp):
00:00 บทนำ (Intro)
01:56 ชีวิตก่อนย้ายมาอเมริกา (Life Before moving to the USA)
04:51 การมาถึงอเมริกาคนเดียว (Arriving Alone in America)
07:30 สัปดาห์แรกในอเมริกา (First week in America)
13:05 Culture Shock ในอเมริกา (Cultural Shocks in the US)
20:50 คำแนะนำสำหรับนักเรียนต่างชาติ (Advice for International students)

SUBSCRIBE to International Student Experience for more stories and guides! https://www.youtube.com/@UCixFl0MqYWyoAjtF4QPx-pQ

Apple Podcast Channel - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/international-student-experience/id1848975904
Spotify Channel - https://open.spotify.com/show/5yV9JNNRRF4fBvKw5QETNC?si=e6aec8e007664df8
iHeartRadio Channel -
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-international-student-exp-302843551/

Support the show