Aliens with Visas

In this episode, Rashan breaks down several aspects of American life including the importance of image in America and how that affects the psyche of not just immigrants but also the young black male. The nature and similarities when it comes to South Asian and black identity struggles is a major point of discussion in this no-holds-barred conversation.

In this episode, Vivaswan gives us a glimpse into the desi experience. He talks about the impact of his cultural identity on his psyche as a child and goes on to share how it evolved with his pursuits in sport and music. What it means to be a model minority, how that plays into pop culture and the responsibility that comes with being an Indian American today are some of the things that come up in this conversation.

Ravi takes us through experiences in work, relationships and daily interactions that have shaped his identity as an Indian expat in America. The “clique” mindset, 'international student privilege’, and freedom of expression, are some of the things discussed on this episode!

Shout out to the many forces that helped this idea come to life.

In this episode, we take a look at the other option: going back home after study abroad. Anushya replays her experiences in the classroom and together we unravel and try to understand some of the behaviour and tendencies that surface when you find yourself in a foreign land. The nature of freelancer life, linguistic identity and the purpose of grad school for an arts student are some of the topics that come up in conversation.

What do you have to keep in mind when looking for an immigration attorney is the focus of this episode. Liz & Lorraine of D'Alessio Law Group also lay down priorities to keep in mind during OPT, creative solutions for entry & mid level individuals, and talk about bottlenecks to expect in Hollywood.

Drawing out a legal timeline after school is the focus of this episode. An international student is eventually allowed to work in the USA through the provisions of CPT and OPT. Further down exists the option of an artist visa. Attorney Sharon Brenner provides a first look at the legal considerations involved.

How do artists handle the OPT phase? This is the focus of episode three. When school is over, the immediate concern is to get a job! but for an artist, that approach can be tiring and not necessarily fruitful. Nipun Nair talks about his journey as a musician, the dynamics of the entertainment industry and making it in Los Angeles.

What are some of the big lifestyle changes faced by international students who are enrolled in STEM courses? The experience of a STEM student is the focus of episode two, examined through the journey of Arjun Shankar who arrived in the US to study industrial engineering. The importance of being assertive, strain of money and how family plays into it are some of the key themes addressed.

What’s the appeal in studying abroad and what are the events that lead to take off? This is focus of episode one and we examine this through the journey of Kulanandini Mahanta (who goes by Kula), an aspiring cinematographer. Her experiences throw light on the importance of exploration and self belief in success, particularly in a creative field like film production.

A quick rundown of what's to come in the next few weeks.