beyond borders dilemma podcast

In this episode, Dr. Sabita Ranabath shares her inspiring transition from academia to industry. After completing her PhD in Entomology, she navigated the competitive job market as an international student and built a successful career as a research scientist in biotechnology. Dr. Ranahbat discusses the pressures of academic life, the importance of networking, how PhD skills translate to industry,...

In this episode, we had a conversation exploring relationships and marriage, in which Sara shares her perspective on building a strong partnership. Her advice centers on prioritizing your partner, communicating openly, and being intentional about nurturing a relationship through different stages of life. This episode is filled with valuable insights for athletes, students, professionals, and anyon...

In this episode, former Serbian national team hammer thrower Sara Savatovic shares her inspiring journey from Serbia to the United States as an international student-athlete. Sara discusses earning a full scholarship to Kansas State University, balancing the demands of academics and athletics, adapting to a new culture, and navigating life beyond competitive sports. Through candid reflections on r...

In this episode, we dive into the journey of building a professional identity abroad while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For many international graduates and immigrant professionals, success goes beyond landing a job — it’s about adapting to new workplace cultures, managing personal well-being, and staying connected to your identity. Inspired by the story of Dr. Barbara Amoah, this conv...

International students pursuing academic careers often face uncertainty in navigating the transition from student to professor. In this article, Dr. Tinesha Dacaz shares her journey from Jamaica to academia in the United States, highlighting the realities of the academic career pipeline. She explains that becoming a professor involves much more than teaching, including research, mentorship, publis...

In this episode of Beyond Borders Dilemma , Dr. Naomi Manu is joined by Dr. Augustine Bosomtwe to explore the financial realities of studying abroad for international students. Beyond tuition, many students face unexpected school fees, living expenses, and financial constraints that can significantly affect their experience. Dr. Bosomtwe shares his journey of adapting to these challenges, includin...

Ever felt trapped by your PI's decisions? I did when mine moved Universities without warning. Here's what I learned... Tag someone who needs to hear this! Transitioning schools as a graduate student isn’t just about changing classrooms; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. When my supervisor decided to move to Tulane, I felt blindsided. What happens to your funding, research, and visa status? It’s a l...

Rejection is often seen as failure—but in many cases, it is simply a redirection. Dr. Nana Yaw Kusi’s journey from Ghana to becoming an Associate Professor of Soil Science in the United States is a powerful example of resilience in the face of uncertainty. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Kusi recognized that advancing in his field required further education. With determination, he purs...

Moving to a new country is often painted as exciting—but what happens when that excitement meets uncertainty, isolation, and the unknown? In this episode, Dr. Mayuri Kachnaz-Shawale shares her deeply personal journey of moving to the Czech Republic in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue her PhD. From navigating language barriers and cultural differences to adjusting to a completely new a...

This episode aims to demystify the visa process by providing grounded advice and real-life experiences for first-time applicants. Dr. Augustin Bosunche shares insights and guidance on navigating the visa system, emphasizing the importance of preparation, honesty, and calm confidence. Takeaways Preparation, honesty, and calm confidence matter more than fear-driven rumors Visa interviews are about c...

The H-1B visa is more than paperwork — it’s pressure, silence, ambition, and survival. In this episode of Beyond Borders Dilemma , we hear firsthand what it means to work when your legal status is tied to your job, how power dynamics shift, and what no one prepares you for after graduation. This is the part of the H-1B journey people don’t usually say out loud. “Your visa depends on your job. Your...

In this episode of the Beyond Borders Dilemma podcast, host Naomi Menu and guest Dr. Barikisu Isaka discuss the intricacies of choosing the right school for international students. They explore the importance of funding, the application process, and the challenges faced by students. Barikisu shares her personal journey, offering valuable insights and advice for aspiring students navigating their a...

In this powerful solo episode, host Naomi Manu steps out from behind the microphone and tells her own immigrant story . From leaving home with dreams and expectations, to navigating visas, culture shock, and isolation — Naomi shares the moments that shaped her journey across borders. She opens up about the things she didn’t know before migrating, the mistakes she made, the lessons she learned the...

Beyond Borders Dilemma Podcast ✨ New Podcast Launch ✨ Across borders, many of us chase education, opportunity, and better futures. But behind the visas, degrees, and job titles are stories we rarely get to tell. Beyond Borders Dilemma is a podcast about the real immigrant experience — the uncertainty, the resilience, the loneliness, the wins, and everything in between. Here, international studen...