Category: For International Students

Excel Your Career With Our Top 5 Holiday Networking Tips

Dear Coach Kwan,

This is my first year in the States after the pandemic and I will be graduating soon. I know networking is important, and I heard the holiday season could be a great time to network. How can I optimize this holiday seasons in the US for networking post-pandemic?

Fall 2025 Job Search Success: CPT, OPT, H-1B & Beyond

Navigating the U.S. job market as an international student or professional can be uniquely challenging, particularly for those requiring sponsorships like H-1B visas or Green Cards.

Reflections on Radical Hope and Growth

Learn more about ICAway, visit https://www.icaway.com/ In this special recap edition of Hope & Optimism, Kwan and Betsy come together to reflect on the powerful insights shared by our four recent guests—Dylan Rust, Fiona McEntee, Dr. Ling Gao LeBeau, and Dr. LaNitra Berger. From building belonging and navigating immigration challenges to implementing frameworks for student success and championing inclusion, each conversation added a new layer to our understanding of international student support. Hope & Optimism, became a space to surface both the emotional and structural burdens that international students face—and to reimagine what true support could look like in higher education and beyond.If you enjoy the episode, let us know by leaving a quick rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 💬 If we reach 50+ ratings, we’ll launch a new season this fall!

Hope & Optimism with LaNitra M. Berger: Advancing Inclusion and Belonging in International Education

🎙️ Hope & Optimism Podcast | Season 1 Finale And just like that, we’ve arrived at the final episode of Season 1 of the Hope & Optimism podcast! Kwan, Betsy, and Dania wrap up the season with an inspiring conversation on how institutions can build stronger, more supportive communities for international students through fairness, equity, and inclusion. 🎧 This week’s special guest: Dr. LaNitra M. Berger—award-winning scholar, educator, and past President of NAFSA—joins us to explore how colleges and universities can foster belonging, break barriers, and advocate for justice in international education. 🗣️ From inclusive program design to strengthening cross-cultural connections on campus, Dr. Berger offers both practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement for educators, advisors, and international students alike. 💡 Highlights include: How institutions can center fairness and access in student services Real-world strategies to support belonging and community Why hope is essential in shaping the future of international education Advice for international students navigating uncertainty and seeking belonging Plus, we hear from an audience member with a powerful question about how to thrive in the U.S. despite feelings of exclusion—and close with key takeaways and a mindfulness reflection to carry forward. 🌍 No matter your role—student, advisor, or advocate—this episode is for you.Let’s continue to build bridges of understanding, one conversation at a time. 🔗 Resources mentioned:📘 “Social Justice and International Education” by Dr. LaNitra M. Berger🌐 NAFSA.org for articles, webinars, and advocacy tools #HopeAndOptimism #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #InclusionMatters

Hope & Optimism with Ling Gao LeBeau: Transforming Success Through 5 Pillar International Student Support

Learn more at ICAway.com 🌐 In this inspiring episode of Hope & Optimism, we sit down with Dr. Ling Gao LeBeau to explore her powerful 5 Pillar framework for supporting international students. From academic success to career development, Ling shares stories, strategies, and insights that help students thrive in the U.S. and beyond. 🎓 Discover what truly matters in international student support🌍 Learn how cultural understanding can transform advising💡 Be inspired by Ling’s journey and her optimistic approach to change Whether you’re an advisor, educator, or advocate, this episode will give you practical tools and fresh perspectives to support global talent on your campus. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! #InternationalStudents #ICAwayCoaching #HigherEd #StudentSupport #HopeAndOptimism

Hope & Optimism with Fiona McEntee : Protecting International Students in a Shifting America

Fiona is the founding and managing attorney at McEntee Law Group, a nationally recognized immigration firm based in Chicago. She’s an award-winning lawyer, a passionate advocate for startups and creatives, and a leading expert on O-1 visas, EB-1A green cards, and pathways that help international talent build their futures in the U.S. She’s also the author of Our American Dream, a children’s book that celebrates immigrants and her second book- U.S. Immigration Options for Startups: Accelerate Your American Dream.
Today, she’s here to talk with us not only about the challenges—but about the hope, advocacy, and resilience that define the international student journey in 2025.

Hope & Optimism with Dylan Rust: International Student Retention & Creating a Sense of Belonging

In this inaugural episode of Hope & Optimism, host Kwan Segal, founder of ICAway, is joined by co-hosts Betsy and Dania for an important conversation with Dylan Rust, a leader in international student inclusion at Northern Arizona University.

Pilot Episode: Hope & Optimism

Welcome to the very first episode of the Hope & Optimism podcast, a space where international student advocates, experts, and changemakers come together to build a more supportive, resilient future. In this pilot episode, host Kwan Segal, founder of ICAway and a dedicated career coach for international students, introduces the heart behind this podcast and is joined by two powerhouse co-hosts: Betsy Cohen is a respected leader and longtime advocate for immigrants and international talent. As the founding Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, she spent over a decade advancing the region’s growth and inclusion efforts. Her visionary work has made a lasting impact on immigrant communities and positioned St. Louis as one of the most welcoming regions in the country. She is now a Philanthropic Futurist at FutureGood, the organization that helps leaders that do good for a living predict and shape the future through strategic insights and strategies for success. We also have, Dania Javaid a Doctoral Fulbright Student and Instructor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose research on mindfulness and self-compassion representing the international student community. 🔗 Stay connected:Subscribe at icaway.com/subscribe and follow us for future episodes.Tell us what topics matter most to you—we’re in this together.

Four Strategies to Stop the OPT Unemployment Allowance Clock

To learn more about job search strategy for F-1 international students, visit https://www.icaway.com/ I’ve been getting a bunch of requests from new international grads who are on the hunt for jobs in this tough economy. And guess what else? Their OPT is about to start! So, I wanna share four cool strategies with you that can actually stop the OPT unemployment allowance clock. If you just graduated and your OPT is about to start! You have only 90 days after your OPT starts to find a job that’s related to your field of study. What I’m going to share today is based on real stories from a few international students who have used these strategies to stop the clock. Before deciding to pursue any of these options, please remember to contact your International Student Services office to ensure eligibility. Consider volunteering to avoid accruing unemployment days. How can you find non-profit organizations in your area to volunteer with? One effective way is to utilize online platforms and directories that connect volunteers with non-profit organizations. Websites such as https://www.volunteermatch.org/ https://www.idealist.org/en https://engage.pointsoflight.org/ can be great resources to find volunteer opportunities. 2. Consider seeking contract jobs. Contract work can be a viable option for your first-year OPT. Many companies and organizations hire contractors for short-term projects or assignments. These contract positions can provide valuable work experience and help you meet the employment requirement of your OPT period. And sometimes, when you’re a good fit for the team, you may have a chance to convert your contract role into a full-time opportunity. 3. consider reaching out to your professors for an offer letter that can potentially be considered an OPT job opportunity. Your professors may have research projects or other academic initiatives where they could hire you as a research assistant or provide you with a job offer letter. This can be a valuable experience and help you fulfill the employment requirement during your OPT period. 4. explore the possibility of building your own business and working on OPT. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and capital to invest in the business, starting your own venture can be an exciting path to consider. Not only will you have the flexibility to work on projects directly related to your degree, but you’ll also gain valuable entrepreneurial experience. Ensure that your business complies with all necessary licenses and regulations, and consider consulting with professionals or organizations that provide support for startups and small businesses. They can guide you through the process and offer valuable advice to help you succeed. Remember, these are options for you to pause the OPT clock in your first year after graduation while looking for a full-time job at your dream company. For STEM international students who are on OPT and when you’re approaching your STEM extension, your employers must be e-verified in order to utilize your STEM OPT for work in the US. To check whether the employer is verified or not, check out the link I provided in the caption below. Use the E-Verify search tool below to find employers who are currently enrolled in E-Verify. https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/e-verify-data/how-to-find-participating-employers If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your designated school official (DSO) for guidance and clarification. They are there to assist you throughout this process and ensure that you make the most of your STEM OPT extension. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. You can reach out to me and our community at www.ICAway.com. Let’s listen to this episode to receive more information on how to stop your OPT unemployment allowance clock. Think Big & Live Your Dream! Coach Kwan, ICAway Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature and should not be considered as legal immigration advice. We are unable to assess individual circumstances and provide specific guidance on immigration matters. It is essential to consult with your international student services office or a qualified immigration professional to ensure eligibility and obtain accurate advice tailored to your specific situation. — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/icaway/support

Executive Orders Impacting the Workplace-Impact on International Student Hiring

Executive Orders Impacting the Workplace – What You Need to Know