Ever feel caught between cultures while trying to find your place? In this powerful episode, Carel Tan shares her unique journey as an international student from Taiwan, navigating life in Los Angeles while embracing her Taiwanese, Filipino, and Korean heritage.

Carel gets real about the initial nervousness, language worries, and the specific culture shocks she faced – from LA's car dependency to surprising differences in dating culture and even tipping mishaps. She offers honest advice on preparing financially, the importance of family connection, and why keeping an open, curious mind is key to thriving. This episode is a must-watch for any student adjusting to a new world.

Got a question for Carel about her experience or advice? Drop it in the comments below!

About Outsiders Insiders Experience:

Welcome to Outsiders Insiders 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.

Is an expensive LA film degree worth it when the jobs are leaving? We investigate the Hollywood Lie in this special episode, exploring the gap between film school and the real-world industry.

We get two unique perspectives: Kanishka Aggarwal, a filmmaker from India navigating the O-1B artist visa, and Savvas Yiannoulou, a US Film Production Manager who chose not to study in LA to avoid debt. They compare their unique cultural and childhood experiences, offering a fascinating look at the different challenges they faced while building their careers.

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

This episode is packed with essential advice on:

The truth about LA's expensive film schools vs. the job market.
Kanishka's incredible journey from an F-1 student visa to the coveted O-1B artist visa.
Insider tips from both on how to actually survive and build a career in film today.

Have a question for Kanishka or Savvas about film school or the industry? Share it in the comments, and we will try and have them answer it for you!

About Outsiders Insiders Experience:

Welcome to Outsiders Insiders 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.

Discovering your true self in a new country? In this insightful episode of Outsiders Insiders Experience, we hear from Nithi Sangkaew, an international student from Thailand who believes his life truly began when he arrived in the USA. Now community college student wants pursue Master's and aiming for a PhD in Los Angeles, Nithi shares his remarkable journey of transformation and growth.

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

Join us as Nithi opens up about how to deal with loneliness, the common mistakes international students should avoid, and the profound experience of making a new home in America. His story is a powerful reminder that studying abroad isn't just about academics—it's about personal reinvention.

What's one big mistake you wish you'd avoided as an international student? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

About Outsiders Insiders Experience:

Welcome to Outsiders Insiders 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.