About Hope and Optimism for the International Student and University Communities
Hope & Optimism podcast brings together voices from across the international student support community to talk about challenges, solutions, and most importantly—how we can build a more hopeful, resilient future together.
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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.
8 May 2025
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 (https://www.nafsa.org) for articles, webinars, and advocacy tools
#HopeAndOptimism #ICAwayCoaching #InternationalStudents #InclusionMatters
5 May 2025
Hope & Optimism with Ling Gao LeBeau: Transforming Success Through 5 Pillar International Student Support
Learn more at ICAway.com (https://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
24 Apr 2025
Hope & Optimism with Fiona McEntee : Protecting International Students in a Shifting America
For more information, visit: https://www.icaway.com (https://www.icaway.com)
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges faced by international students, particularly focusing on the emotional and legal hurdles that arise from visa revocations and the increasing concerns around AI surveillance.
0:00 – Fiona’s Immigration Journey
1:05 – Student Visa Revocations
2:02 – AI and Surveillance Concerns
3:08 – Broader Impact on Students
4:00 – Legal Options After Visa Issues
5:00 – Emotional Toll on Students
6:13 – Mental Health and Self-Care
7:00 – Student Voices and Lived Experiences
22:16 – Should international students be cautious on WhatsApp/text with family?
22:28 – Fiona explains U.S. customs' ability to search devices of visa holders
23:36 – Dania shares how students are avoiding sensitive topics on social media
24:50 – How immigration stress impacts the path to career dreams
25:14 – H-1B trends & employers’ continued interest in sponsoring students
26:09 – How students can demonstrate value to employers despite visa uncertainty
27:26 – Fiona on the emotional and logistical journey of international job seekers
28:52 – Why proving yourself matters: Fiona’s story from student to employer
30:11 – Overcoming rejection: “Don’t stop at the first no”
30:55 – What university advisors might be missing in career support
32:21 – Why local immigration legal support is critical for students in crisis
41:01 – Betsy Cohen on O Visas: Avoiding misconceptions and preparing ahead
41:36 – Fiona McEntee: Real stories of students threatened with deportation to third countries
42:19 – Legal advice for international student advisors: When to involve an immigration attorney
43:06 – Optimism through university and community support
43:38 – Being proactive: Travel preparation tips for international students
44:38 – Kwan’s closing reflections and thanks
45:03 – Actionable Advice Recap: What students and advisors can do now
48:13 – Final thoughts and advocacy reminder from Fiona
48:40 – Dania’s new calming technique for mental wellness
14 Apr 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.
Together, they explore:
How a sense of belonging drives student retention and success
The impact of hope and optimism during times of uncertainty
Real-world stories of international students overcoming challenges
The evolving landscape of global talent and student support
Practical strategies for supporting students facing immigration stress
Dylan also answers a powerful listener question on navigating the job market with visa uncertainty, and Dania closes the episode with a simple mindfulness practice for staying grounded in hope.
✨ Whether you're in student services, advising, or simply passionate about supporting international students—this episode is for you.
👉 Subscribe at icaway.com/subscribe (http://icaway.com/subscribe) and follow along with #ICAwayCoaching
13 Apr 2025
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, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwansegal/) founder of ICAway (https://www.icaway.com/) and a dedicated career coach for international students, introduces the heart behind this podcast and is joined by two powerhouse co-hosts:
Betsy Cohen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyhcohen/)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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniajavaid-fulbright/) 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 (http://icaway.com/subscribe) and follow us for future episodes.
Tell us what topics matter most to you—we’re in this together.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
22,145
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
76
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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