College Disorientation | This American Life | Episode 867
From This American Life
The main topic examines the vibrant experiences of new international students during orientation at Arizona State University, highlighting activities designed to foster connections among individuals who have arrived alone from various countries. Key points include the challenges of making friends in a new environment and the serendipitous interactions between students, such as the budding friendship between Nyall and Saud.
Key Takeaways
- Making friends at ASU: sometimes all it takes is overcoming 'awkward silence' to bond over braces and majors.
- Visa rejections: when dreams travel but paperwork trips, as Caric learned the hard way in a two-minute interview.
- ASU's wild welcome shows students crave connection, despite the challenge of approaching strangers amidst karaoke chaos.
- With 150k fewer visas this year, the landscape for global education is changing, leaving hopeful students in limbo.
- Instagram followers skyrocketing is the new friendship currency; Anushka’s got the social proof to prove it!
Mentioned in This Episode
- Dr. Ken Barry (person)
- Trump administration (concept)
- Ira Glass (person)
- Black Student Union (company)
- Charlie Kirk (person)
- Turning Point USA (company)
- GoFundMe (product)
- Kaba (product)