4 podcasts every international student should be tuning into

14 Apr 2020

Listen to a student podcasts during breaks and you could pick up some essential life skills. Source: Justin Sullivan/AFP

Podcasts are the new radio — quickly rising in popularity as the hottest new form of audio entertainment.

If you’re currently in lockdown and always wanted to check out a podcast or two — there’s no time like the present!

While there are so many podcasts out there that appeal to all sorts of personal interests, here are five that are specifically beneficial for university students who are from abroad.

absolutely intercultural!

This podcast is self-explanatory from its title — it’s about absolutely anything intercultural! International students will be able to relate due to their experiences adjusting to a new culture and working/studying in cosmopolitan environments.

International students are frequently interviewed on this podcast as they share their experiences and growth overseas.

For example, past guests on this podcast include Sandie, an Australian lecturer who taught in Germany, interviewed by Kalvin Mitchell, an exchange student from Australia studying at RheinAhrCampus in Germany. They discussed how working cultures differ from country to country.

College Info Geek

This is one of the best college student podcasts. It gives tips and “actionable advice” on how to be a more effective and productive student.

Many of these tips can be applied to life beyond university as well, such as the ‘“How to build strong habits” podcast.

You can also learn useful information on how to pay off student loans, get better grades, learn essential life skills and more from this podcast that airs every fortnight.

If you’re currently in quarantine, why not check out one of these cool student podcasts? Source: Ina Fassbender/ AFP

College student success

Another one to add to your list is this podcast that tackles mental health and offers advice on how college students can address mental health issues and achieve their goals.

Students face unique circumstances daily, but those with mental health issues and disabilities have to deal with extra layers of struggle at university, which is who the podcast aims to help.

International students are often at risk of developing mental health problems due to acculturation and loneliness. This podcast may be useful for those who need some help in getting back on track with their goals.

According to the podcaster, who earned his Master’s degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation, “Whereas I find most podcasts are meant for ‘passive listening’ in that you, the listener, aren’t really expected to do anything but listen, this podcast will focus on empowering you to take an active role by setting a goal that you have a passion for achieving (it can be school-related, but doesn’t have to be), then try out the strategies I talk about that might help you get closer to achieving your goals, your dreams.”

Grammar Girl

Need some help brushing up on your writing skills? Check out Grammar Girl by podcaster Mignon Fogarty, the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips and the author of seven books on language, including the New York Times bestseller “Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing”.

Her podcast is a five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards and she has appeared as a guest expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show, making it one of the most helpful student podcasts out there.

Some of her cool podcasts on Grammar include Top Ten Grammar Myths and Is Ain’t a Word?