Talk About
Talk About is a series of virtual events started in fall 2020 and co-hosted by Global Programs, undergraduate International Peer Mentors and various departments around campus on topics chosen by international students for international students. Below you can find the previous Talk About recordings, as well as the upcoming Talk About events.
Upcoming Talk About Events
Navigating a New Culture and Environment
April 4, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm*
Navigating a new culture and environment as an international student can be both exciting and intimidating. International students contribute to university campuses through their rich experiences, knowledge base, and world views. Simultaneously, they are vulnerable to acculturation stress, which is the stress of adapting to a new environment or culture. Join us for the virtual Talk About: Navigating a New Culture and Environment workshop as we discuss navigating a new culture, acculturation stress, and recognizing resilience as an international student. A panel of undergraduate and graduate international students will share their experiences and recommendations.
Special Guest:
- Aileen Lee, Staff Psychologist, BU Behavioral Medicine
- Praveena Kandasami, Staff Psychologist, BU Behavioral Medicine
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation (BU Behavioral Medicine)
- Panel with international students
- Q&A
*An event recording will be posted to this website shortly after the event
Previous Talk About Recordings
Appropriate Uses of Generative AI
February 27, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm*
The first event in the Spring 2024 Talk About series is Talk About: Appropriate Uses of Generative AI. A special guest from the CAS Writing Program will discuss the importance of academic integrity in the use of generative AI, safe and appropriate uses of generative AI that can facilitate student learning, and strategies for citing and acknowledging AI help. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and raise specific concerns.
Special Guest:
- Christina Michaud, Master Lecturer and Associate Director of ELL Learning, CAS Writing Program
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation (CAS Writing Program)
- Q&A
Etiquette in the U.S. Workplace
November 6, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm*
In the Talk About: Etiquette in the U.S. Workplace virtual workshop students will learn the unwritten expectations and most common mistakes in the workplace. From making a positive first impression, to ongoing communications, to workspaces, students will gain an understanding of how the college environment is different than the professional environment and the do’s and don’ts of etiquette in the U.S. workplace. Students will learn strategies on how to set their career goals for their first employment in the U.S., whether is it an on-campus job or an internship. A panel of undergraduate and graduate international students will share their experiences and recommendations.
Special Guest:
- Martha Brill, Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation and reflective exercises (CCD)
- Panel with international students
- Q&A
Personal and Social Identities
October 17, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm*
Identity can be a complicated and confusing topic for both domestic and international students living and studying in the United States. The Talk About: Personal and Social Identities workshop invites students to reflect on the many identities that encompass who they are (e.g., nationality, ethnicity, class), and how those identities influence their sense of self and how they’re perceived by others. Human beings are simultaneously individuals and members of communities, and this workshop will encourage participants to reflect on this active dynamic in their own lives.
Special Guests:
- Pedro Falci, Director of the Wellbeing Project
- Anisha Erasani, MPH candidate, Graduate Assistant for Programming
- Sonya Nguyen, MPH candidate, Graduate Assistant for Programming
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation
- Social Identity Wheel activity
- Discussion: Reflecting on identity
- Q&A
Event Materials:
Transferable Skills and Career Readiness
March 27, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm*
Every day, you are building career readiness- in class, at student activities, at your internship or campus job, and everywhere in between. In the Talk About: Transferable Skills and Career Readiness virtual workshop students will learn strategies to assess their strengths and get ideas for how to build their skills and experience and present them at job interviews. A panel of undergraduate and graduate international students will share their experiences and recommendations.
Special Guest:
- Martha Brill, Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation and reflective exercises (CCD)
- Panel with international students
- Q&A
Teamwork Skills for Projects and Careers
February 15, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm*
Innovate@BU, 730 Commonwealth Avenue
In the Talk About: Teamwork Skills for Projects and Careers in-person workshop students will learn strategies and valuable skills for working effectively on teams in and outside of the BU classroom! A panel of international students will share their experiences and recommendations with teamwork.
Also, find out about the Innovate@BU programs and resources, open to all students, which can help you build an entrepreneurial mindset that can be used in any career.
Special Guest:
- Nana Younge, Innovate@BU Program Manager
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation and Resources (Innovate@BU)
- Panel discussion and Q&A
*An event recording will be posted to this website shortly after the event
Time, Wellbeing, and Academic Success
January 31, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm*
Do you feel like you are just surviving? Would you like to feel better and succeed academically? Many students think that if they had more time, things would be better; however, time is only part of the equation. Students thrive when their priorities are clear, and their goals are aligned with their values. In the Talk About: Time, Wellbeing, and Academic Success in-person workshop students will learn strategies and concepts to integrate what’s most important for their wellbeing into their routines and develop a rhythm of life that supports their personal, academic, and professional pursuits.
Special Guest:
- Beverly Chen, Director, Wellbeing Education and Training, BU Student Wellbeing
Agenda:
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation (BU Student Wellbeing)
- Reflective exercises, Q&A and discussion
Thriving in the U.S. Academic Culture
November 15, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
International students may face unique social-emotional challenges adjusting to the U.S. academic culture. The Talk About: Thriving in the U.S. Academic Culture in-person workshop will provide a space to discuss these challenges as well as tips and skills that promote mental health and academic success.
Special Guest:
- Cong Zhang, Psychologist, Student Health Services
- Praveena Kandasami, Clinical Social Worker
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (SHS)
- Discussion
Gender Identity and Pronouns
October 13, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The second event in the fall 2022 Talk About series is Talk About: Gender Identity and Pronouns. This presentation is an introduction to gender inclusive practices. A special guest from the Dean of Students Office will discuss LGBTQIA+ terminology, introduce a guided reflection on gender expression and identity, and provide simple ways to change behaviors to incorporate gender inclusive practices into your daily life.
Special Guest:
- Katy Collins, Director of Student Outreach and Engagement, Dean of Students Office
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (DOS)
- Student panel
- Q&A
Event Materials:
Internships in the U.S.
September 27, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The first event in the fall 2022 Talk About series is Talk About: Internships in the U.S. A panel of current students and international alumni from a range of programs and industries will share their experiences as international students who were successful in obtaining internships in the U.S. A special guest from the Center for Career Development will discuss networking tips and strategies, as well as services and resources available to international students.
Special Guest:
- Martha Brill, Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development
Study Abroad for International Students
April 13, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The third event in the spring 2022 Talk About series is Talk About: Study Abroad for International Students. A special guest from BU Study Abroad will discuss the study abroad options and the application process, and answer students’ questions. Program alumni from Geneva and Copenhagen will share their experiences and recommendations as international students studying abroad.
Special Guest:
- Rachel Zank, University Relations and Campus Outreach Manager, BU Study Abroad
Student Co-hosts:
- Jungmin (Raymond) Kil, CAS’23
- Bernice Guingona, COM’23
- Zhengxian (Anna) Mei, CAS’23
Intercultural Understanding
February 28, 5-6pm ET
The second event in the spring 2022 Talk About series is Talk About: Intercultural Understanding. Student co-hosts will be joined by Professor Garčević of the Pardee School of Global Studies to discuss the importance of intercultural communication, the need to understand and appreciate cultural differences and how these differences may affect students’ classroom performance. Student co-hosts will share their experiences with culture shock in and outside of the classroom and recommendations on successfully adapting to a new environment.
Student Co-hosts:
- Jen Hsin Chiao, ENG’22
- Rea Pittie, CAS’23
Pardee School of Global Studies Co-host:
- Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations, Pardee School of Global Studies
Academic Integrity and Writing with Sources
January 26, 4–5pm ET
The first event in the spring 2022 Talk About series is Talk About: Academic Integrity and Writing with Sources. Student co-hosts will be joined by a special guest from the CAS Writing Program to discuss the importance of academic integrity, cultural perspectives on plagiarism, and strategies for presenting others’ ideas. Student co-hosts will share their experiences and recommendations.
Student Co-hosts:
- Isabela Da Rocha, COM’22
- April Yuyang Qiu, ENG’25
- Laura Arriaga, GRS’27
BU CAS Writing Program Co-host:
- Christina Michaud (Master Lecturer and Interim Associate Director of ELL Writing)
Event Materials:
Networking and Employment in the U.S.
November 4, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET
The fourth event in the fall 2021 Talk About series is Talk About: Networking and Employment in the U.S. A panel of current students and international alumni from a range of programs and industries will share their experiences as international students who were successful in obtaining employment in the U.S. Special guests from the International Student and Scholar Office and the Center for Career Development will discuss networking tips and strategies, as well as services and resources available to international students.
Special Guests:
- Jeanne Kelley, Director, International Students and Scholars Office
- Martha Brill, Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development
Agenda:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Panel with international students and alumni
- Presentation (CCD)
- Q&A
International Students and Safety
Thursday, October 7, 4–5 pm ET
The third event in the fall 2021 series is Talk About: International Students and Safety. Sergeant Cuzzi from the Boston University Police Department will discuss safety tips on and off campus and answer your questions. There will be a presentation about common scams and frauds targeting international students and recommendations on how to protect yourself and report incidents.
Special Guest
- Sergeant Larry Cuzzi (BUPD)
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (BUPD)
- Q&A
What You Need to Know
Monday, September 27 , 5–6 pm ET
The second event in the fall 2021 series is Talk About: What You Need to Know. The event will feature a panel of undergraduate and graduate international students from Questrom School of Business, School of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences who will share what incoming students need to know from the perspective of a peer. Topics include academic opportunities, student organizations, campus life, and adjusting to life in Boston and at Boston University as an international student.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Aashna Shahdadpuri, QST’23
- David Long, GRS’23
- Elizabeth McCarthy, CAS’22
- Linh To, QST’22
- Rohan Soni, ENG’23
- Vaibhavi Hansrajani, ENG’23
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Panel with International Peer Mentors
- Q&A
International Students and Academic Success
Tuesday, September 7, 4–5 pm ET
The first event of the fall 2021 Talk About series is Talk About: International Students and Academic Success. International Peer Mentors will be joined by a co-host from the Education Resource Center to discuss tips and strategies on effective time management, involvement with the BU community, academic peer support, and interacting with professors. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experiences in breakout rooms, and International Peer Mentors will share their recommendations.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts:
- Zorka Zsembery, CAS ‘24
- Zaineb Kamoune, QST’23
- Rishav De, ENG ‘24
Educational Resource Center Co-host:
- Jaykaye Pelletier (Student Support Specialist, ERC)
Agenda
- Welcome and introductions
- Presentation (ERC) and panel with IPMs
- Breakout room discussions
- Best practices from breakout rooms/Q&A
Event Materials
Thriving in the New Normal
Tuesday, February 2, 10-11 am ET
Join us for a conversation about how to “thrive in the new normal” as three International Peer Mentors facilitate a discussion with Juan Leon Parra and Chelsea Cobb, instructors of the LEAD BU class and the Healthy Relationships class. We will discuss topics such as academic resiliency, social wellness, self-advocacy, and relationship management.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Arianna Amonte CAS ’21
- Johanna Geary CAS ’21
- Vaibhavi Hansrajani ENG ’22
Special Guests
- Chelsea Cobb, Senior Training Associate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
- Juan Leon Parra, Training Associate, Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation)
- Discussion with International Peer Mentors
- Q&A
Event Materials
LfA Best Practices
Tuesday, January 19, 10-11 am ET
International Peer Mentors will be joined by a co-host from the Education Resource Center to discuss LfA best practices and lessons learned from the fall semester, including managing asynchronous courses in different time zones, and staying connected to professors, fellow students, and the community. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experiences in breakout rooms, and International Peer Mentors will share their recommendations.
Break Out Rooms
- Managing asynchronous courses
- Managing different time zones
- Interacting with professors
- Connecting to the community
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Sierra Cazassa, SED ‘22
- Simran Singh, CAS ‘21
Educational Resource Center Co-host:
- Jaykaye Pelletier, Student Support Specialist, ERC
Event Materials
Race and Diversity in the U.S.
Monday, November 2, 10 am EDT
Alana Anderson, Director of Programs, Diversity and Inclusion will moderate a conversation about race and racism in the U.S., including an introduction to the history of race in the U.S. International students will share their experiences encountering race and diversity in the U.S.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Srushti Dhoke, CAS ’21
Special Guests
- Alana Anderson, Director of Programs, Diversity & Inclusion
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (Diversity & Inclusion)
- Discussion and Q&A
Networking & Employment outside the U.S.
Wednesday, October 28, 9 am EDT
A panel of five international alumni from Questrom School of Business, School of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Communications, and the Pardee School of Global Studies, from a range of industries will share personal experiences and best practices to finding employment in China, India, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Yoona Lee from the Alumni & Friends office will discuss resources and services available to international students interested in employment outside of the U.S.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Aileen Indra, SAR ’23
Special Guests
- Kevin Wang, Director, Boston University China Center
- Yoona Lee, Associate Director of International Alumni Networks
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (Alumni & Friends)
- Panel with international alumni
- Q&A
Event Materials
Networking & Employment in the U.S.
Thursday, October 15, 10 am EDT
A panel of international alumni from Questrom School of Business, School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from a range of industries will share their experiences as international students who were successful in obtaining employment in the U.S. Martha Brill from the Center for Career Development will discuss networking tips and strategies, as well as services and resources available to international students.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Cassidy Villafranca CAS ‘21
- Gabriela Gomez QST ‘22
Special Guests
- Martha Brill, Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development
- Amanda Connolly, Associate Director for Student Services, International Students & Scholars Office
- A panel of international BU alumni from Questrom School of Business, School of Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Panel with International Peer Mentors and alumni
- Presentation (CCD)
- Q&A
Event Materials
Well-being during COVID-19
Monday, October 5, 10 am EDT
Cong Zhang, PhD, a Staff Psychologist from Student Health Services will discuss available resources to support students’ emotional, spiritual, academic, and social well-being during COVID-19. International Peer Mentors will share personal experiences and recommendations on living and studying at home during LfA, normalizing experiences related to COVID-19, and managing broader societal and cultural changes in 2020.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Sierra Cazassa, SED ‘22
- Andrew Ngo, CAS ’23
- Qingyi Ye, CAS ‘21
Special Guest
- Cong Zhang, PhD, Staff Psychologist, Student Health Services
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (Student Health Services)
- Panel with International Peer Mentors
- Q&A
Clubs & Activities during LfA
Thursday, September 17, 9 pm EDT
Special guests from the BU Arts Initiative and the Student Activities Office will discuss clubs, activities, and virtual resources available to students during LfA. International Peer Mentors will share personal experiences and recommendations on making connections, getting involved, and finding a community during LfA.
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Andrew Ngo, CAS ’23
- Lea Kapur, CGS ’22
- Dilara Turut CAS ’21
- Vaibhavi Hansrajani ENG ’22
- Kreiver Zhou Peng ENG ’22
Special Guests
- Ty Furman, Managing Director, BU Arts Initiative
- Margaret Babson, Assistant Director, Student Activities Office
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (BU Arts Initiative, Student Activities Office)
- Panel with International Peer Mentors
- Q&A
LfA
Monday, August 31, 10-11 am
During this event time management (general time management as well as managing across multiple time zones), goal setting, study tips, and test taking strategies during LfA will be discussed. After a presentation by the ERC students will choose one of three break out discussions, then return to the main room to share best practices.
Break Out Rooms
- Creating a study space and eliminating distractions
- Effective time management strategies
- Interacting with professors
International Peer Mentor Co-hosts
- Sierra Cazassa, SED ‘22
- Qingyi Ye, CAS ‘21
- Dezhi Liu, CAS ‘21
- Erin Hu, QST ‘22
Educational Resource Center (ERC) Co-hosts
- Sarah Garibova, Assistant Director
- Jaykaye Pelletier, Student Support Specialist
Agenda
- Welcome and Introductions
- Presentation (ERC)
- Break-out rooms discussions
- Best practices from breakout rooms/Q&A
