GIC Podcast

As you make your transition to UC Irvine, the Graduate International Connection (GIC) site will be a helpful resource designed to support you along the way. Curated and produced by fellow graduate students, the GIC Podcast offers an insider’s perspective on academic life, campus culture, and living in and around Irvine. The GIC Podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it easy to listen and stay connected as you prepare for your arrival at UC Irvine.

To support your exploration of the GIC Podcast series, all episodes are grouped by topic below to help you find content that may be most helpful to you.

  • On-Campus Activities
    • Episode 1: Join Aimee and Frances as they discuss ways to get connected to community on campus. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Common First Year Feelings
    • Episode 13: Join Melisa* and Sakshi* as they share the experiences they had during their first year. Sakshi both attended as a master level student and a PhD student and was able to share both of those experiences that she had on campus.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • First Experiences in the U.S. 
    • Episode 14: Join Aimee, Roman, and Sanchi as they share their first experiences as they came to the U.S. and how they navigated that first period of time. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Basic Needs Center
    • Episode 17: Join Jyotsana and Stella as they discuss how to utilize the Basic Needs Center, especially the Fresh Pantry.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Summer in Irvine
    • Episode 49: Join Aimee and Sukriti as they discuss what campus culture looks like in summer versus what it looks like during the traditional academic terms.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Associated Graduate Students (AGS)
    • Episode 50: Join Aimee and Kamal as they discuss what AGS is and how to get involved. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Womxn’s Center for Success
    • Episode 51: Join Aimee Jiang (She/Her), Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention & Erika Cortez (She/Ella), Assistant Director of the Womxn’s Center for Success as they discuss what opportunities graduate students have at the Womxn’s Center for Success and how to best utilize this campus resource. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Dream and Latinx Resource Centers
    • Episode 58: Join Jyotsana and Jose as they discuss the Dream and Latinx Resource Centers, how to engage with these two centers, and what are the benefits of getting involved.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • GPSRC
    • Episode 69: Join previous GIC mentor Nitish Nagesh and Aimee Jiang as they discuss the benefits of utilizing the GPSRC and what offerings are available there.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Portable Perspectives: Campus Connections
    • Episode 74: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Jennifer, Associate Director of Development, Industry Partnerships at UC Irvine Graduate Division as she discusses how to build community and the importance of preparing yourself for the professional world.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Buying Second Hand Items
    • Episode 19: Jyotsana and Berkay discuss where to find second hand items to make your money stretch as you settle into your apartment as a graduate student. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Buying the Essentials
    • Episode 20: Aimee and Blanca* discuss what essential items to budget for early on to settle into your apartments and what items you may want to consider getting second hand or new, as well as what items you might be able to wait for.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Housing Maintenance
    • Episode 29: Join Aimee and Sarvenaz as they discuss how to get assistance from on campus or off campus maintenance offices and what generally is able to be supported by these offices.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Housing Experiences
    • Episode 30: Join Jyotsana and Sofia as they discuss their experiences with on campus housing.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Roommate Experiences
    • Episode 31: Join Aimee and Meet as they discuss living with roommates and finding roommates to live with. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Off Campus Housing
    • Episode 32: Aimee and Ramses* speak about off-campus housing, how to avoid housing scams, utilities, insurance, and more.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • TOEP
    • Episode 8: Join Jyotsana, GIC’s Podcast Coordinator and Abigail, 2024 GIC Mentor as they discuss TOEP and Abigail’s experience taking the test in order to prepare to be a TA. The information in this podcast is based on their experiences, please reach out to the experts for any questions regarding the test.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Submitting Transcripts
    • Episode 9: Join Aimee, Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention and Arieyshma, 2024 GIC Mentor as they discuss Arieyshma’s experience submitting her transcripts as a recent graduate. Aimee and Arieyshma are not experts in admissions. Reach out to UC Irvine’s Graduate Division Admissions Department for information and individualized support.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Study Spaces on Campus
    • Episode 10: Join Aimee and Bingya, previous GIC Mentor* as they discuss some of the best study spaces on campus.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Applying for Internships
    • Episode 11: Joining Aimee, Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention and 2024 GIC Mentor Meet as they discuss Meet’s experience applying for internships and what she did prior to arriving to UC Irvine and what the process has looked like for her since then.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Transitioning from the Semester to the Quarter System
    • Episode 40: Join Aimee and Vignaya as they discuss their experiences transitioning between the quarter and the semester systems and resources and tips for managing the speed of the quarter system pace.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Academic English
    • Episode 41: Melisa* and Juan Camilo discuss how they prepared and what resources they use to continue to improve their academic English and writing.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Establishing an Effective Relationship with your Advisor
    • Episode 43: Melisa* and Hugo share their experiences with their advisors and how to build solid communication and an effective and health working relationship with your advisor.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Research Expectations and Work Life Balance
    • Episode 52: Join Aimee and Nadia as they discuss what it was like starting in her current research lab, things Nadia has learned along the way, and how to maintain a healthy balance between being an academic and taking care of your mind and body. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Public Speaking
    • Episode 53: Join Melisa* and Balam as they discuss tips for improving speaking skills in English as well as tips for preparing for public speaking and presentations.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • PhD Stages Part 1
    • Episode 60: Join Aimee and Vidya as they discuss Vidya’s experience progressing through her PhD program and the different stages of progress.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • PhD Stages Part 2
    • Episode 61: Join Aimee and Roman as they discuss his experience recently passing his advancement and how he prepared for this important milestone in this academic journey.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Grants and Fellowships
    • Episode 65: Join Aimee and Hemangi as they discuss applying for grants and fellowships throughout your academic journey.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Food On and Near Campus
    • Episode 2: Join Aimee, Elsie*, and Hugo* as they discuss their favorite places in UTC, Campus Plaza, and On Campus for food. Hear about cheaper options, vegan and vegetarian friendly options, and places to get coffee or sweets.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Grocery Stores by Campus
    • Episode 3: Join previous GIC Podcast Coordinator Melisa* and GIC Mentors Sukriti and Sharanya as they discuss the most common grocery stores by campus and their tips for grocery shopping in the U.S.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Groceries 101
    • Episode 5: Join previous GIC Podcast Coordinator Melisa* and GIC Mentor Balam as they discuss grocery shopping in Irvine and finding your favorite items in Orange County.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Basic Needs Emergency Meal Swipes
    • Episode 16: Join Jyotsana and Nidhi as they discussed the Basic Needs Center and the Emergency Meal Swipe program and they benefits from these programs that they have gotten as graduate students at UC Irvine. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Budgeting for Food
    • Episode 34: Join Aimee and Safa as they discuss the benefits of meal prepping to save time and money as well as other ways to be effective with your food budget.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Dining Culture
    • Episode 57: Join Aimee, Kamal and Monica as they discuss dining culture in the U.S. such as what to expect at different types of restaurants, budgeting for eating out, and tipping culture.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Welcome Wisdom
    • Episode 72: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator, as she kicks off Season 2 of the GIC Podcast with the former Manager of Graduate International Recruitment and Retention, Aimee Marie Jiang who talks about her history with GIC, UCI and her recommendations for vegan/vegetarian restaurants near campus!
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Renting a Car
    • Episode 22: Aimee and Maryam discuss renting a car and utilizing student discounts for ZipCar.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Life Without a Car Part #1
    • Episode 23: Join Aimee and Nezahat* as they discuss what it is like to use public transportation in the U.S., specifically buses and trains.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Life Without a Car Part #2 
    • Episode 24: Aimee and Jyotsana* discuss getting around campus and nearby without a car. They review options such as walking, biking, and using an electric scooter.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • The DMV
    • Episode 25: Aimee & Tanvi* review how to get your license and access the DMV in California.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Buying a New Car
    • Episode 26: Aimee and Francis discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a new car. They review the steps they take when looking into purchasing a car and some of the requirements in order to take one home.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Buying a Used Car
    • Episode 27: Aimee and Vidya discuss pros and cons of purchasing used cars and what research they do before purchasing a car.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Buying Bikes
    • Episode 28: Join Aimee, Mak* and Lucas* as they discuss buying new and used bikes in Orange County.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Dealing with Culture Shock
    • Episode 12: Join Aimee and Blanca as they discuss the stages of Culture Shock and how normal these experiences can be for everyone.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Accessing the Student Health Center
    • Episode 36: Join Aimee and Will as they discuss accessing the Student Health Center and getting referrals to specialty care. Note: Aimee and Will are not medical experts. In this podcast, they share their experiences accessing health care in the U.S. 
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Pharmacies and Over the Counter Medications
    • Episode 37: Join Aimee and Jialin as they discuss what it is like to use pharmacies in the U.S. and how to get your prescription and non-prescription medications. Note: Aimee and Jialin are not medical doctors. They share their experiences utilizing pharmacies and picking up medications. For specifics, we encourage you to discuss with doctors.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts  
  • Urgent Care
    • Episode 38: Join Aimee and Ishita as they discuss their experiences utilizing urgent care in the U.S. and the differences from their understanding between urgent and emergency care. Note: Aimee and Ishita are not medical doctors. For detailed questions or in emergency situations, please call 911 or reach out to necessary medical doctors.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Student Health Center and Student Health Insurance
    • Episode 39: Join Melisa* and Catherine as they discuss utilizing the Student Health Center and the basics of student health insurance.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Establishing Work/Life Balance
    • Episode 42: Join Melisa* and Hemangi as they discuss forming healthy habits and making sure to have balance in your work and personal life.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Counseling Center Basics
    • Episode 44: Join Dr. Bessel and Aimee as they discuss the counseling center and individual appointments. This is part one of a three part series. Part three will be launching later in the quarter.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • ARC Services
    • Episode 45: Join Aimee and Sharanya as they discuss the Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) and the services provided by this campus resources.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • TW: Student perspective: The Counseling Center
    • Episode 54: TW (Trigger Warning) This episode includes conversations about mental health including depression, anxiety, panic, and suicide ideation. Discretion is advised. Join Aimee and Balam as they discuss his experiences utilizing group and individual campus therapy services as well as off campus services with in-network providers.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Imposter Syndrome
    • Episode 59: Join Aimee (Manager of International Student Recruitment and Retention, Amelle (Outreach and Retention Coordinator) and Phong (Director of Wellness and Inclusion) as they discuss what imposter syndrome is and how it can impact your graduate academic journey.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Exercise and Outdoor Activities
    • Episode 67: Join Melisa and Josh as they discuss ways to exercise and activities that are popular to do outdoors in Southern California.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • The International Center
    • Episode 4: Megan and Jane from UC Irvine’s International Center join us to share more about their programming and support services.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Travel Deals
    • Episode 63: Join Aimee and Sukriti as they discuss travel deals and how to save money when exploring the U.S., attending conferences, or visiting family and friends.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Weekend Trips Around Irvine
    • Episode 64: Aimee and Sukriti once again discuss traveling and stick to places near Irvine that you can visit for short quick trips.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Portable Perspectives: Immigration Insights
    • Episode 76: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Vicka, Co-Founder & COO @ Imera as they discuss the importance of knowing the various options or pathways international students may have to obtaining different types of visas that go beyond the student visa. Please note that anything discussed on this episode should not be taken as official legal advise – you should consult with your own attorney before making any decisions regarding your non-immigrant or immigrant status.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Making Friends Part 1
    • Episode 6: Join Aimee and previous GIC Mentor Yufan* as they discuss making friends and how to get connected to community at UC Irvine.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Making Friends Part 2
    • Episode 7: Join Aimee and previous GIC Mentor Giovanna* as they discuss building friends as a graduate student and where to meet people outside of your academics.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Transitioning to the West Coast
    • Episode 15: Have you been in the U.S. but not in California? Have you visited before but not California? Aimee and Christian are not originally from California and share their experiences transitioning to California and the Irvine area.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Family Resources
    • Episode 18: Join Aimee and Juan Camilo as they discuss resources on campus for those who begin their graduate journey with partners and/or kids or have them along the way.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Common Scams
    • Episode 21: Aimee and Arieyshma discuss common text, phone call, and email scams to look out for in the U.S. and how to protect yourself from the most common scams.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Joining Clubs Part 1
    • Episode 46: Join Aimee and Christian as they discuss joining clubs, going to the Anteater Recreation Fair, and ways to build community.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Joining Clubs Part 2
    • Episode 47: Join Aimee and Thea as they discuss joining clubs, where to find interesting clubs, and building community while in graduate school.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Where to Find Events
    • Episode 48: Join Aimee and Christian as they discuss where to find events on campus for professional development, academics, and community building.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • TW: Dating Culture
    • Episode 55: TW (Trigger Warning) Sexual Assault. ⁠UCI CARE⁠ provides free and confidential support services to members of the UCI community who have been impacted by sexual assault, relationship abuse, family violence and/or stalking.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Tipping Culture
    • Episode 56: Join Aimee and Jina as they discuss things you should know about tipping culture in the U.S.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Concerts, Venues, and Exploring Southern California Events
    • Episode 62: Join Aimee and Vidya as they discuss concerts and events in Southern California as well as how to find events happening in the area.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Student Discounts
    • Episode 66: Join Melisa and Elsie as they discuss utilizing student discounts and best places to get discounts in the local area as a student.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Hikes and Activities in OC
    • Episode 68: Join Aimee and Balam as they discuss their favorite places for hiking and favorite things to do in Orange County.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Amusement Parks in SoCal
    • Episode 70: Join Aimee, Hugo, and Maryam as they talk about their favorite amusement parks in southern California. They discuss prices, rides, and which parks are more family friendly.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • State and National Parks
    • Episode 71: Join Aimee and Yang as they discuss exploring the California and National Parks within California.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • My Comfort Corner: Diwali Diaspora
    • Episode 73: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator, and Ishita, GIC Peer Mentor, as she shares how she has made Irvine her home away from home.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • My Comfort Corner: Kitchen Kinship
    • Episode 75: Join Jeferson, GIC Peer Mentor, and Anais, GIC Peer Mentor, as she shares how she has made Irvine her home away from home.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • My Comfort Corner: Teacup Tales
    • Episode 78: Join Fran and Anushka, current GIC Peer Mentors as Anushka shares how she has been able to make Irvine her home away from home.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Halloween Special: Anteater Apparitions
    • Episode 79: Join Catherine and Ruth, Manager of Graduate International Recruitment and Retention as Ruth shares some of the urban legends of the UC Irvine campus. Please note that these urban legends are passed down student to student and details may have changed throughout the years. These ghostly stories have not been confirmed or denied and stories as to how these started are also speculation.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Savings and Banking
    • Episode 33: Join Aimee and Ishita as they discuss the importance of savings accounts and managing your finances during graduate school.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Starting a Bank Account
    • Episode 35: Join Melisa and Joseph* as they discuss starting a bank account in the U.S.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Portable Perspectives: Money Matters
    • Episode 77: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Sara, Founder and COO of Adro as they discuss how to build financial literacy and navigate U.S. financial services with confidence. Please note that anything discussed on this episode is for general informational purposes. This is not official financial advice as any decisions you make regarding your financial plans are up to you and only you.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 
  • Portable Perspectives: Tax Talk
    • Episode 80: Join Catherine, GIC Podcast Coordinator and Anna Fitzpatrick, Account Manager at Sprintax as she goes over tax forms, filings and common mistakes international students should be aware of. Please note that anything discussed on this episode is for general informational purposes. This is not official tax advice as any decisions you decide to make regarding your taxes, including any services you may or may not use, are up to you and only you.
    • Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts