Landing to Thriving: The International Student Journey, Start to Finish

Recorded: October 18, 2026 · ~89 minutes · Live discussion + Q&A

Summary

A live discussion on the international student journey from landing to career — the culture shock and classroom surprises of arriving in the US, money basics every student needs, visa timelines and green-card paths, knowing your rights, and launching your career through networking and reputation — with live viewer Q&A. Co-hosted by the Seyi Odewale Foundation and Conversations with Tiley.

Key Takeaways

• Open a US bank account and build a budget from day one — and work toward 6–9 months of expenses saved.
• Build community early and don’t isolate yourself — even introverts have to connect; closed mouths don’t get fed.
• Know your visa timeline early — don’t wait until OPT to think about the H-1B lottery or EB green-card paths.
• Know your rights — if you’re ever pulled over, stay in your car with your hands on the steering wheel.
• Start your career plan long before graduation — “if you start thinking about launching when you’re close to graduation, it’s too late.”
• Networking runs on reputation and little opportunities — treat people the way you want to be treated.

Chapters

• 00:00 — Starting soon & mic check
• 16:09 — Welcome & introductions: Arin and Tiley
• 20:39 — Setting the topic: from landing to thriving
• 21:33 — Landing: culture shock and classroom surprises
• 30:51 — Surviving: money basics — accounts, budgeting, emergency funds
• 40:00 — Visa timelines, the H-1B lottery & EB green-card paths
• 45:52 — Know your rights: the pulled-over story
• 50:56 — Launching: careers, networking & reputation
• 62:09 — Live Q&A with viewers
• 82:59 — Wrap-up and how to stay connected

Speakers

• Arin Awenlimobor — Board President, Seyi Odewale Foundation; practicing physician with 10+ years of experience.
• Tiley Akerejola — Host of Conversations with Tiley; technology professional with 20+ years at the intersection of business, technology, and people.