
Wise Grad
By Saint Sanj

Wise GradJun 06, 2022

EP 32: At Home, Abroad : Life of an International Student in Sweden
Studying abroad can loads of happiness, good times and good friends. In this episode, we wrap up the experiences of International Students in Sweden with Sahil, a student at Malmö University. We see how he was able to make friends and fit-in in his new home. Listen in and let this episode set your mind at ease!

EP 31: Living in A Student City - Academic Life & Challenges
In 2021, the Swedish National Union of Students named Malmö the Student City of the Year 2021/22. They describe Malmö as a city to live and thrive in both before, during and after their studies and the students are seen as an obvious part of the city's development. I took a trip to the student center to speak with Beatrice, Olexander and Shirin about their experiences in this city and the University. Beatrice gives us her Swedish perspective, Olexander, his Ukrainian perspective and Shirin, her Pakistani perspective.
They brought with them fantastic tips for students in Sweden and beyond!
This episode was made in collaboration with Malmö University, education where diversity makes the difference.

EP 30: What I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Sweden: Stories from Malmö with Jed
There are a million questions dancing in your mind before you hop on that plane and move to another country to study. Will it really happen? Will I succeed? Will I make friends? The list goes on and on! After the honeymoon phase and all the fun in introduction weeks, it's time to face school and the challenges head-on. But this drive might be hindered by some small obstacles, things you wish you knew before you arrived. In this episode, I interview Jed, a finalising student at Malmö University. He tells us about his life in Malmö and some of the things he wishes he knew before his arrival date.
This episode was made in collaboration with Malmö University, education where diversity makes the difference.

EP 29: Healthy Routines for Successful Students
Have you ever had a healthy routine? Why do students prefer the unhealthy routines of cramming the night before an exam, heightening stress and anxiety and feeding on cup ramen because we are short on 'time'? In this episode I talk about HEALTHY ROUTINES for students that will surely set you up for success, from exercise and diet to sailing and rest, There's something for everyone in this episode. Let's start some healthy routines.
Reference: Sharma A, Madaan V, Petty FD. Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;8(2):106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a

EP 28: How To Write The Best Essay EVER - 7 TIPS
Whether it's for an exam or an assignment, writing the best essay is a difficult task for many students. In this episode, I give you first-hand tips (all tested and tried) to help you understand what your lecturer needs, so you can write a SOLID essay. I hope you enjoy this episode of WG, lets go!

EP 27: Jamaica's Crime Rate - Special Criminology Edition with Chevauni Blair from Love 101 FM
Hi Wise Grads!
This week we change things up a bit. I've been placed in the hot seat and questions about the increasing crime rate in Jamaica were thrown at me. Jamaica stands as one of the most violent countries in the world. The tropical paradise has seen huge increases in crime despite having numerous health and crime lockdowns. In this episode, I talk about my life in general with Chevauni Blair (Love 101 FM) and give some pointers for the stakeholders in Jamaica in my capacity as a Criminologist. Listen in and enjoy!
- Sanjay (Saint Sanj)

EP 26: Graduate Studies Abroad - the Pros and Cons of Immigration
Yes, Graduates students are a resilient set of people who have left their home country to survive and thrive in unknown territories. While studying abroad has its glamour, there are some hiccups that may hinder your progress. For example, PhD students in Sweden are now questioning their next step, following the changes to Sweden's Aliens Act which has affected their fair chance of gaining of permanent residence (an opportunity they've had for years).
Listen to the PROS and CONS of immigration in this episode!
This episode features two guests, one being Kreema James, The Chair of Lund University's Medical Doctoral Student Union.

EP 25: Elective Courses: Drop Out or Stick it Out?
Students have to take elective courses. While this decision may sound easy, for some it is one of the hardest decisions to make. Should I take the easy course? How about the challenging one? Should I take a course with my friends? In any case, most of us (if not all) end up at a crossroads. Should I DROP OUT of this course or should I STICK IT OUT? This episode will help you weigh the pros and cons by walking through several scenarios you might face as a student who enrolled in a pesky little elective course. Let's go!

EP 24: Pandemic Planning and Networking for Graduate Students
It's been over a year since the pandemic started. With the changes that we all had to adapt to, graduate students all over the world have sunken into really stressful times. While we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it might be wise to make plans that will relieve our stress and put us in a better place as we head towards finishing our degrees. Dr Tina Persson, the author of The PhD Career Coaching Guide is the guest for this episode. Her solid advice will have you back on the road to success in no time! It's a fun episode, so buckle up and Let's Go!

EP 23: Breaking Free - Reaping the benefits of Interdisciplinary Studies
Have you ever considered an interdisciplinary approach to learning? Well, studies show that students who engage in these approaches can actually maximize the reach of their research. In this episode, I speak to Varun Pradhan, a recent graduate of Anant National University in India, who paused law for a bit to add the built environment to his resume. He speaks openly about his experience and reflects on how it has helped him to grow.

EP 22: 6 Tips for Building Your Personal Brand with Caribe Breese (Digital Marketer)
People often struggle with creating a portfolio that will make them stand out. In this digital age, it is even more important to develop a personal brand that will facilitate your success and allow you to compete within your field. In this episode, Caribe Breese, a London-based Digital Marketing Executive, shares her story of success resilience and success. Given her expertise, she leaves 6 SOLID TIPS for everyone to build their personal brand. Grab your pen and paper!

EP 21: The Battle: Friendships vs. Career
After some deep thinking, I came to the conclusion that we all go through a period where we start evaluating our friendships. Are they beneficial? Are they adding any value to our lives? You see, when thinking about your growth and professional development, it is important to have core friends around you. They help to lessen the burden and provide good support. However, as we get older, friendships fade and it becomes even harder to make new friends. This episode discusses the topic of friendship and career and has three 'life lesson' points for you to consider. Let's chat!

EP 20: Being Resilient: Combating Social Issues as a Student w/ Deandrah Cameron
Students face a number of issues, some academic and some social. These issues usually increase when their families move abroad. Deandrah Cameron a recent graduate of Rutgers University and an MPH candidate at the Rutgers School of Public Health (Health Systems and Policy) shares her story of moving from Jamaica to the USA with her family and facing the social issues she faced. Her story is one of resilience, perseverance, and success. Have a great time listening. (Part 1 of 2)

EP 19: How To Get Into Grad School with a Low GPA
Getting into GRAD SCHOOL is a challenging task for many students. In this episode, Saint Sanj helps students who do not have the most glamourous academic profiles with their Grad School applications. Getting in might be easier than you think. Be CREATIVE! Let's go!

EP 18: Navigating Issues of Racism and Discrimination in College (with Shelby McPhee)
Issues of racism and discrimination have crippled the progress of many black student and student of colour. Recent events in the US have highlighted that racism is a growing problem on many college campuses. On this episode, I talk about my own experiences with racism and discuss with my cohost Shelby Mcphee the ways in which colleges can work towards alleviating the problems these students face.
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EP 17: What's Your Passion? Exploring the Benefits of Flexible Passions with Monique
Sometimes we have this strong urge to do something great, but fear comes in the way. In this episode, Monique from Petit Squares shares how she chased fear away and dived head-on into her passion, MATCHA! The thriving entrepreneur shows how her business will help her to pay off school and gain even more success in the global market. Let's go!

EP 16: 6 Tips To Get Ready For The New Semester
Getting ready for the new school semester can be a nerve-racking task. You might have so much to do and so little time, plus you might not know what is REALLY important on your TO-DO list? Listen as Saint Sanj helps you prepare for the new semester and THRIVE. Subscribe to WISE GRAD at wisegrad.org

EP 15: Mastering School, Work & Living in Japan (Teaching Abroad Pt2.)
On this episode, Olivia shares more on how she conquered working, going to school and living in Japan. She talks about the stress of it all, racial issues and how to cope if ever take this big leap. This is the second part of a 2 part interview and Olivia surely gets personal with us. Listen in and allow her bubbly personality to motivate you and make you THRIVE.
Head to wisegrad.org for more episodes and subscribe to the youtube channel
Remember to check out Olivia's podcast on youtube

EP 14: How Teaching Abroad Can Help You Pay Off Your Student Loans
Some students end up racking up a lot of debt while engaging their degree program. While many can easily repay loans and gain financial freedom, some are stuck and are limited in their options. In recent years, many qualified students have taught English as a foreign language in Japan, Korea and China just to name a few. On this episode, I interview Olivia, a talented Jamaican living in Japan who managed to not only get student loans off her back but also enhanced her career while living in Japan. Have a listen!
Head to wisegrad.org for more episodes and subscribe to the youtube channel
Remember to check out Olivia's podcast on youtube

EP 13: Dear Class of 2020 - Here’s What You Need After Graduation
Cheers to the Class of 2020. The class that overcame the impossible! Your sleepless nights, stressful days and assignments filled weekends are over. This episode of Wise Grad not only celebrates you but will help you to move on to the next big thing. Forget about the worries and strife and have a listen to an episode that will help you THRIVE!
Thanks to all who made this episode possible: Andrew, Chad-Anthony, Shannon, Jameela ‘The HR Boss’ & Osharie ‘The Career and Business Guru’. Credits to Phortissimo for the Intro music.
Visit WiseGrad.org and check out our Youtube Channel

EP 12: Tips for Landing an International Opportunity
Everyone wants a BIG opportunity in their career and some of us are eager to grab one overseas. But what’s the first step? Listen as Oluwchi and Monique share their story and some golden tips on landing that international opportunity. Saint Sanj even drops some tinder references and struggles to remain the host of the podcast in this Jamaican Nigerian takeover. Enjoy! Remember to head to wisegrad.org and subscribe to the new YouTube channel

EP 11: So You Want To Study Abroad? My Story and Tips For the Big Step
It's a big step to pack up all your things and head to another country for your studies. It will make some of us worry about the challenges that we might face and nervous about trying to fit in. With research showing many benefits of heading abroad for your college experience, I think it is well worth it. In this episode, I give my humble advice and share a bit about my study abroad experience. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

EP 10: How to be Productive While Working From Home
Working from home can be quite a challenge, especially if it's your first time. Right now the world is experiencing the pandemic that is the COVID19/Coronavirus and many people have been forced to work from home. However, with these changes, we might be overworked, stressed and just simply unproductive. Hear from Osharie, the career and business guru, as she lays down the tips that helped her for over four years. Let's go!
visit thecareerandbusinessguru.com for more information on Osharie.

EP 09: How to become a Successful Entrepreneur: Tips from David Israel (Good Planet Foods)
Many students would love to be successful entrepreneurs. However, many are hindered by several obstacles. In this episode David Israel, a serial entrepreneur shares his story of success and how a negative experience of incarceration barely scoffed his drive. Listen in, these tips are golden!

EP 08: Coping Abroad (Is Grad School Worth It? Pt. 2)
On this episode we will jump right back into our chat with Lanvell and listen as he copes with doing a Masters in Public Health in Wales. From Jamaica to Wales on a Chevening scholarship! I hope it will inspire you! Make sure to check out the fist part of the interview (Episode 7)

EP 07: Is Grad school worth it? (Pt. 1)
Is GRAD school worth it? Episode 07 In this episode Saint Sanj interviews Lanvell, a Graduate student in Wales...5000 miles from his hometown in Jamaica! He speaks on his Chevening scholarship and what how engaging a masters program has changed his outlook on many things. Most importantly, we find out if it's even worth doing in the first place. This podcast is for you!
*This is a 2 part interview. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #WiseGrad

EP 06: Tips for A Successful Thesis Season
Episode 6 is finally here! Episode 6 is the second part of the 2-part series on thesis/dissertation. This episode is packed with tips to help you THRIVE during your thesis season. It’s never fun to navigate this period on your own. Now you have the podcast, listen and be great. Let's Go!

EP 05: Getting Started With Your Thesis or Dissertation
Thesis, Dissertation, Capstone Project, whatever you want to call it, many students are intimidated by the idea of conducting research or designing a big project. In Episode number 5, I will try to calm your nerves and help you get started with what could be the best part of your degree program. Let's go!

EP 04: Christmas Special: How To Organise Your Space & Improve Your Mental Health
Treat yourself to self-improvement and organisational tips for the new year /new decade from Maryam, curator of @homganize on Instagram and Saint Sanj from @WiseGrad. This episode also has a little holiday vibe! Tis' the season!
Studies show that an organised space can improve your mental health and productivity. As we reflect on the past year and seek to make improvements for 2020, it's easy to place unrealistic goals on yourself. In this episode Mayram provides easy tips that will make your dreams of being organised a reality.

EP 03: Tips for Living in a Campus Dorm
There are many thing to consider when moving to UNI. This may include your living situation. In this episode I will begin the whole living series and give you tips for your new college life. Already living on a dorm? Tune in now and don't make the mistake that others have made. Enjoy!

EP 02: 6 Signs You Should Change Your Major
WOW! This topic might be a sensitive one for many, but we must speak about it. Some of us are really pursuing the wrong dreams and are currently stuck at a crossroads. Here are some things you should look out for that could signal a need for a MAJOR CHANGE! This episode is co-hosted by Kathy, a graduate student in Norway and former digital ambassador for Study In Sweden.

EP 01: Intro + How to Get Scholarships
Frustrated by scholarship applications? This episode covers all the basics to help you get that scholarship. I also give a short introduction of the podcast and say my name at least 5 times! Tune in and send questions/stories to wisegradpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to Wise Grad
Here is a quick teaser of the newest podcast for Students!