EP 25: Elective Courses: Drop Out or Stick it Out?

Public speaking is a vital skill that empowers individuals to express themselves effectively, share ideas, and inspire action. Whether addressing a small group or a large audience, the ability to speak with confidence and clarity is essential in both personal and professional contexts. For many, this is a serious challenge. In this episode, I give insightful tips that can benefit students and non-students alike. I took some tips from my Skill Session course where I presented on 'The HeArt of public speaking' You'll like this sandwich!

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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)

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.

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!

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!