New podcast episode series explores the international student experience

by | May 13, 2026 | Visibility As Inclusion | 0 comments

The RMIT University Library Podcast launched late last year, sharing conversations with researchers, teachers and students from across the university. The podcast explores ideas shaping teaching, research, technology, culture and the future of academic libraries.

A recent episode series focuses on the International Student Experience, asking: What is it really like to study in a new country, socially, academically and emotionally?

In the opening episode of this new series, Learning, Teaching and Research Librarian Michelle Matheson speaks with Professor Catherine Gomes, an ethnographer whose research explores international student wellbeing, communication, culture and identity, and transient migration.

Their conversation highlights the complexity and diversity of international student experiences. Professor Gomes discusses common misconceptions about international students, the challenges they may encounter while studying abroad, and the social, academic and emotional dimensions of navigating life in a new country.

The episode also considers how universities can better understand and support international students, including approaches that help foster connection, belonging and wellbeing across learning environments.

Subscribe to the RMIT University Library Podcast on your preferred podcast platform to hear the latest episode and stay up to date with upcoming conversations in our International Student Experience interview series. Produced and created by RMIT University library staff in the Learning, Teaching and Research team.

What is it really like to study in a new country, socially, academically, and emotionally? In this episode, Learning, Teaching and Research Librarian Michelle Matheson talks with Professor Catherine Gomes, an ethnographer whose research explores three interrelated areas: international student wellbeing, communication, culture and identity, and transient migrations. We hear from Professor Gomes about some of the misconceptions about international students, experiences that are commonly challenging, and approaches for supporting international students that are or could be undertaken at universities.

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