International Student Experience (includes mini documentary)

To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here.

“The International Student Experience” is a short documentary that explores the hopes, challenges, and legal roadblocks faced by international students studying in the United States. Centered around the stories of three students—Alejandra from Mexico, Franco from Venezuela, and Fiorella from Colombia—the film dives into the uncertainty they face after graduation, when the dream of staying in the U.S. becomes tangled in immigration policy, paperwork, and the race against time. Through their personal reflections, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of what it means to strive for stability in a system that often feels stacked against them.

The documentary also features insight from immigration attorneys and experts like John de la Vega and the team at Visapro Consultants, who help explain programs like OPT (Optional Practical Training) and the sponsorship hurdles that stand in the way of permanent employment. With over a thousand student visas revoked in early 2025 alone, the film highlights how even minor missteps can upend years of progress—and why proper legal guidance and early planning are essential for those looking to stay.

At its heart, “The International Student Experience” is not just about visas and bureaucracy—it’s about resilience. This film amplifies voices often overlooked in national immigration conversations. These students are not just statistics. They are talented, hardworking individuals who enrich U.S. communities and economies, all while carrying the emotional weight of uncertainty. Their journeys are a reminder that behind every visa status is a person fighting to stay.

Claudia Aure

​​Claudia Aure was born in Venezuela and is now a senior majoring in Digital and Interactive Media with a certificate in Music Business. After graduation, Claudia hopes to further her career in the music industry, focusing on marketing and developing creative concepts for artists and their projects.

Mariana Brime

Mariana Brime is a junior majoring in Digital Communications and Media at FIU, as well as a member of the Honors College. With a Mexican background, she is fully bilingual and passionate about Hispanic and Latino issues. After college, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations and communications.

Dave J. Fair

Dave J. Fair, a transfer student from the University of Colorado, is pursuing a dual major in Digital Communication and Media and Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity at Florida International University. Dave is passionate about the outdoors and committed to raising awareness about preserving our national parks. He enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and creating video content showcasing his adventures. As Vice President of FIU’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), he supported aspiring Hispanic media professionals and fostered community engagement.

Saylid Lopez

Saylid Lopez is a Venezuelan native and a junior majoring in Digital Media and TV Production. Upon completing her studies, she intends to pursue a career in filmmaking, with a particular focus on the entertainment industry. Her work aims to highlight and address significant cultural issues through visual storytelling.