Developing and discovering joy abroad.

Joy Worldwide Inc. is a non-profit 501c3 corporation that provides education, advocacy, and scholarship programs for African American students pursuing study abroad opportunities.

Our mission is to create a pathway of self-discovery, cross-cultural connection, and impactful change for individuals and our community.

Meet our Spring 2025 Scholarship Recipients

  • A young woman with long, twisted black hair, smiling in front of a white brick wall, wearing a gray blazer over a polka dot top.

    Dominique Gooden

    STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA

  • Smiling man wearing a white collared shirt, against a plain background.

    Kaelen Baly

    STUDYING IN ENGLAND

  • A woman with curly hair smiling, wearing a lavender blazer over a white top, posing against a gray background.

    Adriana Morgan

    STUDYING IN BRAZIL

  • A woman with long blonde braids, smiling, wearing a white blouse and black cardigan, standing outdoors at night.

    Vicktryl Mbakwa

    STUDYING IN SPAIN

  • A young man smiling and wearing a purple dress shirt, standing outdoors in front of green leafy trees.

    Nicholas Carter

    STUDYING IN JAPAN

  • A smiling young woman with curly black hair wearing a bright pink sleeveless top with a bow detail, standing outdoors in a lush green park with flowering plants and trees in the background.

    Olivia Shaffer

    STUDYING IN SPAIN

  • A woman taking a selfie inside a car, with houses and cars visible through the window behind her.

    Ashley Nelson

    STUDYING IN ARGENTINA

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“I truly enjoyed being part of the Joy Worldwide Inc. Study Abroad Scholarship Program. What made this program really special, though, was how much it encouraged reflection and connection.

The monthly questions gave me a chance to slow down and really think about what I was learning and feeling throughout my journey.

Honestly, Joy Worldwide felt like so much more than just a scholarship program; it felt like a community that supported and celebrated our entire study abroad experience.”

Adriana Morgan - Spring 2025

Learn more about our scholarship programs

Are you ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Apply for one of our scholarship programs today!

Every transformation begins with reflection

  • Healthy Lifestyles

    Studying abroad offers the chance to learn about the healthy lifestyles of a host country by exploring its food culture, physical activity habits, healthcare practices, and social norms around wellness, gaining a deeper understanding of local approaches to health and well-being.

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  • Family Structures

    Studying abroad offers the opportunity to learn about the family structures of a host country by immersing yourself in local social norms, interacting with host families, and observing how familial roles, values, and relationships shape daily life and community dynamics.

    Read more

  • Sustainability

    Studying abroad allows you to learn about the sustainability practices of a host country by observing its environmental policies, waste management systems, renewable energy initiatives, and community engagement in eco-friendly practices, providing a firsthand look at how sustainability is integrated into daily life.

    Read more

  • Financial Literacy

    Studying abroad allows students to learn about the financial literacy of the host country by understanding its banking systems, tax structures, cost of living, and cultural attitudes toward savings and spending, giving valuable insights into its economic landscape.

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  • Political Involvement

    Studying abroad provides the opportunity to learn about the political involvement of a country by engaging in local discussions, observing government policies in action, and experiencing firsthand the political climate and public participation in civic life.

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Read student reflections at our blog

FAQs

  • International education expands our minds to see the world from a new lens, challenges us to reimagine our lives and experiences, and allows us to celebrate and embrace different cultures. This enthralling experience forever changes us and puts us on a trajectory for continued learning and cross-cultural connection.

    We recognize the transformative benefits of international education and aim to widen access to it across the African American community.

  • There is a large gap between races traveling abroad and having international experiences. During the 2018-2019 academic year, Black students studied abroad at their highest rate to date at 6.4%. However, White students make up 68.7% of study abroad students. These experiences are critical to a community that is disenfranchised due to systemic racism in the United States.

    We aim to bridge the gap and create a pathway of self-discovery, cross-cultural connection, and impactful change through providing financial assistance for international education to African American students.

  • We are pleased to present our 2024 Impact Report, a comprehensive overview of our initiatives and achievements over the past year. This report highlights our commitment to our mission of creating pathways to study abroad for African American college students, showcasing the tangible outcomes of our efforts.

    Read our 2024 Impact Report

  • By sponsoring our programs, you will:

    • Show your commitment to a world where every student has the ability to experience international education.

    • Gain access to a diverse talent pipeline to satisfy the need for an incoming globally competent workforce.

    • Increase brand recognition and awareness for a burgeoning group of new travelers.

    Learn more here about partnerships

  • Drawing from her own global journey, Joy brings stories and insights that spark passion, inspire purpose, and empower people to see their place in the world and how they can make a difference. Click here for more information.

Joy Donnelly

Joy is the founder and Executive Director of Joy Worldwide Inc. She is a Manager at American Express Global Business Travel and has worked in the travel industry for over 8 years.

Her first international educational experience was studying abroad for a semester at the Universitá Cattolica in Milan, Italy. She then went on to complete her MBA at IAE Gustave Eiffel business school in Paris, France.

She now resides in New York City.

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Empower a generation of African American students to become global citizens that use their knowledge to build their careers, pour into their community, and impact change.

“Studying abroad not only allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and explore the beauty of the city, but it also pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover more about who I am. My time abroad ignited a passion for cultural connection, personal growth, and creating impact beyond borders.”

Aricka Coriolan - Spring 2025