Alumni Stories: Jaylen Minard in Thailand
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
I studied for an academic year in Salaya, Thailand during the 2024-2025 school year. My choice of studying in Thailand was greatly due to my intrest of studying the LGBTQ+ community, and with Thailand's notorious queer inclusivity, I thought their was no better place to study this topic.
Student Spotlight: Zoe Touray in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus was explained to me as a unitarian government with a president as the seat of power. Much like the US, they have a house of representatives as a sovereign and independent republic. The centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) is the largest and leading political party in Cyprus, currently holding 17 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives.
Travel as a Catalyst for Community Change
Studying abroad is more than a chance to explore new cities or check off bucket-list destinations. For scholarship students, it’s a transformative opportunity — a way to step outside your comfort zone, connect with diverse communities, and create meaningful impact both personally and socially.
Corporate Giving: Increase your Impact using Benevity and Fidelity Charitable
Giving back is powerful, but did you know that your company can help you make an even bigger difference? Many employers offer programs and platforms that make it easy to amplify your support for the causes you care about.
Student Spotlight: Temilade Onile in Greece
I would say that Greeks take a more natural approach to food as fresh fruit, produce, meats etc are very accessible. They have a very Mediterranean diet with plenty red onions, tomatoes, seafood and fresh ingredients. I haven't noticed anything yet pertaining to traditions around digestion but I know that they eat a lot of acidic food like tomatoes, lemons, yogurt etc which are good for gut health.
Student Spotlight: Laila Barnes in Scotland
“In Mississippi, we don’t really use public transportation. Here in Edinburgh, Scotland, public transport is the main transportation to any destination. Learning how to navigate it by making sure I catch the bus on time or catch the right bus was a struggle at first. I decided to take a day to ride three main buses just to see where they would take me, and so I could become very familiar with them. I am now a public transportation pro!”
Finding Your People Abroad: The Unexpected Art of Making Friends
When students head overseas, one of the first questions they often ask themselves isn’t about classes, food, or even language—it’s: “How will I make friends?”
On paper, it sounds simple. You pack your bags, arrive in a new country, and meet people from all over the world. But the reality can feel much different. That moment can feel daunting but it’s also where the growth begins.
Why Every Major Can Benefit from Studying Abroad And Where to Go
Studying abroad isn’t just a fun adventure — it’s a career-boosting, perspective-expanding experience that helps students develop global skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. While the benefits are universal, certain majors can gain unique advantages depending on where they study. Here’s a look at a few fields and the best international destinations.
Student Spotlight: Sidney Eramil in Denmark
“I have found it challenging to make friends as I found that many people in my program are attending with groups of friends from their schools which makes it challenging to get to know people. Additionally, it can be quite frustrating knowing that 80% of my study abroad program is white people from the US making it hard to identify and relate to many of them.”
Student Spotlight: Hadija Primus in South Korea
“One challenge that I've encountered is not allowing myself to be okay with not knowing. I've been beating myself up about not being fluent in Korean or freezing up too much when someone starts to speak to me in Korean. I expect myself to be good at navigating through Korea, but that's impossible because this is my first time here. So, I'm having a hard with giving myself a break.”
Why Study Abroad Builds the Leaders of Tomorrow
In today’s global economy, employers are looking for talent that is adaptable, resourceful, and culturally fluent. Study abroad programs cultivate exactly these traits, making students not only academically enriched but ready to thrive in professional environments. By supporting these experiences, donors and partners are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Student Spotlight: Adriana Sneed in France
“One challenge I have encountered is communicating properly within the language. I have had issues at grocery stores where I struggled to explain an issue. I am navigating it by using translate to figure out a word then still talking to them. This is helping me consistently learn new phrases and words everyday. I practice and write down these phrases so I can return to them later. This has made connecting with locals a little harder, but I remain committed to making these connections.”
Student Spotlight: Dana Deloney in Germany
“Upon settling in, I have been challenged by not knowing the language of the country I am studying in. Now, most people in Germany actually do know English, but there are a plethora of things that are NOT in English: every grocery store item, signs, train station names, and a lot more. Unfortunately, Google Translate is not always helpful.”
The Hidden Skills You Gain While Studying Abroad
When people think about studying abroad, they often picture weekend trips to new cities, exploring local cuisines, or practicing a new language with classmates. While all of that is true, there’s another layer to the experience that’s not always obvious: the career-boosting skills you develop along the way.
Adjusting Your Body and Mind Abroad
So, you’ve landed in your host country. The excitement is real, but so is the exhaustion. Between new time zones, different foods, and a brand-new rhythm of life, it’s normal to feel like your body and mind are still catching up. Don’t worry, every student goes through this transition, and with a few intentional steps, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.
Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in Ghana
“During my internship in Ghana, a challenge I encountered was overcoming my fear of asking questions to the hospital's doctors and staff. I addressed this by preparing thoughtful questions in advance, which helped me become more confident in my interactions. It also helped me gain deeper insights on the healthcare systems and procedures.”
Building Community Abroad and Embracing the Challenges
Studying abroad is a powerful adventure — filled with new languages, unfamiliar streets, and moments of wonder. But alongside the excitement come real challenges: feeling far from home, navigating cultural differences, and figuring out how to belong in a place that isn’t yet yours. Here are a few ways students can build community abroad — and how those challenges along the way become opportunities for growth.
Student Spotlight: Zaria Samuel in Colombia
“One challenge I’ve encountered so far is adjusting to the language and giving myself grace as I continue to learn Spanish. All of my classes, most of my friends, and my roommates speak only Spanish, which is both an incredible gift and an exciting stretch for me. While it can be mentally exhausting at times to understand and express myself fully, I’m embracing it as part of the journey.”
Why Adaptability Matters When Studying Abroad
In a new country, things rarely go exactly as planned — and that’s not a bad thing. Whether it’s navigating unfamiliar public transport, adjusting to cultural norms, or just figuring out where to get groceries, your ability to adapt is one of the most important tools you’ll bring with you. In this post, we explore why adaptability is essential for students studying abroad and how it can positively shape your academic, social, and personal experience.
Building Your Network Before You Even Arrive: Getting Connected Abroad
Studying abroad strongly revolves around making connection along the way. And while many students wait until they’ve landed to meet people, the strongest study abroad experiences often begin with a network that’s built before departure.
Here’s how students can begin creating meaningful connections — locally and globally — before arriving in their host country: