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:
What to Expect in Your First Week Abroad
You’ve packed your bags, said your goodbyes, and stepped off the plane—now what? Your first week abroad can be one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of your study abroad journey. At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe preparation is key, so we’re breaking down what to expect and how to make the most of it.
Apps & Hacks to Use to Get Ready for Study Abroad
Preparing to study abroad isn’t just about buying luggage and checking your passport—it’s about getting organized, informed, and mentally ready for a big life transition. Whether you're weeks or months away from departure, here are the tools, apps, and mindset hacks that are helpful to keep you on track:
Changing the Narrative: Black Representation in Global Education
Study abroad should reflect the world we live in—dynamic, evolving, and rooted in transformation.
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe representation isn’t a detail—it’s the foundation for global opportunity, empowerment, and belonging.
What Makes a Great Foundation Partner? How We Collaborate for Global Access
At Joy Worldwide Inc., our mission is clear: to create equitable access to global experiences for the African American youth who have historically been left out of the study abroad narrative. But we don’t do this work alone. Behind every life-changing passport stamp and cultural exchange is a network of committed partners who share our vision for a more inclusive world.
So, what makes a great foundation partner?
Bridging the Gap: Why Funding Black Study Abroad Students Matters
Studying abroad is often described as life-changing — and for good reason. It offers the chance to explore new cultures, learn in a global classroom, build lifelong friendships, and grow personally and professionally. But for many Black students, this opportunity remains out of reach as they lack access.
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe international education should be a right, not a luxury. And that belief starts with funding.
Why More Black Students Should Study Abroad—and How to Make It Happen
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. It opens doors to new cultures, ideas, and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Yet, despite these benefits, Black students remain underrepresented in study abroad programs. This gap is not only a missed opportunity for individual growth but also for expanding diversity and inclusion on a global scale.
Partnering for Impact: How Travel Brands Can Support Diverse Global Learning
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe that access to global education isn’t just a privilege—it’s a catalyst for equity, innovation, and community transformation. As more students from historically underrepresented backgrounds seek life-changing experiences abroad, the opportunity and responsibility for travel brands to step up has never been greater.
The Best Study Abroad Destinations for HBCU Students
Studying abroad offers powerful opportunities to expand your worldview, build global networks, and deepen your personal and academic journey.
If you're an HBCU student wondering where to go, here are some of the top study abroad destinations that offer rich cultural exchange, academic excellence, and meaningful opportunities for students of color:
Student Spotlight: Dominique Gooden in Australia
“The best way I can describe family life in my host country is casual and intentional. Many couples have kids and are intentional with protecting their time to be present with their families outside of work and during holidays. Many employers also recognize that employees are deeply involved in family life and may be juggling work and raising children. So there is not much pressure for employees to engage in work when they are not 'on the clock'.”
How Joy Worldwide Is Expanding Global Education Access for African American Students
International education doesn’t just change where you are — it changes who you become. It opens minds, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and empowers students to reimagine their potential on a global scale.
However, there is a large gap between races traveling abroad and having international experiences as Black students reached a record high of 6.4% participation in study abroad programs during the 2018–2019 academic year.
Self-Care Tips for the Weeks Before You Study Abroad
As exciting as it is to prepare for a study abroad experience, the weeks leading up to departure can feel like a blur of logistics, goodbyes, and anticipation. That’s why these days deserve care. Not just planning, but real, intentional self-care.
Here are a few ways to stay grounded, present, and even joyful during the transition.