Student Spotlight: Kelci Cunningham in Brazil
How do daily routines—like shopping, cooking, or resting—differ from what you’re used to at home?
I lived in a dorm hall for the fall 2025 semester, I didn't have to buy produce and meats as the dining hall was located next to my building. The American dollar is stronger than a Brazilian Reai, so the groceries and meals I order at restaurants are cheap. There is a street market called Feira that occurs every Tuesday and there, stores and vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. I prefer going to the Feira rather than the grocery store as it can be cheaper.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners Spring 2026
We’re excited to announce the winners of the Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest! These stunning photos capture unique perspectives and unforgettable moments from our participants' study abroad journeys.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Finalists Spring 2026
We’re excited to announce the Joy Worldwide Inc. Study Abroad Photo Contest, where our students can showcase their incredible moments abroad! Whether they’re capturing stunning landscapes, sharing a piece of culture, or snapping themselves in unique destinations, we love seeing the world through their lens. Here are our top finalists in each category:
Student Spotlight: Khalea Johnson in Taiwan
What parts of your daily life abroad now feel normal to you that once felt unfamiliar — and what does that shift reveal about your ability to adapt?
After being in Taiwan for a month, I don’t think I’ve adjusted to my environment just yet. But, I do believe my ability to comprehend spoken Chinese has improved.
The Ripple Effect: When One Woman Studies Abroad
For many women today, studying abroad is seen as an exciting academic opportunity — a chance to travel, learn, and experience new cultures. But beyond the personal benefits, international education often creates a powerful ripple effect that extends far beyond one student’s journey.
When a woman studies abroad, she is not only investing in her own growth. She is also helping reshape expectations, inspire others, and expand what feels possible for future generations.
Student Spotlight: Daijah Scott in The Netherlands
How do daily routines—like shopping, cooking, or resting—differ from what you’re used to at home?
Daily life in the Netherlands differs. Although many people here speak English, Dutch is the primary language, which means that most everyday information, from bathroom signs to grocery labels, and even the advertisements I encounter online is written in Dutch. As a result, I often rely on Google Translate to navigate daily tasks and ensure I am purchasing the correct items.
Women Who Cross Borders: How Study Abroad Became a Pathway for Women’s Empowerment
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on how far women have come—and how education continues to open doors across the world.
Today, women make up the majority of study abroad participants. In fact, studies show that around two-thirds of students who study abroad are women, a trend that has remained consistent for years.
Student Spotlight: Isaiah White in England
How do daily routines—like shopping, cooking, or resting—differ from what you’re used to at home?
Being in the UK has changed my daily routine in what I first thought was a small way, but it has now become definitely noticeable. Shopping has been very tempting here, especially because there are so many options and everything feels easily accessible. I find myself window shopping much more as of right now, whether it’s just walking through local streets or browsing stores in Central London.
How to Navigate Public Transportation While Studying Abroad
For many students, studying abroad is the first time relying on public transportation every single day. At home, you may drive, get rides from family, or live on a campus where everything is walkable. Abroad, buses, metros, trams, and trains quickly become part of your daily routine.
Studying Abroad Isn’t Just an Experience — It’s a Career Strategy
When people think about studying abroad, they usually picture weekend trips, new friends, and unforgettable memories.
And yes, those things are real.
But there’s another side to study abroad that doesn’t get talked about enough:
Studying abroad can be one of the smartest ways to explore what it would actually feel like to build a life and career in another country.
Love Across Time Zones — Staying Connected While Studying Abroad
Valentine’s Day is often about roses, date nights, and being physically close to the people we love. But what happens when love spans continents, time zones, and new life experiences?
How to Plan a Weekend Getaway During Study Abroad
One of the best parts of studying abroad is realizing how close you are to places you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
A weekend getaway can turn your study abroad experience into something even more unforgettable without requiring a big budget or complicated planning.
Here’s how to plan a weekend getaway during study abroad without overspending or stressing yourself out.
Making New Friends While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting experiences you can have but it can also feel surprisingly lonely at first.
You’ve landed in a new country, everything is unfamiliar, and suddenly you’re surrounded by people… yet you don’t know anyone.
The good news? Making friends abroad is absolutely possible—even if you’re introverted, shy, or nervous about putting yourself out there. In fact, many students say the friendships they form abroad become some of the most meaningful of their lives.
Student Spotlight: Mary Napoleon in England
What’s one challenge you’ve already encountered? How are you navigating it so far?
A challenge that I have encountered is remaining conscious of fees and converted prices, especially when it comes to shopping for necessities. To navigate how to reduce the amount of money spent, I asked locals I meet at cafes and events where they normally shop. I started going to the recommended stores an my grocery bill was almost half the price in the stores they recommended compared to where I was going previously.
Student Spotlight: Quirino Griffin in Japan
What’s one challenge you’ve already encountered? How are you navigating it so far?
One challenge I've come across is the language barrier, especially when learning Japanese. It's been more difficult than I thought, and with a hectic schedule, finding consistent time to practice takes work. Even though I usually comprehend parts of what people say, ordering food or dealing with little daily interactions can still be scary at times.
Alumni Stories: Brooklyn Washington in France
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
In Fall 2024, I studied abroad in Aix en Provence, France. I chose this location because of its rich language and culture immersion program, which allowed me to complete my last four French classes for my minor.
Honoring MLK’s Global Legacy: How Travel Shaped a Movement
Every year on the third Monday of January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a visionary leader whose commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence reshaped the United States and inspired the world. While Dr. King is most often remembered for his leadership in the American civil rights movement, fewer people realize how deeply his worldview was shaped by experiences beyond U.S. borders.
Alumni Stories: Adriana Morgan in Brazil
I studied abroad in Brazil, in a city called Belo Horizonte. What drew me there was really the chance to do something different. A lot of study abroad options at my school were in Europe, and while that’s amazing, I wanted to challenge myself in a new way. I was deciding between Spain and Brazil, and since I already had a Spanish background, I thought, why not go somewhere I didn’t speak the language at all? Brazil felt like a place full of culture, energy, and life that I could learn from. It just felt like the right choice for me to grow.
Thoughtful Gifts Every Future Traveler Will Actually Use
The holidays are filled with wish lists, cozy moments, and dreaming about what’s next. For students preparing to study abroad, Christmas often comes with extra excitement — a new country, new routines, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure just around the corner.
If you’re shopping for a future study abroad student (or you are one), this Christmas list focuses on gifts that are both meaningful and practical, items that make life abroad easier, more comfortable, and a little more special.
Why Your End-of-Year Gift Can Change a Student’s Future
As the year comes to a close, many of us reflect on what truly mattered over the past twelve months. We think about growth, challenges, and the impact we’ve had on others. For Joy Worldwide., this season is about one powerful idea: creating access to global education for students who otherwise wouldn’t have it.