Student Spotlight: Taylor Hoyte in Scotland
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome it?
One challenge I faced this month was learning the new school system. I was so used to how my old school did class registration, clubs, housing and so many other things that I was lost when I got here. It was something I did not expect at all. I kept leaving my keycard at home because my keycard at school is usually on my phone, and had so much trouble picking my classes.
Student Spotlight: Addy Lamaute in Spain
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome it?
One challenge I experienced during my first month was remembering why I was here. One of the biggest reasons I applied to this program was for the academic benefits of attending a music school that I wouldn't otherwise have access to at my home university. I was so excited about the study abroad experience and how it would help me grow professionally, but I often found myself feeling distracted and overwhelmed by all the new things around me.
Student Spotlight: Betty Eagan in England
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome it?
One challenge that I have experience during my first month is not being in close proximity to my community back home. This has made me eager to branch out and make new connections with the people that I’m meeting at my university. It has also encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and build a new community here in London.
National Passport Month: Why Your Passport Is the First Step Toward Studying Abroad
September is a great time to think about one of the most important things you’ll need before studying abroad: your passport.
For students dreaming about spending a semester, summer, or academic year in another country, getting a passport may seem like a small administrative step. In reality, it can be the document that turns “I want to study abroad someday” into an experience you can actually begin planning.
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe access to global education starts long before a student boards a plane. Understanding the passport process, planning ahead, and knowing where to find support can make taking that first step much easier.
How can students of color overcome financial barriers to studying abroad?
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering opportunities to explore a new culture, build confidence, expand your global perspective, and develop skills that can benefit your future career.
But for many students, cost is one of the biggest concerns.
The good news? There are resources and strategies that can make studying abroad more affordable.
Here are several ways to start building a realistic financial plan for your experience abroad.
Investing in Global Opportunity: Joy Worldwide Inc. Is Seeking Grant Funding
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe access to global education shouldn't depend on a student's financial background, family experience, or access to resources.
As we continue growing our programs and preparing to support future cohorts, we're actively seeking grant opportunities and funding partners that align with our mission of making international education more accessible.
What Resources Are Available to Help First-Generation College Students Study Abroad?
For first-generation college students, studying abroad can sometimes feel like navigating an entirely new system on top of already navigating college itself.
The good news is that you don't have to figure everything out alone. From scholarships and campus advisors to mentorship and travel resources, there are organizations and programs designed to make international education more accessible.
Here are some of the most useful resources to explore as you begin planning your study abroad journey.
Everything You Need Before Your First International Flight
Taking your first international flight is a major milestone—especially if you're preparing to study abroad. It's completely normal to feel excited, nervous, and maybe even a little overwhelmed. The good news? With a little preparation, you'll feel much more confident before you even step onto the plane.
Whether you're heading abroad for a semester, an internship, or another global opportunity, here's everything you need to know before your first international flight.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winner Summer 2026
We're excited to announce Jakari Brown as the winner of the Joy Worldwide Inc. Study Abroad Photo Contest! Her stunning photos capture unique perspectives and unforgettable moments from her study abroad journey.
Study Abroad as an HBCU Student: Scholarships, Programs, and How to Make It Happen
Quick Answer: Yes — HBCU students absolutely can study abroad, and there are scholarships specifically designed to remove the financial and informational barriers that keep many from going. Joy Worldwide, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, the Fund for Education Abroad, and Diversity Abroad all offer funding for underrepresented and first-generation students, including those attending HBCUs.
Scholarships for Underrepresented Students to Study Abroad: A 2026 Guide
A guide to study abroad scholarships for underrepresented, first-generation, and minority college students, comparing Joy Worldwide, Gilman, FEA, Boren, and Diversity Abroad, with tips on combining awards.
Student Spotlight: Garian Edwards in Spain
What has been the most memorable part of your internship and life in Valencia so far?
My most memorable part of my internship is the connections I’ve been making along the way while I am here. It’s great to work with others who have the same passion and motivation as you to continue to work harder and develop more knowledge of what your career path would look like.
Student Spotlight: Mary Napoleon in England
Has anything you've learned in your courses or through the people you've met abroad influenced your career goals? Share a specific lesson, conversation, or connection that opened a new door or shifted your direction.
I have always been interested in a career in law and real estate. My experiences abroad encouraged me to think more globally about this path. On a recent trip to Italy, I stayed in an Airbnb within a residential apartment complex, with the host nearby.
Alumni Stories: Nejere' Onomakpome in The Gambia
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
During my spring 2024 semester at Emory University, I participated in a multicultural immersive program with the School for International Training (SIT) International Honors Program Health and Communities (IHP). With the program I researched maternal and child healthcare stigmas and community-based solutions—interviewed experts from NGOs and government agencies, academics, and community leaders from rural and urban locations—for a global comparative analysis project.
Affordable Travel Paths Abroad — And Bringing It Home
For many students, studying abroad feels financially out of reach. Flights, housing, daily expenses—it adds up quickly. But the reality is that with the right strategies, studying abroad can be far more affordable than you think.
And beyond that, the financial habits you build abroad often stay with you long after you return home.
Earth Day Abroad: How Studying Overseas Changes the Way You See the World
Earth Day is a reminder that the world we live in is shared—and worth protecting. But for students who study abroad, that idea becomes more than just a concept. It becomes something you experience, live, and carry with you long after you return home.
Studying abroad doesn’t just change where you are. It changes how you see everything—including the planet.
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.