Alumni Stories: Adriana Morgan in Brazil
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
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.
Looking back, what were your biggest takeaways from the experience — personally or academically?
Personally, this experience taught me how to be resilient and find confidence in places where I didn’t feel comfortable at first. I had to step out of my comfort zone constantly, and every time I did, I found more strength in myself. Even small moments, like getting my hair cut and seeing how natural hair culture is celebrated in Brazil, made me feel connected and seen. Academically, I loved working alongside both Brazilian students and French students from the partner school. The mix of perspectives, the way professors really cared, and the creative projects we worked on—like consulting and rebranding, made me see international business in such a new way. Altogether, I just walked away more present, more confident, and more open-minded.
How did Joy Worldwide’s support shape or enhance your study abroad journey?
Joy Worldwide’s support was so much more than financial, it gave me the space to reflect. When you’re abroad, things happen so fast and you’re always in the moment, but Joy encouraged me to pause and really think about what I was experiencing. Having those reflective questions and being connected with other recipients who had been through similar journeys made me feel less alone. It gave me a sense of community that was grounding in such a new space.
What was the most memorable or impactful moment from your time abroad?
There were so many, but I think the most impactful was near the end of the program. On our last day of class, we reflected on everything we had gone through, and it hit me how much I had changed. And honestly, even my very last day in Belo Horizonte stands out—I remember realizing how a city that once felt so foreign had started to feel like home. The friends I made, the people who welcomed me, and the way I grew in that space, it all just made me realize how much beauty there is in traveling, in connection, and in allowing yourself to transform through the experience.
How has studying abroad influenced what you’re doing now or what you hope to do next?
Studying abroad opened something inside of me. It made me want to keep exploring, keep connecting, and keep bringing the perspective I gained into everything I do. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I know I want my career and my life to keep reflecting that love for learning from the world. I just feel really grateful to Brazil for what it gave me, and to Joy Worldwide for giving me the chance to be part of such a supportive, meaningful community.