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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.