Student Spotlight: Madison Binstock in England
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome it?
One challenge that I experienced during my first month here is the time difference between my home and study country. There is a 5-hour difference, so being able to figure out specific times to talk to people was hard at first because I have so many friends and family I communicate with daily, but I've finally been able to find the perfect times to communicate with them.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Student Spotlight: Zoe Touray in Cyprus
What does family life look like in your host country? Have you noticed any traditions, or lifestyle dynamics within families?
Family structure in Cyprus is actually quite unique. In the area that I live in, I don't actually see any families with children or otherwise. I see many students, young people with roommates, or older people living on their own. I have only seen families at beaches together or in smaller towns we have visited in the north of Cyprus.
Student Spotlight: Orion Douglas in Spain
What type of government does the country have (e.g., democracy, monarchy, authoritarian regime)? What role do political parties play in the government, and how are they structured?
Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning it combines a hereditary monarchy with a democratic government. King Felipe VI serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, currently Pedro Sánchez, leads the government and oversees daily affairs. The national legislature, known as the Cortes Generales, is composed of two chambers: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
Student Spotlight: Omarion Aubert in France
What type of government does the country have (e.g., democracy, monarchy, authoritarian regime)? What role do political parties play in the government, and how are they structured?
France has a secular democratic semi‑presidential constitutional republic form of government. The power is shared between the President (head of state) and the Prime Minister (head of government). The role of the political parties is central to the system, as they are essential for electoral competition, legislative authority, and government formation.