Student Spotlight: Zoe Touray in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus was explained to me as a unitarian government with a president as the seat of power. Much like the US, they have a house of representatives as a sovereign and independent republic. The centre-right Democratic Rally (DISY) is the largest and leading political party in Cyprus, currently holding 17 of the 56 seats in the House of Representatives.
Travel as a Catalyst for Community Change
Studying abroad is more than a chance to explore new cities or check off bucket-list destinations. For scholarship students, it’s a transformative opportunity — a way to step outside your comfort zone, connect with diverse communities, and create meaningful impact both personally and socially.
Student Spotlight: Temilade Onile in Greece
I would say that Greeks take a more natural approach to food as fresh fruit, produce, meats etc are very accessible. They have a very Mediterranean diet with plenty red onions, tomatoes, seafood and fresh ingredients. I haven't noticed anything yet pertaining to traditions around digestion but I know that they eat a lot of acidic food like tomatoes, lemons, yogurt etc which are good for gut health.
Student Spotlight: Laila Barnes in Scotland
“In Mississippi, we don’t really use public transportation. Here in Edinburgh, Scotland, public transport is the main transportation to any destination. Learning how to navigate it by making sure I catch the bus on time or catch the right bus was a struggle at first. I decided to take a day to ride three main buses just to see where they would take me, and so I could become very familiar with them. I am now a public transportation pro!”
Finding Your People Abroad: The Unexpected Art of Making Friends
When students head overseas, one of the first questions they often ask themselves isn’t about classes, food, or even language—it’s: “How will I make friends?”
On paper, it sounds simple. You pack your bags, arrive in a new country, and meet people from all over the world. But the reality can feel much different. That moment can feel daunting but it’s also where the growth begins.
Student Spotlight: Sidney Eramil in Denmark
“I have found it challenging to make friends as I found that many people in my program are attending with groups of friends from their schools which makes it challenging to get to know people. Additionally, it can be quite frustrating knowing that 80% of my study abroad program is white people from the US making it hard to identify and relate to many of them.”
Student Spotlight: Hadija Primus in South Korea
“One challenge that I've encountered is not allowing myself to be okay with not knowing. I've been beating myself up about not being fluent in Korean or freezing up too much when someone starts to speak to me in Korean. I expect myself to be good at navigating through Korea, but that's impossible because this is my first time here. So, I'm having a hard with giving myself a break.”
Student Spotlight: Adriana Sneed in France
“One challenge I have encountered is communicating properly within the language. I have had issues at grocery stores where I struggled to explain an issue. I am navigating it by using translate to figure out a word then still talking to them. This is helping me consistently learn new phrases and words everyday. I practice and write down these phrases so I can return to them later. This has made connecting with locals a little harder, but I remain committed to making these connections.”
Student Spotlight: Dana Deloney in Germany
“Upon settling in, I have been challenged by not knowing the language of the country I am studying in. Now, most people in Germany actually do know English, but there are a plethora of things that are NOT in English: every grocery store item, signs, train station names, and a lot more. Unfortunately, Google Translate is not always helpful.”
Adjusting Your Body and Mind Abroad
So, you’ve landed in your host country. The excitement is real, but so is the exhaustion. Between new time zones, different foods, and a brand-new rhythm of life, it’s normal to feel like your body and mind are still catching up. Don’t worry, every student goes through this transition, and with a few intentional steps, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.
Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in Ghana
“During my internship in Ghana, a challenge I encountered was overcoming my fear of asking questions to the hospital's doctors and staff. I addressed this by preparing thoughtful questions in advance, which helped me become more confident in my interactions. It also helped me gain deeper insights on the healthcare systems and procedures.”
Student Spotlight: Zaria Samuel in Colombia
“One challenge I’ve encountered so far is adjusting to the language and giving myself grace as I continue to learn Spanish. All of my classes, most of my friends, and my roommates speak only Spanish, which is both an incredible gift and an exciting stretch for me. While it can be mentally exhausting at times to understand and express myself fully, I’m embracing it as part of the journey.”
Apps & Hacks to Use to Get Ready for Study Abroad
Preparing to study abroad isn’t just about buying luggage and checking your passport—it’s about getting organized, informed, and mentally ready for a big life transition. Whether you're weeks or months away from departure, here are the tools, apps, and mindset hacks that are helpful to keep you on track:
Self-Care Tips for the Weeks Before You Study Abroad
As exciting as it is to prepare for a study abroad experience, the weeks leading up to departure can feel like a blur of logistics, goodbyes, and anticipation. That’s why these days deserve care. Not just planning, but real, intentional self-care.
Here are a few ways to stay grounded, present, and even joyful during the transition.
How to Choose a Study Abroad Location
Studying abroad can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life—but with so many incredible destinations out there, choosing the right place can feel overwhelming. Whether you're planning your first trip or still exploring options, here are a few things to consider when deciding where to go:
Returning Home From Study Abroad Tips
Studying abroad is full of firsts—your first time feeling truly independent. But there’s one part of the journey that doesn’t get talked about enough: coming home.
Whether you’re returning after a semester, a summer, or a full year abroad, the transition can be surprisingly emotional. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the re-entry process with confidence and care:
Grad School Abroad: What Are the Benefits? How Can You Do It?
Studying abroad doesn’t have to end at the undergraduate level. For many students, pursuing graduate studies abroadcan be a transformative, career-boosting, and personally enriching experience. But what makes grad school abroad worth considering? And how can you take the first steps to make it happen?
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners 2025
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.
To dive deeper, we asked our winners two questions: What does your submitted photo represent to you? and How has your study abroad experience already impacted or changed you? Their answers revealed personal transformations, newfound perspectives, and unforgettable memories shaped by their experiences abroad.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Finalists 2025
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 3 finalists in each category:
Your Ultimate Study Abroad Checklist: How to Choose, Apply, and Fund Your Global Experience
Planning a study abroad experience can feel overwhelming. From picking the perfect location to figuring out how to pay for it, there’s a lot to consider. That’s why we’ve created this go-to checklist to help you break it down step by step and feel confident about your journey.