How Study Abroad Cultivates Better Lifestyles
Studying abroad is often seen as a time of adventure, academic growth, and cultural exploration. But beyond the excitement of new experiences, living in a foreign country can have a profound impact on a student’s overall lifestyle. From healthier eating habits to a more active daily routine, studying abroad offers unique opportunities to embrace wellness in ways that might not be as accessible at home. Here’s how study abroad cultivates better lifestyles for students around the globe.
Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
“One challenge I have experienced so far is adjusting to the values and ideas in Ghanaian culture. Typically, in the states if there are values and ideas I don't believe in, I might ignore them or challenge them, but in Ghana it doesn't work like that. I have also learned that it is also not my place to protest other culture's beliefs, ideals, and values to my liking or standards. I am starting to overcome that challenge by adjusting and adapting.”
Student Spotlight: Jaylen Minard in Thailand
“The biggest challenge so far with living in Thailand is learning how to budget my funds. Within my first week of living here, I have blown through 250 USD on trying new food, buying the necessities for my dorm, getting uniforms, and buying other items to ensure my well-being. One of my biggest goals is to stretch my current funds for the next 6 months; however, spending $250 a week will not even get me to the end of this semester.”
Establishing a Routine Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for personal and academic growth. However, amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many changes and an unfamiliar environment. One of the most effective ways to navigate this new chapter smoothly is by establishing a routine. A good routine abroad can help maintain balance, reduce stress, and enhance your overall experience. Here’s how you can create one that works for you.
Student Spotlight: Adrianna Terrell in England
“This is my first time ever out of my home country, and my first time traveling on an airplane, so it has been a very new experience! One challenge that I noticed right away has been getting around within my city. The first day I took the bus to the grocery store, and they sure don’t make it easy for new people to know what to do. Luckily, I was with a large group so I could follow the people in front of me.”
Student Spotlight: Toni Jackson in Brazil
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
“One challenge I’ve experienced is adapting to the different foods available in Brazil. There are a lot of simple food items I miss like slurpees or Mac and cheese, that I didn’t realize wouldn’t be available here. I’ve overcome that challenge by trying new Brazilian foods that largely aren’t available in the US like pastels, coxinhas, and açaí. There are even a number of restaurants that I love and will miss when I go back to the U.S.”
Student Spotlight: Aishatou Tunkara in England
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
"During my first month here in London, managing expenses was challenging. Initially, I spent freely on tourist activities without considering the exchange rate between US dollars and pounds. After reviewing my spending, I realized the significant difference and created a weekly budget to control my expenses."
Student Spotlight: Dakarai Lanes in Qatar
“A challenge I encountered in my first month here in Doha, Qatar, was not having an international SIM card. I was living off of free internet for at least a week and a half. My first night I literally had no way to contact anyone because of an internet outage at my dorm. If I was going to start going off campus and exploring the country I was going to need data.”
How Studying Abroad Builds Confidence and Independence
Living and learning in a different country isn't just about academic growth; it’s a journey of self-reliance, problem-solving, and leadership. The anticipation of navigating an entirely new country, culture, and language can overwhelm anyone.
Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in France
"A challenge I experienced during my first month was securing housing. When I arrived, all the students had hotel accommodations for 10 days. After that, we had to secure and find our own housing. The Student Village (university dorms) is currently being renovated, and the students were aware until arrival. I had connected with a lady I met on the plane who has been very welcoming and helpful."
How to Make Friends and Build a Social Network Abroad
One of the most important and rewarding experiences of living abroad is building a social network and making new friends. Whether you're naturally outgoing or more introverted, here are some practical tips to help you form meaningful connections and thrive in your new environment.
Top Things to Do When You Arrive in Your Study Abroad Country
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and opportunities for personal growth. However, the initial arrival in a new country can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, here are the top things to do when you first arrive in your study abroad destination:
Embracing Culture: Ways to Experience Authenticity While Traveling
Traveling is not just about visiting new places; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Experiencing culture while traveling enriches your journey and broadens your perspective. Here are some effective ways to dive deep into the cultural fabric of your destination:
Best Ways to Budget During your Study Abroad Semester
Budgeting is important during study abroad to ensure financial stability, avoid debt, prioritize expenses, plan for emergencies, and maximize your overall experience. Read the following tips for the best ways to budget during your study abroad semester.
How to develop yourself through travel
Traveling can be a powerful tool for personal development, offering a myriad of opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Here are some ways in which you can harness the transformative potential of travel to enhance your personal development:
Ace Your Scholarship Interview: Tips for Success
Securing a scholarship can be a game-changer for your academic and professional journey. One crucial step in the scholarship application process is the interview. To help you prepare effectively, here are some valuable tips to consider:
How to Finance Your Study Abroad Program: Tips and Options
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are several options available to help finance your study abroad program and make your dream a reality.
Meet our Board: Jacqueline Donnelly
Meet Jacqueline Donnelly! She serves on the Board of Joy Worldwide Inc. as the Treasurer. She is a retired Enterprise Applications Architect and current digital nomad and content creator.
Student Spotlight: Charlise Norris in Japan
What skills have you learned while living abroad? ”I’ve managed to get around in unfamiliar places, whether that’s taking the train, a taxi, ora bus. Traveling around and being reliant on public transportation means facing some challenges, and I’ve gotten much better at brushing them off. I’ve also gotten more creative with my cooking! There are some ingredients and spices that I don’t have access to here, so I’ve had to learn how to make different cuisines and substitute certain things.”
Study Abroad Alumni Stories: Jacquelyn Lopez
Meet Jacquelyn Lopez! She serves on the Board of Joy Worldwide Inc. as the Director of Partnerships. She completed her undergrad at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she studied Marketing & International Business. She studied abroad in Dublin at the University College of Dublin (UCD). After graduation, she worked in advertising for six years then pivoted into partner marketing for fintechs/BNPLs. She currently works at Upgrade in San Francisco as a Partner Marketing Manager.