Student Spotlight: Camryn Sutton in Italy
“I actually love that Rome has a period of time where everyone just rests. From 3 to 5 pm a lot of restaurants tend to be closed. It’s basically setting the tone that you should be inside and resting. It’s almost like a period of relaxation where you can just breathe. Whether you need to get away from something or just breathe it is really beneficial.”
Student Spotlight: Alexia Hosein in South Korea
“The family structure in South Korea originally came from Confucian values, though it has evolved with modernization. A key value that remains consistent is respect for elders, as children are expected to care for their parents and grandparents as they age. This sense of duty is closely tied to the intense work culture and the high value placed on education, as securing a well-paying job is seen as a means to support one’s family in later years.”
Setting Goals Before Heading Abroad
The new year marks a time for fresh beginnings and bold aspirations. For those preparing to embark on their study abroad adventure, this is the perfect opportunity to set meaningful goals that will shape your journey ahead. By aligning your goals with both personal growth and the unique opportunities of studying abroad, you can maximize your experience and create a truly transformative chapter in your life.
Student Spotlight: Lakayla Cleveland in South Korea
“South Korea has a democratic government similar to that of the United States. The government's structure is made up of 3 branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. South Korea has a multi-party system, but there are only two major political parties: The Democratic Party of Korea &The People Power Party.”
Short-Term Program Scholarship Recipient: Amari Roberts
Amari Roberts from New Jersey is preparing to embark on a three-month study abroad adventure in Jamaica. As the first recipient of the Joy Worldwide Inc. short-term program scholarship, her journey marks a significant milestone. Learn more about her story and what this opportunity means to her.
Giving Tuesday
Joy Worldwide’s scholarship program has a great impact on the lives of students by supporting their goals of studying abroad. Read more about what these scholarships mean to our students. and consider donating and supporting African American college students pursuing study abroad.
Grateful Reflections: How Studying Abroad Changes Lives
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences a student can have. It’s not just about travel; it’s about personal growth, cultural exchange, and discovering new perspectives that last a lifetime. Today, we reflect on the many reasons to feel grateful for the incredible journeys our students embark on.
Student Spotlight: Dakarai Lanes in Qatar
“I had the amazing opportunity to go to a cultural house last month to learn about the history of Qatar and with that I was able to learn a lot of things about their traditions, especially those around eating.”
The Power of International Education
This week, we’re excited to celebrate International Education Week (IEW)—a time to honor the importance of global learning and the opportunities it creates.
Happy International Education Week!
International Education Week (IEW) is an annual celebration of the transformative power of global learning, cultural exchange, and international collaboration. First introduced in 2000, IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. It emphasizes the growing importance of preparing individuals for a globalized world through education and exchange programs.
Student Spotlight: Destiny Mayfield in Thailand
Thai people love spicy food! The portion sizes are smaller here, so you can eat more food throughout the day whenever you get hungry. Most food and ingredients are fresh, and they eat lots of chili’s, noodles, rice, pork, and chicken. Meals are usually in a group, and I have not seen any traditions or customs that aid in digestion.
Company Matching with Benevity
Joy Worldwide Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing education, advocacy, and scholarships for African American undergraduate students pursuing study abroad and is proudly listed on Benevity’s social impact platform.
Student Spotlight: Alexia Hosein in South Korea
“So far what I am able to see is that in Korea, restaurants tend to serve large portions of food because people often dine out in groups. Recently, I visited a small Chinese restaurant in the Myeondong shopping strip with some friends. We ordered a dish called "jjajangmyeon," which consists of noodles in black bean sauce, along with a side of fried dumplings each.”
Hope for the Future: Inspiring Change Through Travel and Education
In today’s fast-paced, globalized world, the future can seem uncertain, yet there are countless reasons to feel optimistic. Study abroad programs, increased global travel, and a new generation of engaged youth are shaping a future filled with promise. Here’s why the path forward is bright:
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners
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.
Student Spotlight: Kyla Clemons in England
“England and the US are quite similar. They share many similarities when it comes to racial demographics, infrastructure, accessibility, and cultural diversity."
Careers in Travel: GBTA
Overall, the business travel industry provides a vibrant and rewarding career path for those interested in travel, business, and technology. Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is a great organization to join to get access to networking and professional development. For students, the fee to join is only $25. Join here: https://www.gbta.org/become-a-member/
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Finalists
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:
Student Spotlight: Reid Hewitt in Italy
“Food is very important in Italian culture, not only as a source of nourishment, but there is also a distinctive pride in Italian dishes. I sometimes find the food quite bland because they believe in the quality of ingredients rather than quantity. Wine and coffee are also very important to the Italian diet. There is even a “coffee culture” and unique way of drinking espresso at a bar standing up rather than sitting down. Meals are typically eaten in group settings, with quality time being associated with sharing a meal.”
Student Spotlight: Ashley Saddler Jr. in Vietnam
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
“One challenge I experienced was the language barrier and the difficulties in pronunciation of the words and tones. I have worked to overcome this challenge by going back to the basics and tackling how to properly pronounce the vowels, consonant clusters, and common phrases.”