Michelle Obama and the Power of Study Abroad
As we celebrate Black History Month, it's the perfect time to reflect on the leaders who have championed the power of global education. One such leader is Michelle Obama, whose commitment to education and international experiences has inspired countless students—especially young Black students—to see the world as their classroom.
Supporting Your Student Abroad
When your child embarks on the exciting journey of studying abroad, it’s a moment of pride and excitement—but it can also bring new challenges for parents. As they navigate a different culture, time zone, and educational system, your support plays a vital role in ensuring they have a successful and enriching experience.
Student Spotlight: Amari Roberts in Jamaica
“My biggest challenge during my time abroad was my battle with control. I realized that I often try to maintain a firm grip on my life, planning and organizing everything to the last detail. For this trip, I consciously decided to let go and fully immerse myself in the experience, which was exciting but also unsettling. Letting go of control made me confront a version of myself I wasn’t entirely familiar with. I overcame this challenge through open communication.”
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Journey to India: Lessons in Global Perspectives
Happy MLK day! Every year, on the third Monday of January, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a time to reflect on the legacy of a leader who transformed the fight for civil rights in the United States. But Dr. King's vision wasn’t shaped solely by his experiences within America’s borders. In 1959, he embarked on a pivotal journey to India that profoundly influenced his philosophy of nonviolence and his mission for social justice.
Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
“Family life in my host country is very convoluted (in comparison to what I know). It heavily involves extended family and many things are decided by the family. Ghana is very communalistic, so there are very strong family values. Families have a big emphasis on who you choose to marry, potential future careers, and other aspects of your life. There’s a big emphasis on respecting the elderly and those who are older than you.”
Your Essential Study Abroad Prep Checklist
Preparing for your study abroad adventure can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting step toward an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s your first time traveling internationally or you’re a seasoned traveler, this checklist will help ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running in your new home away from home.
Why Your Donation Matters: Empowering African American Students to Study Abroad
At Joy Worldwide Inc., we believe that global education has the power to transform lives. Supporting students to travel abroad is more than just funding a plane ticket—it's investing in their futures, their communities, and the world at large.
Surprising Things You Learn About Yourself While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is often described as a life-changing experience, but what’s less talked about are the surprising self-discoveries you make along the way. Living in a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar customs and people, pushes you far beyond your comfort zone.
Student Spotlight: Toni Jackson in Brazil
“Brazilians are very close with their families. A lot of the Brazilian roommates in my program travel home at least twice a month, no matter how far away they are from their families (from 30 minutes to 2 hours!). In the US college students don’t really do this, so it’s very interesting to see how family culture affects college life. Food is a big connector for Brazilian families, so whether it’s dinner, a cookout, or just chatting, food is always involved.”
Student Spotlight: Jaylen Minard in Thailand
“Thai people have a very heavy carbohydrate (Rice and rice noodles) and protein (Pork, Chicken, seafood, or beef) - filled diet that rarely includes vegetables. If I were to have any vegetables accompanied by a dish, it would typically be garlic, onions, spicy peppers, or a leafy green. This is enhanced by lime, peanuts, soy sauce, shrimp paste, or other flavor-enhancing ingredients to give Thai food a signature depth of flavor without using much seasoning.”
Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in France
“Family dynamics are strong and close here in France. There are an average of 1-2 children in a household. There has been a drastic decline in larger families over the last decades. Something I have noticed in family lifestyle is how active the families are together, for activities like cycling, running, and soccer. French people enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in summer.”
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.