Student Spotlight: Kaelen Baly in England
“During my first month in London, my main challenge was figuring out how to navigate public transportation. Having grown up in suburban Texas, I came to this country with little to no experience involving public transportation, much less with foreign public transit. This was a challenge I anticipated and even embraced early on. However, after time, as I continued to struggle to find my way around, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with things. I was only able to truly begin to make my way past this barrier when I allowed myself to seem like a foreigner.”
Why Having a Support System Abroad Matters
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, filled with new experiences, personal growth, and cultural discoveries. However, along with the thrill of exploring a new country, there are inevitable challenges—language barriers, homesickness, academic or work pressures, and cultural adjustments. That’s why having a strong support system abroad is not just beneficial but essential for a fulfilling and successful experience.
Student Spotlight: Ashley Nelson in Argentina
“During my first month in Buenos Aires I was scared to explore the city on my own and truly immerse myself. I didn’t know the language well, I was completely unfamiliar with the environment, and I didn’t want to stand out more than I already did. I started venturing out around the block of my homestay and slowly traveling further away from home than I did the previous time. I’d celebrate the small victories until they became normal occurrences and then give myself another challenge to conquer.”
Black Women in Travel Who Inspire Us
Happy Women’s History Month! Black women in the travel industry continue to break barriers, share authentic stories, and create spaces where representation thrives. Today, we spotlight three extraordinary women whose work is reshaping travel for the better: Jessica Nabongo, Kellee Edwards, and Martinique Lewis.
Student Spotlight: Angelle Nash in England
“The biggest challenge that I didn’t expect when coming abroad was dealing with how to be a foriegner. I did not realize the persceptions that non-Americans had about American politics, culture, and news until I got here. Being American, everyone I have met has wanted to talk about our politics and current events that I thought most “foreigners” would not know about. Seeing how informed the people I have met are on world events and their effects worldwide really showed me how sheltered I am as an American and how much I can grow in my knowledge of global events.”
Finding Your Community Abroad: How to Build Meaningful Connections in a New Country
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your life—but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re in a new country, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and figuring out where you belong can take time.
Building a community abroad isn’t just about making friends—it’s about finding people who support, inspire, and challenge you. Here’s how to make it happen.
Student Spotlight: Vicktryl Mbakwa in Spain
“My biggest challenge while abroad has definitely overcoming the feeling of loneliness that I feel every week. Especially doing this completely alone. There are so many moments even in a big and busy city like Barcelona I feel so alone. Everyone seems to have come with someone they know but I did not. To overcome this I have been going out of my way to meet and connect with people.”
How to Make Corporate Giving Part of Your Budget & Advocate for Meaningful Impact
Corporate giving isn’t just about donations—it’s about aligning your company’s values with real-world impact. Whether your organization is new to corporate philanthropy or looking to expand its giving strategy, integrating charitable contributions into your budget and advocating for causes that matter can create lasting change.
How Studying Abroad Cultivates Essential Leadership Skills
Leadership is more than just a title—it’s about adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. For students who study abroad, the experience is a crash course in leadership development, pushing them beyond their comfort zones and equipping them with the skills needed to excel in a globalized world. Here’s how studying abroad cultivates essential leadership skills:
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.”