Love Across Time Zones — Staying Connected While Studying Abroad
Valentine’s Day is often about roses, date nights, and being physically close to the people we love. But what happens when love spans continents, time zones, and new life experiences?
How to Plan a Weekend Getaway During Study Abroad
One of the best parts of studying abroad is realizing how close you are to places you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
A weekend getaway can turn your study abroad experience into something even more unforgettable without requiring a big budget or complicated planning.
Here’s how to plan a weekend getaway during study abroad without overspending or stressing yourself out.
Making New Friends While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting experiences you can have but it can also feel surprisingly lonely at first.
You’ve landed in a new country, everything is unfamiliar, and suddenly you’re surrounded by people… yet you don’t know anyone.
The good news? Making friends abroad is absolutely possible—even if you’re introverted, shy, or nervous about putting yourself out there. In fact, many students say the friendships they form abroad become some of the most meaningful of their lives.
Student Spotlight: Mary Napoleon in England
What’s one challenge you’ve already encountered? How are you navigating it so far?
A challenge that I have encountered is remaining conscious of fees and converted prices, especially when it comes to shopping for necessities. To navigate how to reduce the amount of money spent, I asked locals I meet at cafes and events where they normally shop. I started going to the recommended stores an my grocery bill was almost half the price in the stores they recommended compared to where I was going previously.
Student Spotlight: Quirino Griffin in Japan
What’s one challenge you’ve already encountered? How are you navigating it so far?
One challenge I've come across is the language barrier, especially when learning Japanese. It's been more difficult than I thought, and with a hectic schedule, finding consistent time to practice takes work. Even though I usually comprehend parts of what people say, ordering food or dealing with little daily interactions can still be scary at times.
Alumni Stories: Brooklyn Washington in France
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
In Fall 2024, I studied abroad in Aix en Provence, France. I chose this location because of its rich language and culture immersion program, which allowed me to complete my last four French classes for my minor.
Honoring MLK’s Global Legacy: How Travel Shaped a Movement
Every year on the third Monday of January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a visionary leader whose commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence reshaped the United States and inspired the world. While Dr. King is most often remembered for his leadership in the American civil rights movement, fewer people realize how deeply his worldview was shaped by experiences beyond U.S. borders.
Alumni Stories: Adriana Morgan in Brazil
I studied abroad in Brazil, in a city called Belo Horizonte. What drew me there was really the chance to do something different. A lot of study abroad options at my school were in Europe, and while that’s amazing, I wanted to challenge myself in a new way. I was deciding between Spain and Brazil, and since I already had a Spanish background, I thought, why not go somewhere I didn’t speak the language at all? Brazil felt like a place full of culture, energy, and life that I could learn from. It just felt like the right choice for me to grow.
Thoughtful Gifts Every Future Traveler Will Actually Use
The holidays are filled with wish lists, cozy moments, and dreaming about what’s next. For students preparing to study abroad, Christmas often comes with extra excitement — a new country, new routines, and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure just around the corner.
If you’re shopping for a future study abroad student (or you are one), this Christmas list focuses on gifts that are both meaningful and practical, items that make life abroad easier, more comfortable, and a little more special.
Why Your End-of-Year Gift Can Change a Student’s Future
As the year comes to a close, many of us reflect on what truly mattered over the past twelve months. We think about growth, challenges, and the impact we’ve had on others. For Joy Worldwide., this season is about one powerful idea: creating access to global education for students who otherwise wouldn’t have it.
Student Spotlight: Zoe Touray in Cyprus
What does family life look like in your host country? Have you noticed any traditions, or lifestyle dynamics within families?
Family structure in Cyprus is actually quite unique. In the area that I live in, I don't actually see any families with children or otherwise. I see many students, young people with roommates, or older people living on their own. I have only seen families at beaches together or in smaller towns we have visited in the north of Cyprus.
The Urgency of Giving: Why Study Abroad Needs You More Than Ever
Study abroad has always been a transformative experience — a chance for students to expand their horizons, build confidence, and gain the cross-cultural skills that prepare them for leadership in a global world. But today, access to these opportunities is more fragile than ever. Without intentional support, thousands of students may lose the chance to step into these life-changing experiences. Here’s why your support is more critical now than ever before.
Student Spotlight: Orion Douglas in Spain
What type of government does the country have (e.g., democracy, monarchy, authoritarian regime)? What role do political parties play in the government, and how are they structured?
Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning it combines a hereditary monarchy with a democratic government. King Felipe VI serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, currently Pedro Sánchez, leads the government and oversees daily affairs. The national legislature, known as the Cortes Generales, is composed of two chambers: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
Student Spotlight: Omarion Aubert in France
What type of government does the country have (e.g., democracy, monarchy, authoritarian regime)? What role do political parties play in the government, and how are they structured?
France has a secular democratic semi‑presidential constitutional republic form of government. The power is shared between the President (head of state) and the Prime Minister (head of government). The role of the political parties is central to the system, as they are essential for electoral competition, legislative authority, and government formation.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners Fall 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.
How Study Abroad Shapes Gen Z Into Global Citizens
Gen Z has grown up in a world that moves fast. They’ve experienced global crises, technological revolutions, and cultural shifts—all before the age of 25. They’re connected, informed, and passionate. But there’s one experience that can’t be downloaded, scrolled through, or simulated: living and learning in another country.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Finalists Fall 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 finalists in each category:
Alumni Stories: Jaylen Minard in Thailand
Can you tell us a little about where you studied abroad and what drew you to that location?
I studied for an academic year in Salaya, Thailand during the 2024-2025 school year. My choice of studying in Thailand was greatly due to my intrest of studying the LGBTQ+ community, and with Thailand's notorious queer inclusivity, I thought their was no better place to study this topic.
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.