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.
Corporate Giving: Increase your Impact using Benevity and Fidelity Charitable
Giving back is powerful, but did you know that your company can help you make an even bigger difference? Many employers offer programs and platforms that make it easy to amplify your support for the causes you care about.
Student Spotlight: Temilade Onile in Greece
I would say that Greeks take a more natural approach to food as fresh fruit, produce, meats etc are very accessible. They have a very Mediterranean diet with plenty red onions, tomatoes, seafood and fresh ingredients. I haven't noticed anything yet pertaining to traditions around digestion but I know that they eat a lot of acidic food like tomatoes, lemons, yogurt etc which are good for gut health.
Student Spotlight: Laila Barnes in Scotland
“In Mississippi, we don’t really use public transportation. Here in Edinburgh, Scotland, public transport is the main transportation to any destination. Learning how to navigate it by making sure I catch the bus on time or catch the right bus was a struggle at first. I decided to take a day to ride three main buses just to see where they would take me, and so I could become very familiar with them. I am now a public transportation pro!”
Finding Your People Abroad: The Unexpected Art of Making Friends
When students head overseas, one of the first questions they often ask themselves isn’t about classes, food, or even language—it’s: “How will I make friends?”
On paper, it sounds simple. You pack your bags, arrive in a new country, and meet people from all over the world. But the reality can feel much different. That moment can feel daunting but it’s also where the growth begins.
Why Every Major Can Benefit from Studying Abroad And Where to Go
Studying abroad isn’t just a fun adventure — it’s a career-boosting, perspective-expanding experience that helps students develop global skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. While the benefits are universal, certain majors can gain unique advantages depending on where they study. Here’s a look at a few fields and the best international destinations.
Student Spotlight: Sidney Eramil in Denmark
“I have found it challenging to make friends as I found that many people in my program are attending with groups of friends from their schools which makes it challenging to get to know people. Additionally, it can be quite frustrating knowing that 80% of my study abroad program is white people from the US making it hard to identify and relate to many of them.”
Student Spotlight: Hadija Primus in South Korea
“One challenge that I've encountered is not allowing myself to be okay with not knowing. I've been beating myself up about not being fluent in Korean or freezing up too much when someone starts to speak to me in Korean. I expect myself to be good at navigating through Korea, but that's impossible because this is my first time here. So, I'm having a hard with giving myself a break.”
Why Study Abroad Builds the Leaders of Tomorrow
In today’s global economy, employers are looking for talent that is adaptable, resourceful, and culturally fluent. Study abroad programs cultivate exactly these traits, making students not only academically enriched but ready to thrive in professional environments. By supporting these experiences, donors and partners are shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
Student Spotlight: Adriana Sneed in France
“One challenge I have encountered is communicating properly within the language. I have had issues at grocery stores where I struggled to explain an issue. I am navigating it by using translate to figure out a word then still talking to them. This is helping me consistently learn new phrases and words everyday. I practice and write down these phrases so I can return to them later. This has made connecting with locals a little harder, but I remain committed to making these connections.”
Student Spotlight: Dana Deloney in Germany
“Upon settling in, I have been challenged by not knowing the language of the country I am studying in. Now, most people in Germany actually do know English, but there are a plethora of things that are NOT in English: every grocery store item, signs, train station names, and a lot more. Unfortunately, Google Translate is not always helpful.”
The Hidden Skills You Gain While Studying Abroad
When people think about studying abroad, they often picture weekend trips to new cities, exploring local cuisines, or practicing a new language with classmates. While all of that is true, there’s another layer to the experience that’s not always obvious: the career-boosting skills you develop along the way.
Adjusting Your Body and Mind Abroad
So, you’ve landed in your host country. The excitement is real, but so is the exhaustion. Between new time zones, different foods, and a brand-new rhythm of life, it’s normal to feel like your body and mind are still catching up. Don’t worry, every student goes through this transition, and with a few intentional steps, you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.