Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in France
What is one challenge you experience during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
"A challenge I experienced during my first month was securing housing. When I arrived, all the students had hotel accommodations for 10 days. After that, we had to secure and find our own housing. The Student Village (university dorms) is currently being renovated, and the students were aware until arrival. I had connected with a lady I met on the plane who has been very welcoming and helpful. I reached out to her to see if she knew any open apartments, or host families. She helped me find a permanent location while I am here abroad. If it wasn’t for me asking for help, then I would probably still be stuck in a hotel and paying a lot more money for housing accommodations."
How to Make Friends and Build a Social Network Abroad
One of the most important and rewarding experiences of living abroad is building a social network and making new friends. Whether you're naturally outgoing or more introverted, here are some practical tips to help you form meaningful connections and thrive in your new environment.
Best Ways to Budget During your Study Abroad Semester
Budgeting is important during study abroad to ensure financial stability, avoid debt, prioritize expenses, plan for emergencies, and maximize your overall experience. Read the following tips for the best ways to budget during your study abroad semester.
How to Finance Your Study Abroad Program: Tips and Options
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are several options available to help finance your study abroad program and make your dream a reality.
Student Spotlight: Charlise Norris in Japan
What skills have you learned while living abroad? ”I’ve managed to get around in unfamiliar places, whether that’s taking the train, a taxi, ora bus. Traveling around and being reliant on public transportation means facing some challenges, and I’ve gotten much better at brushing them off. I’ve also gotten more creative with my cooking! There are some ingredients and spices that I don’t have access to here, so I’ve had to learn how to make different cuisines and substitute certain things.”
Juneteenth and Study Abroad: Freedom Through Education
Access to information about the world is closely intertwined with freedom as knowledge empowers individuals to make informed choices, exercise their rights, and advocate for their beliefs.
5 Tips for Returning Home After Study Abroad
Remember, it's normal to experience a range of emotions when returning home after studying abroad. Give yourself time to adjust and be kind to yourself during this transition period.
Student Spotlight: Charlise Norris in Japan
What is something you want to remember about your time abroad? ”I believe that it will be easy to remember the larger excursions I’ll take while I’m here. For example, I’ll never forget my trip around Mt. Fuji or the nightlife in Shibuya. However, what I’m growing to love the most are the more mundane, everyday things. My train rides to school every day, wandering around in a new neighborhood of Tokyo once a week, and getting snacks from the convenience stores are a few of the things I’m sure I’ll subconsciously miss. I hope I don’t forget to cherish these small moments.”
Student Spotlight: Kentrell Louis in the UK
What is something you want to remember about your time abroad?”I just made it back from the Western side of the United Kingdom and am glad to say I was able to visit many places like Plymouth, Westminster, and Oxford. One thing I would like to remember about my study abroad experience is the different views I was able to have of different architecture and natural terrain. While the United Kingdom has deep historical roots, many of the buildings and architecture you'll see were built centuries ago. Considering this, I believe the buildings and the beautiful natural terrain are both once-in-a-lifetime sights to see.”
Student Spotlight: Ann West in Finland
What is something you want to remember about your time abroad? ”During my time abroad, I want to remember the awesome people that I met and experiences I was able to have. I was able to have an experience of a lifetime and I want to cherish the memories cultivated here.”
Student Spotlight: Ann West in Finland
Describe a moment where you experienced culture shock. How did you navigate it? ”There honestly was not much of a culture shock for me. I came into this exchange with a lot of pretty conceived notions about the people that would be here, but after getting familiarized with the culture in the people here- I realized that they aren’t so different from me. Sure they have different beliefs and ways of living, but so does everyone. I didn’t find anything to be super shocking, besides the lack of diversity which I expected because this is Finland. The population is very homogeneous.”
Student Spotlight: Kentrell Louis in the UK
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge? “The bus system is the first challenge I have experienced while in Colchester. Being raised in a small town forced me to walk or drive, so I had only experienced riding a bus once I came to the United Kingdom.
Student Spotlight: Ann West in Finland
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge? “My first month in Finland was definitely a transition I had to get adjusted to. I had trouble penetrating the social spaces. I realized that I needed to put myself out there. I couldn’t isolate myself in my apartment and expect to make friends, so that’s exactly what I did.
Joy Worldwide Inc. Announces Scholarship Recipients
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding individuals who have been chosen as recipients of the Spring 2024 Joy Worldwide Inc. Study Abroad Scholarship Program.
Advantages for African American College Students to Study Abroad
Studying abroad presents numerous advantages for African American college students. It goes beyond the surface level of exploring new countries and cultures.
Navigating Travel Abroad as an African American
As an African American, it's important to prepare and navigate the unique challenges that may arise while traveling to international destinations. By taking a proactive approach, embracing cultural experiences, and staying informed, you can ensure a safe and rewarding journey.