Student Spotlight: Kaelen Baly in England
“In terms of food trends that I’ve noticed, sausage is a big one. Whether it’s in a pastry or a pie, or a sandwich, there’s generally a choice of sausage with most meals. Similarly, I sensed a theme when it came to desserts. In my time here, I’ve come to learn that here in England, there is a cultural propensity to combine chocolate and orange flavoring. Snacks, cookies, candies, you name it.”
Student Spotlight: Olivia Shaffer in Spain
“I've found that in Spain, especially in Madrid, meals are about more than just eating—they're a time to slow down and connect with others. People really use meals to catch up with loved ones, and it's totally normal for them to sit around the table long after the food is gone just talking and enjoying each other’s company. Because I live with a Spanish host mom, I’ve been lucky enough to try a lot of authentic home-cooked dishes like paella, tortilla española, and lentejas (lentils).”
Student Spotlight: Adriana Morgan in Brazil
“In Brazil, food is more than just food it’s like a social experience. Meals are commonly shared with family, coworkers, or classmates, making eating together a key part of daily life. While it’s not unheard of to eat alone, it’s definitely more common to share a meal with others. Compared to the U.S., Brazilians tend to eat earlier. Breakfast and lunch happen relatively early in the day, and dinner is usually finished by 7 PM or so.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 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:
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.”
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.”
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.