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.
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.
Student Spotlight: Dakarai Lanes in Qatar
“I had the amazing opportunity to go to a cultural house last month to learn about the history of Qatar and with that I was able to learn a lot of things about their traditions, especially those around eating.”
Student Spotlight: Destiny Mayfield in Thailand
Thai people love spicy food! The portion sizes are smaller here, so you can eat more food throughout the day whenever you get hungry. Most food and ingredients are fresh, and they eat lots of chili’s, noodles, rice, pork, and chicken. Meals are usually in a group, and I have not seen any traditions or customs that aid in digestion.
Student Spotlight: Alexia Hosein in South Korea
“So far what I am able to see is that in Korea, restaurants tend to serve large portions of food because people often dine out in groups. Recently, I visited a small Chinese restaurant in the Myeondong shopping strip with some friends. We ordered a dish called "jjajangmyeon," which consists of noodles in black bean sauce, along with a side of fried dumplings each.”
Joy Worldwide Inc. Photo Contest Winners
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.
Student Spotlight: Kyla Clemons in England
“England and the US are quite similar. They share many similarities when it comes to racial demographics, infrastructure, accessibility, and cultural diversity."
Student Spotlight: Reid Hewitt in Italy
“Food is very important in Italian culture, not only as a source of nourishment, but there is also a distinctive pride in Italian dishes. I sometimes find the food quite bland because they believe in the quality of ingredients rather than quantity. Wine and coffee are also very important to the Italian diet. There is even a “coffee culture” and unique way of drinking espresso at a bar standing up rather than sitting down. Meals are typically eaten in group settings, with quality time being associated with sharing a meal.”
Student Spotlight: Ashley Saddler Jr. in Vietnam
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
“One challenge I experienced was the language barrier and the difficulties in pronunciation of the words and tones. I have worked to overcome this challenge by going back to the basics and tackling how to properly pronounce the vowels, consonant clusters, and common phrases.”
How Study Abroad Cultivates Better Lifestyles
Studying abroad is often seen as a time of adventure, academic growth, and cultural exploration. But beyond the excitement of new experiences, living in a foreign country can have a profound impact on a student’s overall lifestyle. From healthier eating habits to a more active daily routine, studying abroad offers unique opportunities to embrace wellness in ways that might not be as accessible at home. Here’s how study abroad cultivates better lifestyles for students around the globe.
Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
“One challenge I have experienced so far is adjusting to the values and ideas in Ghanaian culture. Typically, in the states if there are values and ideas I don't believe in, I might ignore them or challenge them, but in Ghana it doesn't work like that. I have also learned that it is also not my place to protest other culture's beliefs, ideals, and values to my liking or standards. I am starting to overcome that challenge by adjusting and adapting.”