A Black student’s study abroad experience in London
For Mary Napolean, studying abroad in London, England was the perfect location to broaden her understanding of criminal justice and political social systems through an international lens. But as many students know firsthand, finances play a huge role in the accessibility of study abroad, especially for students from underrepresented groups.
Scholarships created by nonprofits like Joy Worldwide, Inc., founded by Joy Donnelly, strive for equitable access to global learning for all students. Joy Worldwide provides education, advocacy, and scholarship programs for underrepresented undergraduate students pursuing study abroad opportunities.
In 2025, University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) partnered with Joy Worldwide to help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing international education. Through this collaboration, USAC will match scholarships up to $500 for students participating in any USAC program.
“We’re excited to partner with Joy Worldwide and its innovative leader Joy Donnelly. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. USAC is proud to match any scholarship award amount to facilitate international study experiences,” said Alyssa Nota, Ph.D., USAC CEO and President.
Mary is a recipient of the Joy Worldwide Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship Program, chosen from 170 applications, as well as a USAC Scholarships Match Recipient.
Before heading to London, Mary shared, “Knowing that Joy Worldwide believes in my potential would motivate me to maximize this experience, engage fully with diverse perspectives, and return prepared to apply globally informed solutions to the communities I serve. I am grateful that I will be able to meet new people, expand my social connections, and my professional network by studying abroad.”
In the U.S., only 6.1% of undergraduate students who study abroad identify as Black, even though Black students make up 13-15% of total U.S. undergraduate students. Black students can face different or unique challenges abroad, such as limited representation, navigating racism, or being stared at on the streets.
Joy Worldwide shared a student spotlight highlighting Mary’s time abroad, including the challenges of life in a new place. Mary shared that she has been able to step out of her comfort zone by striking up conversations with locals she meets at cafes and events. From learning where the locals shop to save money on food, to finding reasonably priced hair products that could work for textures like hers, interactions like these have allowed Mary to truly maximize her time living in London.
“I feel like every new interaction was easier,” Mary said. “These experiences make me feel more confident in approaching people in ways that could even help me in professional settings.”
Want more stories like this? Check out these:
Living Round, Brown, and Powerful Abroad
Black Abroad: My Experience in Chengdu, China
Living and Learning Abroad in Thailand as a Black Woman
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