Identity-Based Resources for Study Abroad: First Generation Students
Briana Petrusa, ’21, from her Fulbright travels abroad.
As a first-generation student, you may have the opportunity, while at Meredith, to be the first person in your family to study abroad or travel internationally! At the same time, embarking on study abroad can seem daunting and the application process may bring up questions. For first-generation students, it is important to do research on what study abroad programs are available and which may work best for you, your major, your budget, your long-term career goals, and any other considerations you have.
Briana Petrusa, ’21, from her Fulbright travels abroad.
For students who may have familial or work commitments at home, short-term programs like Meredith’s spring break or summer programs may be a good fit.
Studying abroad can have many benefits, including cultivating skills like adaptability and planning, adding an interesting and relevant experience to your resume, and furthering your education in either general education or major-specific classes. While study abroad is an extracurricular, it can become a vital part of your undergraduate or graduate educational experience, and there are many resources to help make study abroad attainable.
Questions to Consider
- What are some aspects of study abroad you are most excited to experience and share with family and friends?
- Have I spoken to the OIP, my academic advisor, and the Office of Financial Assistance about study abroad?
- Have I talked to my family or support system about my plans to study abroad?
- What is my budget for a study abroad program?
- Is the cost of living higher or lower in my prospective host country?
- Would I like to be connected with a fellow first-generation study abroad alumni?
Resources
- IES Social Identity Resources
- The First-Generation Students’ Study Abroad Guide | GoAbroad.com
- Ask a First-Generation Student: Diversity and Study Abroad | Know Without Borders
- I Swear You Can Study Abroad: First-Generation Students [VIDEO] | DePaul University Study Abroad, YouTube
- A Semester Abroad: From Brooklyn, New York to Freiburg, Germany | Brianna Logan, Student Blog
- Student Voices – Interning Abroad as a First-Generation Student | IES Abroad
- First Generation Experience Abroad [VIDEO] | University of Minnesota
- First Generation Students Abroad | Diversity Abroad
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Diversity Abroad: The First in My Family to Study Abroad – Perspectives from Three First-Generation College Students | ISA Today
