As a first generation student who makes the decision to study abroad, you are often met with unique opportunities and challenges that your peers might not face. While embarking on your college career, you might just be starting to get a handle on navigating college, being away from family and balancing academics and extracurriculars. Adding to that – an unfamiliar foreign environment while studying abroad can be intimidating and overwhelming. By starting to think about what your current college experience is like, you can better prepare yourself for a successful and rewarding experience abroad once you arrive in your host country.
Before departing, you may want to consider these questions:
- What type of program best suits my experience and comfort level?
- What resources will be available to me to help me navigate my abroad experience?
- What resources are available on campus that may not be, or may not look the same in my host country?
- What aspects of college life have I struggled with on the main campus? How will those aspects translate into my abroad experience?
Use these resources to get started:
Diversity Abroad: Resources for first generation students traveling abroad
The First Generation Students Study Abroad Guide: This guide from Go Abroad provides First Generation students with the tools needed to succeed abroad.
First-Generation students at Syracuse: First Generation programs, scholars program and opportunities on campus
Student Stories
“Leaving the country for the first time and being able to learn from different cultures and environments broadened my perspective in unimagined ways.”
– Bryan Cordova ’21
Read more about his experience abroad as a first generation student: A World of Opportunity
Recommended Scholarships
- The Fund for Education Abroad awards are intended to support students in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs. Students applying for semester, summer, or full year programs may apply. Groups typically underrepresented in study abroad, such as minority students, first-generation college students, and STEM majors, are encouraged to apply.
For more information about your host country or countries of interest, contact your International Program Advisor. To learn more from your peers, we encourage you to reach out to Global Ambassadors. These are alum from various programs and locations that are willing to discuss their experiences with you and answer your questions!