First-Generation Students

As a First-Generation student, not only are you the first in your family to pursue a college/university degree, you also have the incredible opportunity to be the first in your family to ever participate in a Global Education program!  As the first person in your family to be presented with such a unique experience, you likely have many questions. Having support and information before your Global Education program can go a long way in helping you prepare for your time abroad. 

 Questions you may be considering

 Since no one in my family has ever participated in a Global Education program, who can help me plan and make sure that I am on the right track? Where do I start?

• Attend a Study Abroad 101 Information Session to learn the basics about Global Education. Also feel free to stop by the Global Education Office to talk to our peer advisors, students who have been abroad themselves, to hear their valuable advice about living abroad. They are available anytime Monday - Friday between 8am and 5pm.
• Once you have two or three destinations in mind, you can make an appointment with the International Coordinator(s) associated with your program options. Our coordinators will help you throughout your application process and are willing to meet with you as many times as you feel necessary! Be sure to also make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you want to take abroad and make sure you stay on the right path for graduation.

 How can I explain to my family that a Global Education experience can contribute to achievement of my academic and career goals?

• The best advice that we can give you is to thoroughly prepare the necessary information first. Present them with information on:
  • The campus resources that will support you through the Global Education process (International Advising, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, etc.)
  • The specifics of how you can use financial aid and scholarships for Global Education;
  • The Benefits of Global Education, especially to help with your career and/or other post-graduation opportunities. 
  • The Parents section of the Global Education Office website. There they can find information about your program, costs and financing options, and how they can help you throughout your application process.

 Are there additional funding sources I can look into to help finance my Global Education program?

• Planning Scholars, a scholarship program from the Global Education Office for First-Generation students who demonstrate financial need. 
• This is certainly a valid consideration, and we want you to know that there is money available! There is a wide variety of departmental, external, and national scholarships. Check out our Scholarship and Grants page for more information.
• Begin planning your Global Education experience nine months to one year before your anticipated departure, to develop a financial plan. A good way to start is to attend a Financing Your Global Education Program Workshop. 

 Resources

• Scholarships - Filter to see scholarships offered to First-Generation ASU students who want to participate in a Global Education program.
• ASU First-Year Success Center: At these offices on all four campuses, you can meet with a coach and talk to other students about navigating resources at ASU. 
• First Generation Students Travelling Abroad, Diversity Abroad
• Taking Advantage of Resources as a First Generation College Student, Diversity Abroad
• A Different Experience: Supporting First Generation College Students in Study Abroad, Institute of International Education
• My First Generation Study Abroad Experience, NASPA Center for First Generation Student Success