"As a low-income first generation college student, I want to encourage others to take advantage of their opportunities and resources. I am thankful for Ross Global Initiatives for allowing me to go abroad to China and learn more about my Chinese-American identity."
"My parents did not have the luxury and access to higher education therefore have always pushed me to pursue a degree. Having a child attend college was a huge accomplishment in their eyes but once I received the opportunity to go abroad for a semester they were ecstatic. Their excitement made my experience living and learning in Milan, Italy so much more meaningful."
"As a first generation Arab American, I grew up between the American and Syrian culture. Studying abroad was an amazing experience because I was able to learn about other cultures and compare people's experiences to mine. I was able to meet and connect with so many different cultures and expand my knowledge of the people and world around me."
"As a first generation college student before freshman year at U of M, I never envisioned having the opportunity to study abroad! It was a truly eye-opening experience traveling to Europe and Latin America. Thanks to generous alumni donors, Global Initiatives made this life-time experience financially feasible."
Use the information on this page to explore the considerations, opportunities, and challenges of traveling abroad as a first-generation college student.
You are encouraged to discuss these topics in-person with an education abroad advisor in your school or college. The First Generation Student Gateway and The Office of Financial Aid can also provide guidance and resources as you prepare for your experience.
Explore these helpful resources regarding first-generation considerations in international travel:
U-M offers a variety of international experiences, such as short-term (1-3 week) programs, independent research, internships, fieldwork, semester/summer exchange, and many more that allow you to earn U-M credit, all while staying on track for graduation. Financial Aid and Scholarships are also available to assist you during your time abroad. Meet with the Office of Financial Aid to learn how you can use your financial aid package to cover costs.
Fitting an international experience during your time at U-M really depends on when you’re wanting to go and what you’re wanting to achieve while you’re there. You can participate in programs abroad as early as your first year and with proper guidance from your academic advisor and an education abroad advisor, you can determine which programs can not only satisfy major/minor requirements but also provide the best experience that will be most beneficial to your future goals.
