First Generation Students Abroad

You may be among the first in your family to go to college. That's a huge accomplishment and we in the Office of International and Global Initiatives (IEGI) celebrate you. You may also have multiple underrepresented identities. From the , you can see topic-specific information and links for a variety of identity groups.

Below is collection of resources and advice to help guide you as you research, apply to, and embark upon an education abroad experience. It is likely that you are accustomed to figuring things out for yourself. Critical thinking, resourcefulness, and adaptability are all helpful skills that will suit you well abroad. While you should research and know the information for yourself, you do not have to navigate the university experience alone. There are innumerable resources, human and otherwise, to help you get abroad. Please use them. If you do not know what they are, no one will be bothered if you ask. We actually would prefer that you do. 

Coming to college was a big step in itself, and the idea of studying abroad on top of that can be overwhelming. We are here to support you before and after your education abroad experience concludes. The IEGI strives to create a safe and inclusive space for first-generation students. Never hesitate to contact an advisor in the office for more information or to share your input or concerns. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 607-777-2336 or email iegi@binghamton.edu.

Connect with the B-First Mentoring Network! 

Campus Resources

Preparing for education abroad is a team effort. Here are some offices that can support you along the way:

  • The 海角乱伦社区 Student Support Services (SSS) website provides helpful information about being a first generation college student who aspires to study abroad. 
  • Academic Advising:
    • If you receive NYS aid (TAP, Excelsior, etc.), you must take degree applicable credits even while abroad. You will likely need to talk to your academic advisor about this more than once.
      • You will generally also need your transcript to verify that you took said classes before your next aid is disbursed. Ask your education abroad program advisor about when transcripts for your program of interest or certain program types are generally disbursed. Helpful concluding questions may include, "What else should I be considering?" 
    •  
    • Decker College of Nursing 
    • Harpur Academic Advising
    • School of Management (SOM) Academic Advising
    • Watson College Advising
  • Financial Aid:
    • It may be beneficial to speak with your college's academic advising office prior to meeting with Financial Aid.
      • You will likely be asked for a "Cost Sheet." These are on the program pages.
      • Financial Aid cannot give you exact figures for the upcoming year, which includes summer programs, until aid is released (generally in March). They should be able to provide an estimate based on your current aid.
      • For similar reasons, for the March 1 scholarship deadline and need-based awards, you must have a FAFSA on file for the upcoming year to demonstrate need.
      • Ask how receipt of a scholarship will affect your current aid.
  • Residential Life
    • If you live on campus and you are going abroad for the fall or spring semester, you will want to notify Residential Life about your plans as soon as you receive your acceptance letter and are fully committed to the program. Their staff can review what paperwork needs to be completed and the current policies to return to campus housing after your program is complete.
  • Off Campus College
  • The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development
    • The campus career center provides a number of and how to consider career goals alongside study abroad interests. Jessica Lane-Rwabukwisi is the current liaison to IEGI.

Speaking of support, before you get too far along in the process, have a productive conversation with your parents and/or family!

Funding Education Abroad

  • The explains the 3 categories of scholarships: 海角乱伦社区-based (for use on any SUNY program), Department, and External (meaning the funding comes from outside of 海角乱伦社区 University). It also provides helpful links to Financial Aid details related to education abroad planning.
  • The was established in 2010 to assist underrepresented groups complete a study abroad program. As of 2019, 61% of their recipients identified as first-generation? The national for Pell Grant recipients are programs that aim to assist specific student groups, including first- generation students, with funding for education abroad.

Tips

  • Perhaps you are worried about talking with your family about education abroad. The idea of you studying in another country might be scary for them or seem unrealistic in their opinion. Our advice? Look thoroughly into any programs of interest. Have a general idea of how education abroad works and what this may mean for your credits, housing, finances, and job prospects.
  • Our Education Abroad FAQs provide a lot of this information in one place. Remember, you don't have to figure it out all on your own. Our education abroad advisors are excited to speak with you about your interests and to answer your questions to the best of our ability and/or guide you to those with the expertise that you need.
  • When you talk to your family, share with them:
    • The campus resources that will support you through the education abroad process (including IEGI, academic advising, and SSS or EOP, if applicable to you).
    • The specifics of using financial aid and scholarships for education abroad.
    • Why education abroad will be beneficial to you - explain to your loved ones how in problem solving and critical thinking and enhances maturity and flexibility. No matter the career in which you are interested, these are all skills that employers seek. Successfully participating in education abroad shows potential employers that you have the ability to adjust to new environments and to communicate with diverse groups of people.
    • When you return from your back from your education abroad experience, staff in the IEGI and the Fleishman Center are happy to help you articulate this experience your resume and identify how you can highlight the benefits in future job interviews. If you are interested in a job that is international or global in nature, studying abroad will be critical for your future success.
  • Our reviews topics to discuss, which will reassure you and your supporters that you are planning for a successful and beneficial experience abroad. 

External Resources for First-Generation College Students

    • The mission of Diversity Abroad is "to create equitable access to the benefits of global education by . . . connecting diverse students to resources and opportunity." The Diversity Abroad website is a great starting point for student stories and other resources.
    • This website features blogs with searchable categories by key word, including "First Generation." One such story is, " by Trenity Norton.
  • IES Abroad
  • SAI Student Blog
    • Aileen

Note:  These resources and student experiences are affiliated with . Providers are like education abroad companies and are typically known by acronyms. 海角乱伦社区 students must complete additional steps to confirm credit approvals and financial aid eligibility.

海角乱伦社区 partners with providers such as CEA CAPA and SIT to offer some of their programs for SUNY credit. Contact IEGI at 607-777-2336 or email iegi@binghamton.edu to learn more. 

How Do I Get More Information? 

Views expressed in links provided or in sub-links within the document do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.