Studying Abroad as a First-Generation College Student

So, you’re a first-generation student and you want to study abroad?

We understand you might be wary and want to weigh all your options when deciding to study abroad. Well, we are here to help you by discussing common misconceptions and fears, as well as benefits of studying abroad.  

Misconceptions About Studying Abroad

The following misconceptions about studying abroad can be avoided if you plan ahead, which we are here to help you with: 

• It costs too much money. 
• It delays graduation. 
• It requires a foreign language. 
• It can only provide generic credits. 
• It isn’t relevant to career goals. 

These ideas are commonly spread around — and easy to believe — but they aren’t necessarily true. There are hundreds of different study abroad (and financial aid) opportunities that can help you continue to progress on your academic and career paths while you “change the world” — which is one of the reasons you came to The University of Texas at Austin in the first place, right?

Working in advance to understand and dispel these misconceptions will allow you to enjoy a great study abroad experience. Always feel free to ask an Education Abroad Peer Mentor for more information about any of these or other reservations; they can help you learn more and remove perceived obstacles to studying abroad.

Common Study-Abroad Fears

Being at a university alone and/or for the first time is daunting in itself, but being at a university alone and far away from your family can be even more intimidating.

Texas Global’s peer mentors want to provide a support system for you. We want to help you find an international university where you feel at home, like the home you’ve found at UT Austin. Our multitude of partners can provide you with a range of different opportunities to fulfill the desires you may be seeking in a study abroad experience.  

Financial Resources for Study Abroad

We understand that studying abroad may pose a financial burden on you and your family. Here are some scholarship opportunities we encourage you to explore while going through this process. Texas Global offers two main financial resources that are meant to decrease the economic burden of studying abroad.

• First, we offer the First Abroad Scholarship. You must apply during your freshman year; however, the scholarship does not need to be redeemed until you decide to study abroad. Under this scholarship, 25 undergraduate students are selected every year to each receive $3,000 toward a credit-bearing or experiential learning opportunity abroad.  
• Second, the Global Assist webpage is an interactive scholarship database that students can consult when researching and applying for UT Austin scholarships that support global education activities. The majority of UT Austin scholarships for international education are included in this online listing.  

Benefits of Studying Abroad

• Studying abroad is a great resumé booster. Only a small percentage of students study abroad, so when they actually do, their resumés stand out after graduation.  
• It can also strengthen your language skills. (Personally, I have such a love for languages that this was one of my biggest motivations when deciding to study abroad. My classes were taught in English, but being able to walk outside and be immersed in a completely different language and culture was incredible.) You also have the opportunity to build personal and professional relationships, especially with UT Austin faculty-led programs.  
• Finally, you get to travel and experience the world! Traveling as an undergraduate student provides you with an experience you will never get again. You’ll be able to learn and connect with your peers abroad, and that experience is extremely formative. 

Come in and talk to us! Our job as peer mentors is to help you with specific situations to ensure a great study abroad application process and overall experience abroad! Book an appointment or learn more by visiting the Peer Mentors Program website. 

Virginia Nussbaumer is an Education Abroad Peer Mentor providing support to students interested in studying abroad. Learn about this position and its services on the Peer Mentors Program webpage.