As a first-generation college student, studying abroad once felt like an impossible dream. The only country I had ever visited outside the U.S. was my birthplace, Mexico. And even then, I was always with family, surrounded by a familiar language and culture. Becoming the first in my family not only… read more
College of Liberal Arts
From Rural Texas to Mexico and Seoul: Studying Abroad as a First-Generation Student
A Dream I Never Thought Possible As the plane touched down at Incheon International Airport, a flood of memories from my school days at Kerens ISD and la Escuela Primaria Pánfilo Natera washed over me. I thought of the afternoons spent tackling college-level math, seeking help from Mr. Nick, and… read more
Seeking Discomfort: Embracing Adventure and Growth in Chile
When I first drove into Santiago from the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, the sight of the Andes Mountains filled me with both serenity and excitement. After over a year of meticulous planning — completing checklists, securing clearances and meeting study abroad requirements — I was finally about to embark… read more
Discovering the Unexpected in Australia
Hi! My name is Carolina Alvarez, and I’m a sophomore majoring in psychology with a business minor. Last semester, I applied for an exchange program at the University of Sydney in Australia on a whim. Initially, I went through the lengthy application process on the off-chance I would be accepted.… read more
Embracing Life and Learning in Sydney
Before arriving in Sydney, I was honestly a little scared about studying abroad. I was excited to explore what my life would be like in Australia for the next few months, but I was also hesitant about being all by myself 8,000 miles away from home. Many people asked why… read more
S’adapter à Paris: Finding Joy in the Little Things
After two and a half years as an undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin, I finally felt like I’d adjusted to being a Longhorn. Now that I’m studying abroad in Paris, I’m starting the process of adapting to a new lifestyle again. Though I’ve been in Paris for… read more
First-Gen Study Abroad is Possible!
Hi, friends! My name is Lynda, and I’m writing to you from London. I’ve been here for two months and have endless stories to share. First-Gen Student I was raised in a small town in Mexico, and at 16, I moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. At first,… read more
Exploring Modernity and Tradition in Seoul
I’ve been in South Korea for three months and have had life-changing experiences. I can still remember the anxiety that consumed me as I stepped foot off the plane. Will South Korea be different from what I imagined? How will I adapt to a new culture and language thousands of… read more
Bridging Academics and Culture: My Journey at Fudan University
Hi, I’m Xiuqiang Deng, a dual major in economics and sociology from The University of Texas at Austin. I’m currently studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, as part of the Texas Global Education Abroad program. In this post, I’ll share thoughts about my journey and what it’s like to… read more
The Land of the Morning Calm
Three months into my semester at Hanyang University, there’s a whirlwind of thoughts in my mind. I love being in South Korea and having such a unique opportunity to study here. Every new experience is exciting and challenging, and I’ve been able to take on so many new things during… read more