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First Generation Students Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

What it means to be a first-generation college student might vary across U.S. institutions. Generally speaking, a first-generation student is a student whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. Sometimes, students with parents who completed a four-year degree at an institution outside the U.S. are considered first-generation as well.

So, if you are the first in your family to attend college, it likely means you are the first to consider studying abroad. As everything that is new, this recently discovered territory of academic opportunities in another country can lead to some reservations for students and their family. But do not worry, we are here to help you and your family navigate this new information.

Quote from Zachary in France
Quote from Isabel in Italy
Quote from Alivia in France
Quote from Tori in Spain
Quote from Abby in South Africa
Quote from Cody in Peru
Quote from Elli in Slovakia
Quote from Jenna in Spain

To get you started, here are some things to consider and questions to ask yourself when looking at education abroad programs:

  • Since I am the first in my family to study abroad, who will help me plan my study abroad experience?
  • How will I talk about the possibility of studying abroad with my family? How can I explain the benefits of studying abroad to them?
  • How will I finance my time abroad?
  • Think about the location and duration of the program:
  • How will the distance from my family impact my education abroad experience?
  • Would I feel more comfortable being somewhere close or somewhere farther away?
  • How about the local culture? Would I be comfortable in a culture completely different from what I am used to for an extended period of time?
  • Think about the length: Will I be comfortable being away for a whole semester or academic year? Would a short-term program be a better fit?
  • How will you stay in contact with family and friends while abroad?
  • How will you incorporate your experiences abroad when you return to UWL?

Start by doing some research and talking to your family based on the list above. To learn more about the education abroad process and programs offered at UWL, we encourage you to attend an Education Abroad 101 session. We are here for you!

Resources

First Generation Students Study Abroad Guide 

First Generation Students Traveling Abroad

Taking Advantage of Resources as a First Generation Student

The First in my Family to Study Abroad

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by UW-La Crosse of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. UW-La Crosse bears no responsibility for the accuracy.

Student's Testimonials

Alaena
Zachary
Jackson
McKenna
Isabel
Alivia
Tori
Abby
Cody
Elli
Malcolm
Jenna

Alaena in France

"I have always been highly dependent on the people that I surround myself with in my life. This has held me back from gaining independence and finding myself on my own. Luckily, in college, I was encouraged to study abroad by a few teachers and classmates. When deciding to study abroad, I experienced many mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness. Since arriving in my host country of France, I have been nothing but grateful. Every day I learn something new about myself. I have realized that I do enjoy life on my own, especially in beautiful places, in nature, and experiencing slow cultures. During every moment here, I am grateful knowing that this experience is something that I will hold onto for my entire life. I miss my family and friends dearly, but this has taught me just how much my family means to me and that I never want to take my home for granted again as I know that I have in the past. I encourage every single person to study abroad. You will find yourself, experience life in a way you never thought possible, and learn what you truly care about. "

Zachary in France

"As a 1st generation college student, even entering college, I had tons of questions and had no clue what I was doing. However, there was one thing I was told so much about while entering college: that studying abroad is the best way to see the world on a college budget. This stuck in my head, so much so my first few sessions with my advisor, I kept asking if it was possible in my schedule. Every time we tried to work out but never found anything that would allow me to finish on my schedule of 3 and a half years. Until Student Teaching came up, there was an opportunity for me to student teach abroad for a few weeks, then come back and teach state-side to complete the EdTPA and any other Wisconsin or UWL requirements. Growing up I had taken French classes in middle school and high school and while I am nowhere close to fluent, I had always dreamed of living in France. So, the opportunity to teach in France for 3 months was a dream come true. As a future educator, this experience is one that allows you to broaden your teaching style and memories that last forever."

Jackson in South Africa

"My name is Jackson, I am majoring in Communications Studies with an emphasis in Organizational and Professional Communication and minoring in Legal Studies. I chose to study abroad in South Africa for a little over a month in between my second and third year at UWL because I had never been out of the country before and I really wanted to experience somewhere that was entirely different than where I have been my whole life. The faculty led program to Cape Town, South Africa was the perfect opportunity to do so, and going on that study abroad trip is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being halfway across the world in a country, and even a continent, that I had never been to before and didn’t know much about broadened my perspective and my outlook in ways that I had never considered before. Having the opportunity to visit so many landmarks and locations that are so significant to the history, and the present, of South Africa was impactful in a way I couldn’t even imagine going into the trip and I came back with a greater sense of gratitude and love for both my own culture and cultures across the world. If you have the opportunity to study abroad through UWL, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it. The people I met while on the trip are still some of my best friends and I will never forget my time studying abroad."

McKenna in California

"Since we have limited marine biology classes here at UWL, I spent last semester studying through our national student exchange program at California State University Monterey Bay. As a first-generation college student, I did not feel comfortable leaving my family to go to a school further from home to study marine biology, because I would be the first to leave. My family all lives very close by, and UWL was just a few hours’ drive from home. Our national student exchange program gave me a chance to study at another school more suited to my goals, while still attending a university close to my family. The 6 months I spent in California not only helped to give me experience learning about marine sciences, but also prepared me what it will be like to be independent from my family and live far away from them. Studying through national student exchange was the highlight of my college experience and helped me both academically and personally!"

Isabel in Italy

"As a first generation student of color, college can be so overwhelming and exciting at the same time. It is a huge learning curve to understand how be a successful student in a university setting because there are many new things to get familiar with such as FAFSA, time management, scholarships, etc. But, there are super exciting parts of the journey because new fun opportunities that you haven't even heard of before are right around the corner. That's what my study abroad program was for me. Coming from a working class family, I never even considered the idea of studying abroad because I thought it would be too expensive and would delay my graduation. I am happy to announce I will be graduating in 4 years and was able to pay a very affordable amount out of pocket for my faculty-led trip to Italy! I was able to use financial aid, received a summer Lawton Grant and an I-Engage scholarship. It is definitely a possibility for you to study abroad too! I thought that I wouldn't be a good fit to study abroad, but if it is a goal of yours- there absolutely are ways to make it happen. Go out there, and find your fit with a study abroad trip. I promise you won't regret it."

Alivia in France

"I chose to study abroad the spring semester of my Sophomore year and I believe that it was the best choice that I made at UW-L. I am a French major so studying in a Francophone country was a must for me. As a first-generation student, beginning the process to study abroad was quite intimidating and challenging, but not impossible and before I knew it, I was on a plane to Caen, France! I was so excited to get started and once I got settled into my new university (l'université de Caen) I was able to meet new people and make friends from around the world. I loved exploring the centre-ville (downtown) and taking walks around the river and castle that were there. The hype about french pastries and cheese is true! I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to live independently in a community and culture that I never experienced before; it is truly the best educational experience anyone can partake in. I learned so much about myself and how resilient I am as an individual. I learned to step outside of my comfort zone and to embrace new experiences. I also learned a little French, too naturellement. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity and for the guidance and support that the IEE provided me. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I believe everyone should take advantage of if they can!"

Tori in Spain

"As a 1st generation college student and only child, the transition into college has been filled with so many questions and decisions. I had no idea what to expect, what to do, and how to do it, but here I am – year three, and loving every minute of it! Regardless of all my uncertainties as a first gen and an only child, I still chose to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain for the Fall semester, and it was the best decision I ever made. I know everyone says that, but that’s because it’s the truth. It’s the truth because I can say that I have learned so much about myself, a different culture, learned another language, and formed relationships that I will cherish forever. If you think studying abroad is something that you want to do, or are interested in learning more about, contact the Study Abroad office with any questions you have. They have all the answers and pamphlets on different study abroad options. And, if you do choose to study abroad – you won’t regret it. You will be embarking on the greatest adventure of your life."

Abby in South Africa

"As a first generation student the thought of traveling abroad did not seem like an option. Since I have to work hard to pay for college and apply for all of the scholarships and grants I am eligible for, studying abroad seemed too expensive. I looked into a faculty lead program to travel to South Africa, study communications with two professors, and learn more about the rich history of apartheid. After looking more into the program at UWL and reaching out to staff members I realized that the expenses were slightly higher than attending college at UWL campus, due to the cost of airline tickets and money for food and souvenirs. I was expecting the program to be something that I could not afford to pay for but after finding out that it was only slightly higher than attending UWL, I could not pass up the opportunity to travel the world. I also had the opportunity to earn six credits in a month while enjoying the scenic views of South Africa. I am extremely happy that I researched my options and discovered that studying abroad was affordable for me while also being allowed to have the experience of learning in a different environment."

Cody in Peru

"As a 1st generation student, the idea of attending a university always scared me. However, I knew it would have to be done to live my dream. On a sick day in first grade, I watched VHS copies of the Indiana Jones films. Like countless kids, I proclaimed that would be me one day. Fast forward to third grade; for our school Mardi Gras celebration, our class decided to inform our peers on the culture and history of Peru. The experience planted a seed of an interest in Andes. Since that faithful year, I have always been infatuated with the region and working in it. My passion drove me to do just that this past summer. My family had no experience to help us through this challenge, but we came together and tried our best. Traveling and working abroad was a completely new experience that required the use of all the life experience I had. Be it daily tasks or living in a new culture, aspects of my upbringing I forgot about came forward and guided me through. We all have these blueprints inside and can successfully travel abroad; we just need to take the chance."

Elli in Slovakia

"As a 1st generation student, I participated in the University of Wisconsin La Crosse’s Global Consulting Program in Bratislava, Slovakia. Through this program we worked in intercultural teams to develop a solution to our assigned project charges. Specifically, my team preformed a climate change audit for an international accounting firm. For me, this project helped further develop my time management, professionalism, and networking skills. We also had some free time while abroad, and we used this to travel to nearby cities/countries, go on a mining tour, explore castles, and to spend more time with the Slovak students. Personally, my favorite experience on this trip was when all the students went to Banska Stiavnica for the weekend. In the end, this program gave me a deeper insight into the international business world as well as an endless amount of connections with business professionals. In the short three weeks that I was there, I developed so many new friendships with both UWL students and Slovak students. I would highly recommend this experience for all business students, because for me, it was a trip of a lifetime."

Jenna in Spain

"I identify as a first-generation college student. Being a double major in Spanish and Public Health has been a challenge in itself. As a 1st generation student, it isn’t always easy to know what to expect. So when I made the bold decision to be the first in my family to study abroad for an entire semester I had some fears. However, being a second semester junior helped in my ability to adjust to the changes that I experienced while in Spain. In the process of picking classes, I decided to prioritize my Spanish major for the semester abroad. All of my concerns were cleared up through CEA Study Abroad staff members. As a provider program they provided the perfect amount of help I was looking for as a 1st generation student. I am appreciative of every educational opportunity I am given. The experience to study abroad made me that much more grateful. My advice to any 1st generation college student is not to let fear decide whether or not you take the leap to study abroad. You are the first of your generation to go to college so why not get the experience of lifetime and join in on another “first.” "

Malcolm in France

I identify as an LGBTQ+ Chicano-American, first generation student at UWL. I have a double major in Anthropology and Philosophy with a minor in French. I decided to study abroad in the summer of 2019 because I thought it would be a wonderful experience I could grow and develop in. So, I studied in Caen, Normandie, a region in northern France that borders the English channel. I was terrified to go because I had never left North America at that point in my life. I was afraid of what French people would think of me and if I would be able to communicate, and even more terrifying was the fact that I was going to stay with a French host family for my six weeks in France. I was delighted to find that the majority of French people I met really liked me and that most of them could understand me quite well. It was a huge compliment to be told by several French people that I spoke their language proficiently. I am incredibly proud of my experience abroad and would do it again in a heartbeat if I could. I miss my host family quite a lot and wish I could see them again.

Events

Multiple dates (26 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
5 to 7 p.m. Tue, March 3 International Women's Day Celebration
5 to 6 p.m. Wed, March 4 Japan Education & Culture Panel Presented by visiting students from the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
5 to 9 p.m. Sat, April 18 61st Annual International Banquet
2 to 3 p.m. Tue, April 28 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session (GPS)

News

Nicole Gullekson uses Fulbright Scholarship to enhance knowledge and expand student opportunities. Living and learning abroad Posted 12:14 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 UWL’s Nicole Gullekson bridges cultures, strengthens partnerships during semester in Slovakia Read more about Living and learning abroad Emily Taylor My travels to Croatia Posted 4:02 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 Student shares summer study abroad experience Read more about My travels to Croatia UWL's International Education & Engagement Office has received the 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, in recognition of their efforts to create global connections at UWL. A global impact Posted 9:36 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 International Education & Engagement receives 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award Read more about A global impact Lauryn Wiesman is starting her senior year at UWL in the fall. She is majoring in Spanish education and teaching English to speakers of other languages. Building a future with bilingualism Posted 1:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Wiesman prepares to teach and support English learners with heart and fluency Read more about Building a future with bilingualism Kaaviyashri Saraboji is a first-year graduate student from India studying software engineering. She won UWL's Annual 3 Minute Grad Project competition in March for her presentation on AI-Driven System to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions. Nature-inspired innovation Posted 10:56 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 Graduate student uses AI to tackle animal-vehicle collisions Read more about Nature-inspired innovation
More news