First-generation strength: supporting first-generation college students in study abroad

First-generation college students are an underrepresented group in terms of study

abroad participation nationally and at Arizona State University (ASU). The ASU and

International Studies Abroad (ISA) Planning Scholars Scholarship Program was

developed to support first-generation college students in their pursuit of study abroad.

This mixed-methods study examined what the specific needs of first-generation college

students are as they pursue study abroad experiences and what effect the ASU and ISA

Planning Scholars Program had on them. A combination of surveys, semi-structured

interviews, and a photovoice project provided data for the study. Key findings included

that first-generation college students had concerns about finances, finding a study abroad

program that would keep them on track for graduation, making friends while they study

abroad, and traveling abroad alone. The study indicated that the Planning Scholars

program did increase students’ confidence in pursuing study abroad. Additionally, the

theory of First-Generation Strength was developed which suggests that first-generation

college students possess certain strengths and capital that help them overcome a variety

of new obstacles and make them an ideal candidate for study abroad due to their

experiences with having to navigate new contexts, such as going to college,

independently.