Real Thoughts as an First Generation Low Income Student Near the End of Study Abroad

As I was thinking about new ideas for my blogs, I read through my old blogs and realized that I have yet to take a deep dive into one of the biggest parts of my identity. Before studying abroad, I remember feeling worried that I would be unable to experience it the same way other students have, due to my identity as an First Generation Low Income (FGLI) student. My home institution allows us to use our financial aid to study abroad, which I know is not the case for many. Even with this privilege, I still felt worried. 

Before going abroad, some students shared that they went on trips every weekend and went out to fancy dinners almost every night. They even shared with me that I needed to have over $10k saved up if I wanted to live “comfortably.” This is when I decided to reach out to those within my community who were also FGLI students and had gone abroad. They shared with me the many resources available to them to ensure they felt like they had enough money, such as the Gilman Scholarship. Other advice included having a journal to jot down your thoughts and experiences, along with keeping a spreadsheet of all the money you have spent. One of the biggest pieces of advice that I kept with me while abroad was that I needed to not compare my experience with other students. I know that it is easier said than done. It took me weeks to get to this point, but find the things that will allow you to get there. 

As I am nearing the end of my study abroad experience, I am here to tell you that comparison is truly the thief of joy. As cliché and corny as it sounds, it is true. At the beginning of my program, I remember feeling like I was not doing enough. Many people around me were going on many trips, and I was barely getting adjusted to Madrid, so booking a trip was the last thing on my mind. Thinking back on my choice to stay in Madrid for the first month, I would not change it, as it allowed me to get to know the city that was going to be my home for months. I was able to navigate the transit system, discover many of my go-to places, and meet others who were in the same position. Every time I felt like comparing myself to others, I stepped back and remembered that what I have experienced made me happy, and I enjoyed my time, even if it was different from what others were doing. 

Later, I discovered my people, those who were also in a similar position to me. These people brought me joy in my everyday life, and I would not have met them if I had not been here and chosen Madrid. Again, as corny as this sounds, life did bring us together. Although I felt like a freshman at the beginning, just as I did at my home institution, I found my people. I found ways to have fun without having much money, just as I have before. If you are an FGLI completing studying abroad because you are scared and unsure if this is something for you, I want you to know that you deserve these experiences just like anyone else, and there are resources out there for you. Talk to others and take what resonates with you, and leave the rest.