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First-Generation Resources

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Resources for being you abroad.

Being the first person in your family to go to college is an honor and we are already so proud of you for making that first step. At IES Abroad, we realize that studying or interning abroad is not just a journey and a new experience for you, but for your family as well. We know that you might not have done any of this before, so we have compiled resources on studying abroad to help prepare you and support you along the way. If you need additional resources outside of those that are linked below, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected]. 

Browse a collection of IES Abroad and other website's resources specific to the first-generation experience.

The First-Generation Study Abroad Student Experience
Christian canizal looks out over the city

Student Voices: Interning Abroad as a First-Generation Student

IES Abroad Senior Diversity Relations Manager, Hernando Sevilla-Garcia interviewed IES Abroad alum Christian Canizal about his experience interning abroad as a first-generation college student. 

Photo of Kiah in front of a blue-brick wall in a tan jacket and white tshirt

World of Difference Alumni Profile - Kiah Zellner-Smith

In celebrating 10 years of the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA), IES Abroad alum Kiah Zellner-Smith shares her experience studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro and identifying as a bi-racial, cis-gender black woman who was a first-generation college student and the first in her family to study abroad. 

Students sit and laugh in Morocco

IES Abroad Blogs - First-Generation

Hear from IES Abroad Correspondents about how their first-generation identity intersects with their study and internship abroad experiences. 

I know my parents are supportive, I just know they would have never dreamed of this. Their dreams are a little different and I know they are living through me, but coming here just motivates me, even more, to give them the world. 

Raisa H. (IES Abroad Barcelona | University of the Pacific)

At IES Abroad, we're here to help. If you have any questions about your identity abroad, please contact our Diversity Relations Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800.995.2300. Know of another resource we should add? Let us know!