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First-Generation Resources

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Home | First-Generation Resources

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.

Student Experiences
Resources
Packing & Travel Tips
Scholarships & Aid

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 love you but I've chosen to study abroad

General Resources

  • The First-Generation Students' Study Abroad Guide
    GoAbroad.com 
     
  • Ask a First-Generation Student: Diversity and Study Abroad
    Know Without Borders
     
  • I Swear You Can Study Abroad: First-Generation Students [VIDEO]
    DePaul University Study Abroad, YouTube
Student jumps near the Eiffel Tower

Packing & Air Travel Tips

  • Study Abroad Packing List
    IES Abroad
     
  • Air Travel Tips for Trans & Non-Binary Students
    IES Abroad
     
  • International Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers
    GoOverseas.com
     
  • How to Avoid Over-packing and Actually Sleep on a Long Flight, According to a Travel Expert
    Travel & Leisure
     
  • 25 International Air Travel Tips That Work
    GoAbroad.com

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!

student wearing yellow dress stands in front of colorfully painted wall
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IES Abroad

Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a not-for-profit provider with 140+ study abroad and internship programs around the world for college/university students.

IES Abroad comprises study abroad programming, Customized & Faculty-Led Programs, IES Internships, and the Study Abroad Foundation (SAF).

IES Abroad is a 501(c)(3) entity. The federal tax identification number for IES Abroad is 36-2251912.

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