Deciding to enroll in college was already a big decision, so the thought of also participating in an education abroad program might seem daunting. While it takes work to plan an education abroad experience, the benefits you gain from international education are countless. The Education Abroad Office is here to support you as you explore this opportunity (and several education abroad advisers were first-gen students, too)!
Questions to consider:
- What is my motivation for pursuing an education abroad experience? How can I articulate that motivation to my family, friends, or whoever else might be supporting my collegiate journey?
- What academic requirements do I need to fulfill in order to graduate on time? Can I find the courses I need on an education abroad program?
- If I'm the first in my immediate network to travel outside of the US, who can I go to for guidance on preparing for life abroad?
- Would I be more comfortable with a program location that is closer to the US, or am I willing to consider locations that are farther away?
- How can I leverage my experiences abroad to enhance my academic or professional ambitions?
- If my family or support network is resistant to the idea of me traveling abroad, how will that impact my decision? What resources and support will I need to feel confident in my choice?
- What resources will I have on-site to ensure my success?
- What financial resources are available to me if I need help affording my program?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Define your objectives: Articulate your reasons and goals for studying abroad, especially if your family and friends are unfamiliar with the experience. Consider how this opportunity aligns with your academic, professional, and personal aspirations.
- Get informed: Your education abroad adviser or an education abroad peer adviser would be happy to share resources with you about your program, the country/city you'll be living in, and general tips for going abroad. You can also independently research your host country to address potential concerns your family may have regarding safety and culture.
- Stay on track with courses: Reference the "Academics" section of your program's brochure page and talk with your academic adviser about selecting courses that will work toward your degree requirements.
- Plan your finances: If finances are a determining factor for you, review your program's costs on the program page and apply for scholarships to help cover that total cost. If you receive financial aid, you should check with the Office of Student Aid to ensure that your aid package can travel with you. For other scholarship resources, please check our Study Abroad Scholarships page.
- Build a support network: Establish connections before and during your time abroad. Connect with fellow program participants and locals to navigate your host location and rely on on-site program staff for assistance when needed.
- Seek budget-friendly opportunities: Align your activities with your budget and preferences - you don't need to keep up with others on your program! You may feel like you're "missing out" if you don't tag along with your friends when they go out or travel, but you have to be mindful of your own budget. Consider free or low-cost cultural experiences recommended by program staff to immerse yourself in the local community.
Resources:
Deciding to enroll in college was already a big decision, so the thought of also participating in an education abroad program might seem daunting. While it takes work to plan an education abroad experience, the benefits you gain from international education are countless. The Education Abroad Office is here to support you as you explore this opportunity (and several education abroad advisers were first-gen students, too)!
Questions to consider:
- What is my motivation for pursuing an education abroad experience? How can I articulate that motivation to my family, friends, or whoever else might be supporting my collegiate journey?
- What academic requirements do I need to fulfill in order to graduate on time? Can I find the courses I need on an education abroad program?
- If I'm the first in my immediate network to travel outside of the US, who can I go to for guidance on preparing for life abroad?
- Would I be more comfortable with a program location that is closer to the US, or am I willing to consider locations that are farther away?
- How can I leverage my experiences abroad to enhance my academic or professional ambitions?
- If my family or support network is resistant to the idea of me traveling abroad, how will that impact my decision? What resources and support will I need to feel confident in my choice?
- What resources will I have on-site to ensure my success?
- What financial resources are available to me if I need help affording my program?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Define your objectives: Articulate your reasons and goals for studying abroad, especially if your family and friends are unfamiliar with the experience. Consider how this opportunity aligns with your academic, professional, and personal aspirations.
- Get informed: Your education abroad adviser or an education abroad peer adviser would be happy to share resources with you about your program, the country/city you'll be living in, and general tips for going abroad. You can also independently research your host country to address potential concerns your family may have regarding safety and culture.
- Stay on track with courses: Reference the "Academics" section of your program's brochure page and talk with your academic adviser about selecting courses that will work toward your degree requirements.
- Plan your finances: If finances are a determining factor for you, review your program's costs on the program page and apply for scholarships to help cover that total cost. If you receive financial aid, you should check with the Office of Student Aid to ensure that your aid package can travel with you. For other scholarship resources, please check our Study Abroad Scholarships page.
- Build a support network: Establish connections before and during your time abroad. Connect with fellow program participants and locals to navigate your host location and rely on on-site program staff for assistance when needed.
- Seek budget-friendly opportunities: Align your activities with your budget and preferences - you don't need to keep up with others on your program! You may feel like you're "missing out" if you don't tag along with your friends when they go out or travel, but you have to be mindful of your own budget. Consider free or low-cost cultural experiences recommended by program staff to immerse yourself in the local community.
Resources:
The Pennsylvania State University 2023
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802