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First-Generation Abroad

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I study abroad?

    Studying abroad is a unique experience that allows students to grow and learn in ways not possible in a standard classroom. You will gain new perspectives while learning how to navigate different cultures and work with diverse peers. Whether you are a future teacher, engineer, news anchor, or doctor these are the skills that will advance your critical thinking skills, make you more marketable, and transform you into a responsible, engaged global citizen.  

  • Why First-Generation Abroad?

    A first-generation college student is defined as a student whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have not completed a bachelor's degree. This means that you are the first person in your family to attend a four-year school to attain a bachelor's degree. Our goal is to promote the development of a comprehensive strategy for increasing access to study abroad among underrepresented students. This program is designed for students like you. Our staff and committee are here to assist you every step of the way and you will be able to share in a unique experience with other like-minded students.  

  • Am I eligible to study abroad?

    You must be a first-generation college student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. This program is for any academic major, any WSU campus, and any class standing. If you are not a first-generation college student but believe this program would benefit you and your academic success, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at firstgen.abroad@wsu.edu.

    DACA Students – not advised at this time


    Permanent Residents who need a visa – not advised at this time

    • This is a costly process that requires travel to San Francisco to apply for and pick up a visa, not including the processing fee to obtain a visa.
    • National Student Exchange (NSE) is another option available. 

     

  • How can I better prepare for my abroad experience?

    Check out books and websites on Seville, Spain. It will ease your mind to get a better idea of what to expect from your experience and what the cultural norms are. Be sure your parent(s)/legal guardian(s)/support system checks over your required paperwork and travel arrangements for accuracy. Never hesitate to touch base with us with questions or concerns. 

     

    Start learning the language to become better prepared. There are many apps and library resources for learning a new language. 

  • What is the best way to keep in touch with my family and friends while I’m abroad?

    If a reliable internet connection is available, Zoom, Skype can be used to call both landlines and mobile phones free of charge. Google Talk, FaceTime, Snapchat, and Facebook are all excellent platforms to stay connected. TimeAndDate.com is a useful website for calculating time differences, international calling codes, and other travel information. There are some phone carriers that have affordable, temporary international plans. Some students will purchase a cell phone or an interchangeable SIM card while abroad, which is an easy way to stay in touch with friends at home and in the host country.  

  • When and where is this year’s program?

    In the summer of 2024, we will be returning to Seville, Spain. The program will run from May 25th to June 25th, 2024. The application deadline is February 1st, 2024 by noon PDT. The commitment deadline is February 8th, 2024.

  • How much will this program cost and how can I pay it?

    With 18 to 20 Students, the program fee will be as listed below per student. There are a variety of funding options for studying abroad. Most financial aid is applicable, and there is an abundance of scholarships available. Visit our Scholarships & Funding page for more information on available options. 

    COSTS

    Seville 2024
    Program Fee (Participant Expense)
    $5,804
    Global Learning Application Fee
    $300
    International Insurance
    $66
    TOTAL PROGRAM COSTS - Billed to your student account
    $6,170
       
    Additional Estimated Costs (Calculated into your summer financial aid costs)
     
    Personal Expenses (food, weekend travel on your own, souvenirs, etc)
    $1,800
    Airfare
    $2,100
    Passport 
    $165
    ETIAS Authorization (New EU entry fee)
    $7
    TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS - Paid on your own
     $4,072
       
    Total Combined Costs:
    $10,242

     

  • What courses will I be taking and are the grades pass/fail?

    CEA CAPA will teach the following courses through the University of New Haven (UNH). No, you will receive a letter grade for your study abroad courses. 

    All WSU Students must complete a Course Pre-Approval form as part of their Education Abroad application process. We have filled in the classes that you will be taking and the UCORE equivalents. 

    Seville, Spain

    • NOTE: 

      • These have a non-WSU transcript provided.  Participants should anticipate transcripts taking two to four months to arrive at WSU from the University of New Haven.
      • Take this into consideration if applying for graduate or professional school. 

     

  • How can I fund my study abroad experience?

    There are a variety of funding options for study abroad. Most financial aid is applicable, and there is an abundance of scholarships available. Be sure to file your FAFSA/WASFA as early as possible, fill out the WSU General Scholarship Application, and check out other scholarships.  Touch base with Student Financial Services about summer aid to see what your options are!

    Study Abroad Scholarships

    Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

    Gilman Workshops Series
    Part I: Resources & Strategies for Strong Essays - Tuesday 9/19/23 @2:30 pm
    Part II: Revising Your Gilman Essays - Tuesday 9/26/23 @ 2:30 pm
    Part III: Polishing Your Gilman Essays - Tuesday 10/3/23 @ 2:30 pm

    Application Deadlines:
    October 2023:
    The October 2023 Deadline application will open in mid-August 2023
    Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time

    March 2024: 
    The March 2024 Deadline application will open in mid-January 2024
    Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time

    The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.

    Compose your essays first in a word processing program, and then upload the file to your online application. Please use 1-inch margins and Times New Roman 12-point font for each of your essays. 

    Gilman Writing Tips
    Gilman Essay Guidelines

    Gilman Past Recipients - Sample Gilman Essays:
    England Sample
    Spain Sample

    Shawn Carter Foundation - Application Deadline – Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 8:59 pm Pacific Time

    The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults. The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.

    Fund for Education Abroad - Application Deadline – Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 8:59 pm Pacific Time
    Access Partner Scholarships

    FEA’s Access Partners join in the shared commitment to increase the number of underrepresented American college students studying abroad through the provision of scholarships. As members of the FEA Access Advisory Board (AAB), our Access Partners collaborate, share best practices in international education, and actively engage in FEA’s mission. They are helping to make life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting minority and first-generation college students.

     

  • Financial Aid for Study Abroad

  • Where can I find the Course Pre-Approval Form?

    All WSU Students must complete this form as part of their Education Abroad application process. We have filled in the classes that you will be taking and the UCORE equivalents. 

    Seville 2024 Course Pre-Approval Form - Fillable PDF

     

     

  • Can I take additional summer courses while studying abroad?

    We strongly advise against taking additional WSU Global courses while studying abroad. You will be taking 6 credits during our 5-week program with First Gen Abroad. Taking additional classes takes away from the experience of being abroad and is hard to balance with the course work requirements abroad. 

  • How will my GPA be impacted?

    Non-WSU Courses:

    • It will not calculate into the student’s cumulative WSU GPA but will factor into Major and Minor GPA’s.
    • Courses and grades will appear on MyWSU and WSU transcripts.
    • These have a non-WSU transcript provided.  Participants should anticipate transcripts taking two to four months to arrive at WSU from the University of New Haven.
    • Studying abroad in your final semester may delay graduation and transcripts. Be aware that this may affect applying for graduate or professional school, as well as some employers.

  • Do I need a Passport or a VISA?

    • If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport, but not a VISA.
    • If you are a permanent resident and hold a passport from another country, you will want to check if you will need a VISA for travel at travel.state.gov.  
    • If you don’t have a passport, you will want to start working on that ASAP. If your passport expires on or before December 31, 2023, we recommend you renew it before leaving. 

  • I want to learn more about First-Generation Abroad. Who should I contact?

    Stay tuned for Spain, 2024 


    You can also email us at firstgen.abroad@wsu.edu    .  

  • I’m in! How do I sign up?

    Seville Travel Dates: May 25th - June 22nd, 2024
    Seville Application Due: February 1st, 2024 - Apply here
    Seville Commitment Date: February 8th, 2024

    Information Sessions - Zoom