First-Generation Abroad

Travel with First-Generation Abroad

The First-Generation Abroad Program launched at WSU in 2015. That summer, 22 students studied abroad in Costa Rica. Since then, First-Generation Abroad has supported 144 students in their effort to study abroad!

First-Generation Abroad programs are scheduled each summer and are carefully planned to be affordable and relevant to first-generation college students. Students from any class standing are invited to attend, and the majority of our participants are sophomores. Nearly every student that travels with First-Generation Abroad uses financial aid to help fund the cost of study abroad, and our program advisors work with every student to help them identify funding resources and apply for scholarships.

First-generation students have unique backgrounds, impressive goals, and meaningful reasons to study abroad which makes them highly eligible for many national and university scholarships! Every year, there is at least one student who receives the distinguished Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

With First-Generation Abroad, every step of your study abroad experience will be supported by university staff and advisors who are knowledgeable about the barriers that sometimes prevent first-generation college students from participating in global learning experiences. Join us at one of our info sessions to learn more! You can find our latest schedule of info sessions on our Facebook page.

Follow these steps to get started on your study abroad experience:

1. Attend an info session via Zoom or meet with a Program Advisor to learn more about our next upcoming study abroad destination.
2. Meet with one of our Program Advisors to review your best financial aid options. Send an email to firstgen.abroad@wsu.edu to schedule an appointment.
3. Start your online application by visiting the Global Learning webpage. Click on "Programs" then click "Find a program." In the Program Name field, type in "first generation", then select either Rome or Seville to access our application. There is no financial or contractual commitment to our program just by starting an application!

Eligibility

All first-generation students at WSU are invited to apply to First-Generation Abroad.

A first-generation student is someone whose parents or legal guardians have not completed a 4-year degree at a college or university in the United States during their formative years. (If you had a sibling that completed a 4-year degree but your parents or guardians did not, you are still considered first-generation.)

Participation is open to all undergraduate students enrolled at any WSU campus.

Seville, Spain 2024 

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

• Wednesday, September 27th @ 2:00 PM

• Thursday, October 12th @ 1:00 PM

• Wednesday, October 25th @ 3:00 PM

• Thursday, November 16th @ 4:00 PM

• Tuesday, November 28th @ 2:00 PM

• Wednesday, January 10th @ 2:00 PM

• Monday, January 22nd @ 4:00 PM

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