Being the first in your family to attend a college or university, you may feel you've already taken a big enough step toward success. Studying abroad does not take away from your ability to succeed in college, but rather it can enhance your studies. Participating on a study abroad program can lead to greater confidence and assurance among first generation college students while helping you adapt to and succeed in most any situation. Research shows that students who study abroad earn higher GPAs and have stronger degree completion rates compared to their peers. Study abroad can increase cultural understanding and open-mindedness; it is also a great way to learn another language and gain experience with diverse populations. These opportunities not only produce high-achieving undergraduate students at the University of Miami, but also help first-generation college graduates stand out in today’s competitive job market!
As a first generation college student, you may be the first in your family to pursue a global academic experience, and with such a unique experience, you and your family will likely have many questions. You might be especially concerned about how much it will cost to study abroad. If your family has not traveled much out of the country—let alone studied abroad for an extended period of time—you may not have many people from home who understand why you would want to leave the country, be able to help guide you through this experience, or help you to make it more affordable. Rest assured that your study abroad advisor, faculty, and peers are great resources to help you prepare and navigate the process to study abroad.
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