The Global Engagement First-Generation Education Abroad Scholarship Program is designed to support and empower first-generation college students as they pursue transformative international learning experiences. Understanding that first-gen students often face unique financial and informational barriers to studying abroad, this program aims to reduce those challenges and increase access to global opportunities.
Eligible students receive a $3,000 scholarship to participate in an approved U-M study abroad program. This funding helps offset the cost of international travel and programming, opening doors to academic, personal, and professional development through global engagement.
Launched in Academic Year 2023–2024, the program awarded ten scholarships from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants. Due to the strong demand and positive impact of the program’s inaugural year, it has expanded significantly in 2024–2025 to support up to 100 students.
Eligibility:
The Global Engagement First-Generation Education Abroad Scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate student enrolled at the U-M Ann Arbor campus (open to both domestic and international students)
Identify as a first-generation college student, as defined by the U-M’s First-Generation Initiative (firstgen.umich.edu)
For more information and to apply, please visit M-Compass.
The application, including instructions and important dates, is available on M-Compass.
"Leaving Morocco was so difficult because of how much I loved my host family, the program, and the friends I made."
"I loved being able to explore with friends and see landmarks I'd only ever read about or saw on TV."
"Every single part of my experience was incredibly eye-opening and rather important to me. I've never done anything like this in my entire life so I hold all that I did very close to me."
"I would recommend that all people take the opportunity in college, while they are young and free to explore that which suits them the best, to go abroad."
“Studying abroad was the best decision I’ve made so far at UofM. I was able to complete courses for my major while exploring a new city and culture.”
“My world before going to Spain felt very small. However, watching myself navigate a new city taught me much about myself and the other cities beyond the ones I grew up in.”
“Thanks to my study abroad experience, I was able to further my language skills in an immersive environment and get to understand international perspectives.”
“I am surprised by how much I enjoyed my time abroad! I did not expect to love Brazil as much as I did.
“I overcame my fear of learning new languages, something I had always struggled with, and made some of my best friends through the program with whom I’ve already planned a reunion next month.”
“There are so many people and places that can teach you valuable lessons if you’re in the right mindset, which is why it is so important to be open-minded and willing to take in these experiences as they come.”
“I left with a completely open mind and returned with new friends, knowledge, connections, and even career trajectory.”
“A core memory of mine was sitting by the Hangang River and eating food with friends while the sun was setting. It was so scenic and was the breath of fresh air I needed in life.”
“I feel more engaged with the culture of the country I visited because I was guided through the experience by local students, professors, and program coordinators.”
“The impact of this trip was not only realizing my dream of traveling abroad, but also made me learn a lot about myself, and connected me with people who have a similar mindset.”
