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Supporting First-Generation Students Abroad (Draft)

Supporting First-Generation Students Abroad

Academic Year 2023-2024 marked the launch of the First-Generation Education Abroad Scholarship program, designed to empower first-gen undergraduate students to engage in international experiences. With a commitment to enhancing diversity in study abroad participation, during this pilot year, the program awarded 10 scholarships of $3,000 to selected students, out of an applicant pool of more than 100. Based on its success, the program will be scaled up to support up to 100 students in 2024-2025.

The First-Gen Education Abroad Scholarship Program represents a vital step toward increasing participation among first-generation students in international education. As the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning continues to support initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for underserved students, the impact of the First-Gen Education Abroad Scholarship will likely resonate for years to come, opening doors to new experiences and global perspectives that can enrich both personal and academic growth.

Katelyn Brodsky

IPE: Engineering in Paris, France

“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.”

Katelyn's Story

Morgan Butler

CGIS: Spanish in Madrid, Spain

“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.”

Morgan's Story

Katrina Chan

CGIS: Intensive Chinese in Beijing, China

“Thanks to my study abroad experience, I was able to further my language skills in an immersive environment and get to understand international perspectives.”

Katrina's Story

Idalis Chavez

CGIS: Social Justice & Community Development in Sao Paulo, Brazil

“I am surprised by how much I enjoyed my time abroad! I did not expect to love Brazil as much as I did.

Idalis's Story

Mahmuda Chowdhury

CGIS: Summer Arabic in Rabat, Morocco

“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.”

Mahmuda's Story

Jada Fair

UMSN: Health & Birth in Denmark

“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.”

Jada's Story

Amari Hardy

CGIS: Conservation & Development Studies in Cambodia & Thailand

“I left with a completely open mind and returned with new friends, knowledge, connections, and even career trajectory.”

Amari's Story

Maria Isho

STAMPS: Summer in Seoul, South Korea

“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.”

Maria's Story

Julia Kassab

Information: Design Thinking in Barcelona, Spain

“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.”

Julia's Story

Donovan Zampetti

CGIS: French 230 in Grenoble, France

“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.”

Donovan's Story

"Leaving Morocco was so difficult because of how much I loved my host family, the program, and the friends I made."

Mahmuda Chowdhury

"I loved being able to explore with friends and see landmarks I'd only ever read about or saw on TV."

Katelyn Brodsky

"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."

Amari Hardy

"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."

Morgan Butler
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