First Generation & Transfer Students

Whether you are the first in your family to attend college, a transfer student finding your place on a new campus, or both—you’ve already achieved something meaningful. Choosing to study abroad can be your next step toward new opportunities, perspectives, and experiences.

Did You Know?

You can study abroad and still stay on track academically and financially.

  • Programs vary in length: summer, short-term, semester, and year-long options.
  • Many programs allow you to complete major, minor, elective, or core requirements, so you can graduate on time.
  • Financial aid typically applies to approved programs, and additional scholarships exist specifically for first-generation, transfer, and high-need students.
  • Some programs cost the same as or less than a regular semester at your home institution.

Studying abroad is more than travel– it’s an investment in yourself.

Career Benefits

  • Employers value global experience because it shows adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
  • Having study abroad on your résumé can stand out in competitive fields, especially if you are among the first in your family or community to do it.

Personal Growth

  • You’ll build confidence, independence, and resilience by navigating life in a new environment.
  • You’ll gain perspective on your own community by experiencing another culture firsthand.

Community Impact

Learning about another society often inspires students to become more engaged back home, and many first-gen and transfer students return to work, volunteer, or study abroad again after graduation

  • How might studying abroad change what is possible for you or your family?
  • What personal strengths do you already use to succeed (resilience, independence, determination) that will help you abroad?
  • What support (financial, academic, emotional) will help you feel confident in your decision?
  • Ask questions early (about money, credits, housing, visas… everything!). That’s not a sign of uncertainty– it’s planning smart.
  • Connect with advisors who can explain processes step-by-step.
  • Consider programs that align with your goals: credit needs, budget, career interests, language, or location.
  • Look for student stories or alumni mentors who were also first-generation or transfers.

Useful Resources to Begin Your Exploration:

  • IES Abroad: A great resource for students going abroad, including blog posts by first-gen students.
  • Center for Cultural Connections & Community: Comprehensive services and innovative programs that support and advance the intellectual, personal, cultural, and social development of diverse students, with a focus on first generation students.
  • CU-LEAD Alliance and Scholarship Program: A CU program comprised of diverse academic learning communities which offers a range of services and financial benefits for highly motivated students of color and first generation college students.
  • DA Global: This website provides tips for first generations students on how to best prepare for studying abroad; includes advice, scholarship information, student testimonials, and more.
  • Transfer Students CU Bouder
  • First in the Family: Videos, hard facts, tips, planning checklists, and words of inspiration from first generation students who have already completed high school and college, as well as resources for current first-gen students.
  • Global Opportunity Scholarship: A scholarship specific for First-Year First Gen students with unmet financial need; scholarship funds must be used before graduation.
  • Gilman Scholarship: For Pell Grant recipients
  • CU Boulder Campus Resources


 

"Studying abroad allowed me to travel to places I never thought I’d be able to go, meet people I never could have met otherwise, and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences – all for just barely more than what I would pay for a regular semester here at CU!"


- Education Abroad Participant (Alicante, Spain)

Education Abroad is committed to supporting students with a wide range of lived experiences and providing meaningful, inclusive international opportunities for all. If you have questions or would like to talk through your needs, please contact our office at abroad@colorado.edu.

Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or Education Abroad. CU Boulder Education Abroad is not an agent for these organizations.