"As a nation we must do more to reach out across the world and bridge cultural and social understanding."
First Hispanic Director of the Peace Corps, --- Gaddi Vasquez
First Generation & Non-traditional Students
"As a nation we must do more to reach out across the world and bridge cultural and social understanding."
First-Generation and Non-Traditional Students Abroad
First-generation students are the first in their family to attend a college or university. Non-traditional students are older than the average undergraduate and have subsequently accumulated more life experiences before arriving on campus than the average undergraduate. Each group faces a distinct set of challenges when it comes to studying abroad, but neither group should view those challenges as barriers to the experience.
Diversity Abroad was founded in 2006. The organization specifically targets student groups who traditionally have not taken advantage of opportunities provided through global education exchanges. This website provides videos of student testimonials, scholarship and study abroad program information, blogs, articles, and a portal for graduate schools abroad.
Transitions Abroad is a magazine dedicated to work, study, living, and cultural immersion travel abroad. Its purpose is the dissemination of practical information leading to a greater understanding of other cultures through direct participation in the daily life of the host community.
AllAbroad.US provides information relevant to racial diversity in study abroad. The information is available within four subcategories; African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islander Americans, Hispanic/Latin Americans and Native Americans. In addition, see the Info to Support Diversity link to view organizations and articles dedicated to helping underrepresented groups study abroad.
Ethnic Programs & Services - Includes information about the University of Cincinnati Cultural Centers and the LGBT Center.
Discussing Non-Traditional and First Generation Issues with an Advisor
Students who are first-generation or non-traditional are encouraged to discuss questions or concerns with their study abroad advisor during the program selection process.
Here are a few examples of questions posed by previous first-generation students:
- Since no one in my family has ever studied abroad, who can help me check to see that I am on the right track as I plan? Is it ok if I schedule an extra appointment with my study abroad advisor if I'm not sure what to do?
- How can I explain to my family that a study abroad experience can contribute to achievement of my academic and career goals?
- Are there additional funding sources I can look into to help finance study abroad?
Here are a few examples of questions posed by previous non-traditional students:
- Is it possible to take a minor child or a partner along with me when I study abroad?
- Can I request not to have a roommate, or to be placed with a host family that shares my interests and age?
- If I am not able to be away for very long due to family obligations, how do I get the most out of a short-term experience abroad?
Education Abroad Ambassdors
Education Abroad Ambassadors are UC students who have recent study abroad experience. If you need information about a particular country, program or have concerns about traveling to a new place; feel free to contact an Ambassador. If you are interested in becoming an Education Abroad Ambassador contact jill.reister@uc.edu.