Treading Water: The First-Gen Study Abroad Experience
Studying abroad as a first-generation college student feels a lot like being thrown into the deep end of a pool with no life raft and no map. I knew how to stay afloat, but I had no idea where I was going or what was beneath me. The excitement of being in a new country was mixed with the fear of not knowing if I was truly prepared for the experience.
I grew up in Massachusetts in a diverse, low-income city just outside of Boston. My parents both have high school diplomas—my father is a firefighter, and my mother is a community volunteer and works on our local school committee. Neither of my parents have traveled outside the country, and while they supported my decision to study abroad, it was difficult for them to offer me guidance on what to expect. I am the oldest of three siblings, and while I knew they were proud of me, I also felt pressure to succeed—to prove that taking this leap was worth it and opportunities like this are possible for my family.
Before studying abroad, I had traveled outside the U.S. twice: once on a two-week hiking trip to Iceland and once on a two-week school representative trip to Japan. But both experiences were highly structured—I had chaperones, itineraries, and clear expectations. Studying abroad for an entire semester was another beast entirely, with more time away from home, and a greater need for independence. I wasn’t just visiting; I had to build a life there. It was daunting, but I learned that with adaptation and confidence—even if it was fake at times—I could navigate these challenges and grow in ways I never imagined.
Challenges and adaptations
One of the biggest concerns I had before studying abroad was money. As a first-generation student on academic scholarship, I don’t have the safety net of parents who could easily cover unexpected expenses. While my home college covered tuition, living expenses—food, travel, books—were up to me, and I quickly learned that even small, everyday costs could add up fast.
I remember my first grocery trip when we arrived: I walked into the store expecting familiar brands and prices, only to realize I had no clue which deals were good, what brands were best, or even what some products were. (White pudding anyone?) Then there were costs I hadn’t anticipated—printing assignments, a bus card, and last-minute social outings. To stay within my budget, I relied on a few strategies:
- Track expenses: Even informally or on a Notes app, keeping a record helped me stay mindful of spending.
- Use student discounts: Many local businesses and public transport systems offer student discounts, keep an eye out for them.
- Tap local resources: A lottery-based food pantry on campus and a local farmer’s market in Galway helped me cut grocery costs. Meal prep and bulk shopping also saved me a lot of money.
- Shop smart: Learning which local grocery stores (Dunnes, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco) had the best prices made a huge difference. Ask other students for recommendations.
- Balance savings with experiences: By keeping grocery and other costs low, I had more flexibility for weekend trips and social outings.
Feeling out of place: social circles and imposter syndrome
First-gen students can often feel out of place at their home university—and this feeling can extend abroad. The first few weeks were overwhelming. I would sit in class, hear others talk about their travels, and feel like I was missing some secret knowledge about how to do this right. Imposter syndrome hit hard. But as I spoke with other students, I realized no one truly had it all together. The key was finding spaces I was comfortable in and people I was comfortable with to build social connections:
- Join student societies: For me, joining the Horror Society was a low-pressure way to meet people through weekly movie screenings, trivia, and other events.
- Lean on casual interactions: Small talk before lectures, grabbing lunch with other international students, and bonding over stressful assignments helped create friendships and connections.
- Give yourself some slack. Friendships don’t happen instantly and belonging takes time.
Academic differences: a new learning environment, literally
With fewer assignments, each one carries much more weight. I struggled with the pressure of knowing one paper could determine 25% to 80% of my grade! So, I had to adapt. Lessons:
- Ask professors (and classmates) for help: They understand that international students need guidance. Emailing and going to office hours never hurts.
- Adjust your study habits: With fewer deadlines and more to see and do, self-discipline is crucial. Whether it’s studying with friends to be held accountable or locking in for a couple hours at the library, maximizing efficiency is important.
Separation from home: coping with distance
Being far from home hit me harder than expected. I was used to seeing my younger siblings and feeling grounded in my local community. Suddenly, I had no familiar faces around me. Thankfully, there are many ways to cope:
- Make weekly family calls: Talking about everything and anything, or even just sharing what I ate for a snack that day helped me feel connected with my family back home.
- Finding small comforts: Establishing routines helped a foreign place feel familiar. I found a quiet walking path to class instead of the busy main campus route. It took a few extra minutes, but I enjoyed the peace—and spotting all the cute dogs along the way.
To other first-gen students considering studying abroad: You belong. It will be challenging, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. And if you ever feel lost, just remember—everyone else is navigating the same waters. Some are just better at hiding their seasickness than others. Keep treading!
Alyssa Hurley | Trinity College (Connecticut) | University of Galway Partnership | IFSA First-Generation Scholarship Recipient | Spring 2025