- First generation
Being a first generation college student can come with a lot of pressure to obtain your education and graduate. FIU prides itself in ensuring that students not only graduate with their degree, but also excel in their fields and take advantage of the many opportunities provided by the university. Going abroad can have a tremendous impact on the life of any student, it not only widens your horizons but also gives you an edge as you begin your career post graduation.
Things to Consider:
- Have I spoken to your academic advisor?
- Have I spoken to the study abroad advisor and financial aid to explore my options?
- Have I talked with my family/support system about my plans to go abroad?
- What are some of the options for financial aid and scholarships?
- Is the cost of living higher or lower in my intended host country?
FIU Resources
FIU First Generation Scholarship Program
FIU Student Access & Success Resources
FIU Academic & Career Success: College Life CoachingAdditional Resources:
Diversity Abroad: First generation students
All Abroad
I’m First
Go Abroad
Knowledge Without Borders
- International students
As an international student currently studying at FIU, you are already “studying abroad”, but you may be interested in experiencing education abroad in another country, and we are here to help you do so! Being an international student will require you to do research surrounding visa types, ensure your status in The United States would not be affected and ensure that you speak to your international student advisors. Going on an education abroad experience will help you grow and expand your knowledge and we want to make sure you have the best experience.
Things to Consider:
- Have I spoken to ISSS about going abroad?
- Have I spoken to my academic advisor?
- What is the current relationship between my host country and my home country?
- What sort of immigration documents will I need to provide?
- Have you researched the visa requirements for your host country?
FIU Resources:
FIU International Students & Scholars ServicesAdditional Resources:
Can International Students in the United States study abroad?
Can I study abroad while abroad?
- Military, ROTC, and veterans
Military, ROTC, Veteran, and other military-affiliated students have an opportunity to study abroad and gain further, global experiences, complementing what they gained in the military. These students are able to expand on their understanding of the world by experiencing new cultures and gaining a new perspective as they go through their study abroad program.
Things to Consider:
- How is the military viewed in your host country? How will that affect your experience as you learn more about the people and the culture of your host country? How may your military association impact your interactions with locals abroad?
- Has the U.S. military been involved in prior action with or in your host country? What is the perception of those military actions among locals?
- How will your military experience contribute to your study abroad experience? What do you wish to learn or gain while abroad?
- Are there any types of assistance available from FIU’s Military & Veteran Affairs Office? From FIU’s Office of Financial Aid?
- Are there any VA benefits, ROTC scholarships, or other types of aid connected to military service?
- What military/work, family, and/or home responsibilities do you need to take into consideration when choosing a program?
- Do you need to list any military service on a visa application and how will you do so?
Scholarships:
ProjectGo
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship
Tillman Military Scholar
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
AMVETS
Allied Military ScholarshipFIU Resources:
FIU Military and Veteran Affairs:
FIU ROTCAdditional Resources:
“Helping Military Veterans Study Abroad”
Guide to Veteran and ROTC Study Abroad Opportunities
“How to Study Abroad as a Veteran”
“Student Veterans & Studying Abroad
- Race and ethnicity
Students going abroad may have to face new realities that they did not expect. Their racial and ethnic backgrounds may become more prominent as their surrounding reality changes. While abroad, students may face being in the minority or underrepresented racial or ethnic group for the first time. The opposite is also true, students may find themselves as a part of the majority racial or ethnic group. Just like in the United States, it is important for all students to do their research and know what they may encounter while on their experiences abroad. It is helpful to be aware of the variety of views and perspectives that could be positive, negative and everything in between.
Things to Consider:
- Which ethnic and racial groups do I identify with and how are they perceived in my host country?
- What are the main racial and ethnic groups in my host country? Will I be in the majority or minority?
- How might other parts of my identity in addition to my race and ethnicity affect my experience abroad?
- What are some race and ethnicity resources FIU has on campus that I can utilize to help me prepare for my experience abroad?
FIU Resources:
FIU Black Student Union
FIU Multicultural Programs and Services
FIU DiversityAdditional Resources:
Diversity Abroad: Heritage Seekers
Black and Abroad
Travel Noire
Traveling While Latino
All Abroad
Go Abroad
- Religion, spirituality, and faith
It is important for all students to do their research on the religious and spiritual beliefs of their host country, as religious and spiritual practices can vary greatly depending on the culture of the host country. Students whose religious and/or spiritual beliefs differ from those of the host country should keep an open mind while on their education abroad experience, as exposure to a different belief system can not only help you garner a greater understanding of the culture of your host country, but can also provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your own beliefs.
Things to Consider:
- What are the main religions/spiritual practices of your host country? How does your host country view these religious/spiritual beliefs?
- Is your religion legal and practiced in your host country? Do you have any concerns about your religion?
- Do you plan to practice your religion/spiritual practice while abroad? How might you do so safely?
- What are some religious/spiritual resources or organizations available in your host country?
FIU Resources:
FIU Multi-Faith CouncilAdditional Resources:
U.S. Department of State – International Religious Freedom Reports
Interfaith Youth Core
Harvard University – The Pluralism Project
- STEM
By participating in an education abroad program, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math students are able to develop a new perspective and advance their career by widening their skills set. Going abroad can be very beneficial to STEM students and will help them be more competitive in the job market while also providing them with the opportunity to experience their field through a different lens.
Things to Consider:
- Have you spoken with your department academic advisor about your classes?
- How are the teaching methods different in your host country?
- What types of resources and support will you have in your host institution?
- How highly are STEM majors regarded in your host country?
FIU Resources:
FIU STEM Transformation Institute
FIU – Women in STEM
FIU – Mastery Math LabAdditional Resources:
GoAbroad – “STEM Majors: Out Best Case for Why You Should Study Abroad”
IIE – “Promoting Study Abroad in Science and Technology Fields”
“How (and Why) to Study Abroad as a Medical & Health Student”
- Students of different abilities
Students with different abilities are able to utilize education abroad programs. If you are a person with different abilities, the Office of Education Abroad recommends that you speak with the necessary departments (Such as the Disability Resource Center, CAPS, etc) to ensure that any and all accommodations and needs are available for the education abroad experience. Although accessibility and accommodation may vary from country to country, we will do our best to ensure that students’ needs are met and match the resources of the experience they seek.
Things to Consider:
- What are some perceptions the host country has on people with different abilities?
- What are some challenges I may face while on my education abroad experience?
- Have I spoken to the appropriate departments about my plans to study abroad?
- What resources do I need on this education abroad experience?
- Does the host country have the resources to accommodate my needs?
FIU Resources:
FIU Disability Resource Center
FIU Counseling & Psychological ServicesAdditional Resources:
Diversity Abroad: Students with Disabilities Abroad
US Department of State: Travelers with Disabilities
Allabroad.us
Mobility International USA
Studying in Germany as a Disabled Student
Studying in UK as a Disabled Student
Studying in Australia as a Student with Disabilities
Traveling with a Disability Guide