FAQs

First at WSU

Studying abroad is a unique experience that allows you to grow and learn in ways not possible in a standard classroom. You will gain new perspectives while learning how to navigate different cultures and work with diverse peers. Whatever your major, study abroad will help you advance your critical thinking skills, make you more marketable, and transform you into a responsible, engaged global citizen.

This program is designed for Cougs like you – students who are the first in their families to attend college. Our five-week summer programs are affordable, relevant, and fun, and they make studying abroad accessible for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel. 

First-Gen Abroad staff assist you throughout the entire study abroad process, from application to in-country experiences to the return home, so you’ll feel supported every step of the way. And because your fellow travelers are also first-gen students, you’ll be able to share this unique experience with like-minded Cougs.

To participate in First-Gen Abroad, you must: 

• Be a first-generation college student 
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA is a 2.0 
• Be a WSU student from any academic major, any campus, and any class standing 

If you are not a first-gen student but believe this type of program would be beneficial to you and your academic success, please contact us at firstgen.abroad@wsu.edu.

DACA Students
We don't recommend participation in First-Gen Abroad for DACA students at this time. The California-Mexico Studies Center is an alternative option.

Permanent Residents
If you are a permanent resident who needs a visa to travel, we do not advise participating in First-Gen Abroad at this time.

• Getting a visa is a time-intensive and costly process that requires travel to San Francisco to apply for and pick up your visa, and pay a processing fee.
• The National Student Exchange is a good alternative option.

Studying abroad is an incredible experience! But you may understandably be a little nervous, especially if you haven’t traveled internationally before. To get ready to go abroad, we recommend you: 

• Check out books, websites, and videos on your host country. Many students find that it’s helpful to get an idea of what the country is like and what the cultural norms are before arriving. 
• Check over your required paperwork and travel arrangements for accuracy, and ask your family/support system to check them as well.  
• Make a communications plan with your family, friends, and support network for the time you’ll be in country. 
• Contact a First-Gen Abroad program advisor with questions or concerns. 

The cost of First-Gen Abroad varies based on the number of students participating and your personal expenses. Visit the Costs and Financial Aid page to learn more about program costs and how you can fund your trip.

If you have a reliable internet connection, you can use Skype, Zoom, Google Talk, FaceTime, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and other internet-based calling platforms to make free calls to both landlines and mobile phones. TimeAndDate.com is a useful website for calculating time differences, international calling codes, and other travel information.  

Some phone service providers have affordable temporary international plans; check with your provider for options. Some students purchase a cell phone or interchangeable SIM card while abroad, which provides an easy way to stay in touch with friends at home and in your host country.

As non-WSU courses, First-Gen Abroad courses/grades: 

• Will not calculate into your cumulative WSU GPA, but will factor into major and minor GPAs. 
• Will appear on your MyWSU and WSU transcript. 
• Provide a non-WSU transcript. Transcripts will take two to four months to arrive at WSU from the University of New Haven.

• If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport but not a visa. 
• If you are a permanent resident and hold a passport from another country, you will want to check if you need a visa for travel at travel.state.gov.   
• If you don’t have a passport, you will want to start the process of getting on ASAP. If your passport expires on or before December 31, 2024, we recommend you renew it before leaving.

We’re excited that you want to join us for this extraordinary experience! To apply for First-Gen Abroad: 

• Attend an info session to learn more about the program. 
• Download the toolkit for resources to help you apply. 
• Submit your application.