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First Gen

As you consider study away, you may want to think about how being a first-generation college student influences how you think about and live out the study away experience. A number of factors come into play when making the decision to study away:

  • Academic goals and objectives
  • Personal goals and aspirations
  • Family expectations
  • Financial considerations
  • Timing
  • Other opportunities

Taking the time to weigh each of these separately and together will help you determine when and if study away is the right opportunity for you to pursue.

The following resources and questions are provided to assist you in determining your best course of action regarding study away. The CSA staff welcome your questions, comments, and concerns. Throughout the entire study away process, please know that you can schedule as many meetings with us as you’d like. Email, call, stop by, or make an appointment with any of us who are here to support you.

  • Benefits of Studying Away

      • Deepen your understanding of another country or culture while gaining knowledge specific to your area of academic interest

      • Develop new insights through learning about your academic discipline from a different perspective

      • Take courses not available at Macalester

      • Earn credits towards your Macalester degree (and possibly towards your major/minor/concentration)

      • Gain practical experience by participating in an internship or research project

      • Learn a new language, or continuing to develop a language you’ve been studying

      • Enhance skills that will improve your competitiveness in the job market after graduation (language, problem-solving, perspective-taking, etc.)
  • Questions to Ask Before Applying

    We recognize that Macalester culture promotes and encourages study away, and students sometimes feel they are swept up in the excitement that is built around it. We encourage you to explore your options and make an intentional decision about whether or not study away is the right option for you. You have a number of resources available to help you make this decision including staff in the CSA, faculty advisors, other advisors and mentors on and off campus, friends, and family.

      • What goals do I hope to accomplish through studying away?

      • When is the best time for me to study away? Which year? Which Semester?

      • Should I consider alternatives to studying away for a semester?

      • How does my family feel about me studying away? Do I need support in convincing them that this is a good opportunity for me?

      • Who else can I turn to as a trusted advisor or mentor to help me think through this decision?
  • Questions about Selecting an Appropriate Program Type

    In general, student support services vary by program type. Read about our four types of program structures.

      • What support resources do I use at Macalester?

      • Will I need similar types of support during study away?

      • Which program type will help facilitate my success during study away?

      • If the program I select does not have similar support structures to those I utilize at Macalester, is it possible for me to find or create that type of support for myself?
  • After Macalester Approval

    View the Pre-Departure Timeline on the Study Away Timeline webpage

Financial Resources and Scholarships

The cost of study away will depend on which program you choose. Each program has a budget sheet which will outline all expenses associated with that program.

Study Away and Financial Aid

If you are eligible for Macalester financial aid when on campus, your financial aid (other than work study) can be applied to the cost of an approved study away program (with a few exceptions). Meet with a financial aid counselor in advance as you consider program choices.

Study Away and Financial Aid

Scholarship Directory

Review the CSA’s Scholarship Directory, which includes many scholarships specific to first-generation college students. For example, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship awards up to $5,000 and being a first-generation student is an important criterion.

Scholarship Directory

Macalester Resources

External Resources

We Want Your Feedback

If there is something specific you were looking for but didn’t find, please let us know using the feedback form link below. We will do our best to help you find resources that meet your needs and add them here as well. We also welcome suggestions for including resources that you have found on your own that we have missed.

Feedback Form