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Supporting Pathways for First-generation Students to Study Abroad

First-generation college students represent a growing segment of the U.S. higher education population and a group consistently underrepresented in study abroad programming (Cataldi et al., 2018; Rausch, 2017). According to the Consortium for Analysis of Student Success through International Education (CASSIE), only eight percent of first-generation students study abroad, yet those who do are more likely to graduate within six years and have higher GPAs at graduation (Bell et al., 2020).

As U.S. higher education institutions return to offering study abroad programming, there is an opportunity for education abroad leaders to focus on educational equity by examining pathways for underrepresented students to access study abroad. Dr. Leah Mason, research lead at IIE, and Ms. Kelly Holland, vice president of institutional partnerships at AIFS Abroad, will share findings from the AIFS/IIE Global Education research report, Supporting Pathways for First-Generation Students to Study Abroad, including promising practices for all phases of a first-generation students’ study abroad experience, highlighting unique program models being implemented at U.S. higher education institutions. 

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

  • understand the benefits of study abroad for first-generation students;
  • identify funding sources that support first-generation students to study abroad; and
  • implement strategies for demystifying the study abroad application process for first-generation students.

Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs

Clemson University

Sonja Ardoin, Ph.D. is a learner, educator, facilitator, and author. Proud of her rural hometown of Vidrine, Louisiana; her working-class, Cajun roots; and her first-generation college student to Ph.D. journey, Sonja holds degrees from Louisiana State University, Florida State University, and North Carolina State University. She considers herself a scholar-practitioner of higher education; she served as an administrator for 10 years before shifting to the faculty in 2015. She currently serves as an associate professor of higher education and student affairs at Clemson University. Sonja studies social class identity, college access and success for rural and first-generation college students, student and women’s leadership, and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs. Sonja has published six books, one monograph, and numerous book chapters and journal articles. She stays engaged in the broader field through ACPA, AFLV, ASHE, the Center for First-generation Student Success, NASPA, SACSA, and several journal editorial boards. She enjoys books, traveling, music, sports, laughing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and pup. Learn more about Sonja's work here.

Adriana Smith

Regional Director, University Relations

AIFS Abroad

Adriana Smith began her career in international education in 2016 as the assistant director of international programs at Presbyterian College in South Carolina. She studied and lived abroad in Spain (twice!) and has also volunteered abroad with UBECI (United to Benefit Ecuadorian Children International) Foundation, in Quito, Ecuador. In 2019, she published Studying Abroad for Black Women—a guide that discusses what it means to be a Black female college student studying abroad.

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