Purpose
The Learning Abroad Center’s First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship provides awards for University of Minnesota first generation undergraduate students participating in credit-bearing study abroad programs.
This scholarship is intended to:
- Increase the number of first generation students studying abroad.
- Ease the financial barrier of study abroad for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Provide assurance of funding earlier in the process and encourage early financial planning. This is an early planning scholarship. It can be used for a credit-bearing study abroad program any time during your undergraduate career at the University of Minnesota, beginning with the fall semester following the term they were awarded.
The First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship is not merit-based and awards are granted based on the strength of your student essay and expressed interest in study abroad.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for the LAC First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are considered a first-generation college student if neither of your parents has completed a 4-year college or university degree.
- You demonstrate financial need by having a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file by the scholarship deadline.
- For the purpose of this scholarship, “financial need” is defined as being eligible for subsidized loans during the current academic year. Eligibility can be based either on your current on campus costs OR on the estimated cost of participation in your study abroad program, if applicable.
- To determine if you are eligible for subsidized loans, follow these instructions to view your financial aid, or schedule a financial aid preview meeting. The Learning Abroad Center verifies eligibility with OneStop for all potential awardees.
- You are enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student on the Twin Cities campus at the time of applying and during the term abroad.
- You have not previously participated in a learning abroad program as a UofM student.
Preference Factors
- Demonstrated effort in preparing for study abroad (examples include but are not limited to completing a First Step session, attending an advising appointment with a Learning Abroad Center adviser, or discussing study abroad with an academic adviser in an advising appointment).
Essay
Essay Question
As a first generation student, how do you explain the value of study abroad to people you’re close to in your life (i.e. your family, friends, community)? Provide specific examples of how you believe this experience will contribute to the development of your skills and strengths. How will studying abroad benefit your academic, professional, and/or personal goals? (500 word max)
Essays will be evaluated based on:
- How thoroughly you answer the specific essay questions.
- How clearly your personal voice and experiences are demonstrated.
- How well written your essay is in terms of grammar, punctuation, and organization.
Deadline
Application Deadline—February 12, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
There is one application cycle for this award each year. Recipients can use the award for a program offered any term starting the fall semester after they receive the award (i.e. beginning Fall 2025 for this application cycle).
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Scholarship notification emails will be sent to all applicants' UofM email accounts 4–6 weeks after the deadline.
Award Amounts
The Learning Abroad Center will cover the cost of your airfare (must be booked through the approved travel agency) plus $1,000 toward the cost of your program.
Additionally, your $400 program deposit due date will be delayed and billed at the same time as your program fee, allowing you to use your financial aid package to pay for both your program deposit and program fee.
Submit Your Application
Apply now for the current scholarship cycle. You will need to include your UofM student ID and email to submit an application.
Recipient Information
If you are awarded the First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship, note the following information:
- Credit-bearing programs offered by the Learning Abroad Center, affiliates, and UofM college/department programs offered through the Learning Abroad Center are eligible. Nonaffiliated programs and National Student Exchange programs are not eligible.
- This award can be combined with other Learning Abroad Center scholarships, with the exception of the PES Fund the Gap Scholarship.
- Recipients must participate in required activities during the spring semester of the term awarded to help you prepare to apply for a program.
- You can receive a maximum of 3 Learning Abroad Center scholarships (Study Abroad, Diversity, Financial Need, First Generation Student) during your undergraduate career.
- This scholarship cannot be used for a program that takes place after a student has graduated even if the student applies before they graduate.