First-Generation College Students and Study Abroad

SimonMary Asese Aihiokhai is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, and affiliate faculty of Ethnic Studies at the University of Portland, USAMatt Daily is Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Idaho State University, USA.Layla Garrigues is Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Health Innovations at the University of Portland, USA.

• 1. Strengths-Based Approaches for International Engagement of First-Generation College Students 2. Embracing Surplus Mindset: Insights Gained by Faculty and Staff Supporting FGEN Students in Study Abroad 3. Analyzing First-Generation Study Abroad Through a Dynamic Systems Approach: A Literature Review 4. DEIJ and First-Generation Experiences: Addressing the Structures of Inequality Around Study Abroad Programs 5. Storytelling to Influence Best Practice: First-Gen Student Stories About Study Abroad Experiences 6. Study Abroad Programs: Cross-Cultural Opportunities and the Retention of First-Generation Hispanic Students 7. First-Generation Experiences as Disruption of Innovation, and the Innovative Mindset for Thriving in Study Abroad Programs 8. First-Generation Students with Disabilities Navigating Study Abroad Programs 9. International First-Generation Students and Student Services

“The editors have assembled an impressive array of scholars, faculty members, staff members, practitioners, and experts who explore myriad strengths-based approaches for enhancing study abroad experiences for first-generation students. As someone who has worked in international education, and presently serves as a senior international officer, I can say that this book is a must-read for anyone committed to rethinking higher education and harnessing the strengths of first-generation college students to create a more equitable and enriching education abroad experiences. Beyond the diversity of topics, such as strengths-based approaches, faculty & staff development, addressing structural inequities, utilizing storytelling, and addressing intersectional needs of students who are both first-generation and Hispanic, or disabled, or international, this book also includes important information on the correlations between education abroad and retention. On a personal level, as a first-generation college student who did not study abroad as an undergraduate student, I wish the educators at my alma mater had this book in their hands when I was a student."- Eduardo “Eddie” Contreras is the Vice Provost for Global Engagement at Baylor University, Texas, where he is the senior international officer.“This thoughtfully curated volume shines a much-needed light on the transformative potential of study abroad experiences for first-generation college students. Through a strengths-based lens, it offers practical insights and affirming strategies for administrators, faculty, and staff who are committed to expanding global learning opportunities for this talented and resilient student population. […] I’m confident it will serve as both a guide and an inspiration for institutions seeking to engage first-gen students in global learning.” - Julie Carballo, M.Ed., M.A., Assistant Dean of Students for First-Generation and Military-Affiliated Initiatives at North Central College, Naperville, IL, and Founding Director of Cardinal First—North Central College’s nationally recognized program for first-gen students from Day 1 to graduation“This book launches a much-needed conversation about the purpose, history and participation in study abroad and the necessity to name structures of inequality in study abroad programs with specific insights on how to re-shape programs for greater accessibility. Readers will find that contributions include both the theoretical heft to engage in a critical review of current frameworks and policies as well as practical strategies to re-design study abroad from a strengths-based perspective. At the center of this book is an asset-based view of first-generation college students with attention to how their complex positionality can inform re-shaping study abroad in ways that enhance their personal growth and enhance institutional outcomes.” - Rashné Jehangir, PhD, Professor & Assistant Dean for Education Opportunity Programs. Author of Decoding the Academy: A Roadmap for First-generation College Students Through Graduate Education & Higher Education and First-Generation Students: Cultivating Community, Voice, and Place for the New Majority