Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences in which a college student can participate. Students' ability to travel to a foreign country and immerse themselves in a different culture by attending school and living there for an extended period of time has the potential to change or alter students' perspectives of the world and highlight the importance of cultural diversity. It is important that students are mentally prepared before they commence on this adventure. The experience will only be extolled if the students understand how to participate in cultural engagement as well as feel safe when traveling in their respective country. A Guide to Cultural Engagement & Safety abroad aims to provide a more holistic preparation by presenting information in a different manner to appeal to different types of learning. With this additional preparation on the topics of cultural immersion and safety, students will hopefully be comfortable in their new environment from the beginning and dissipate fears or concerns beforehand. The guide is made up of ten video skits that builds upon existing resources by addressing some of the same topics in new formats as well as introducing new topics with an emphasis on safety, cultural engagement with locals, and cultural norms.

The Culture of Study Abroad is a pre-departure resource for prospective American study abroad students. This resource exists in the form of a multimedia website containing expert advice, helpful resources, and true stories of American students and faculty directors who have studied abroad. Through creative non-fiction storytelling, interviews, research, and photographs, readers are encouraged to take full advantage of studying abroad as a way to expand their global knowledge and understanding. This website offers advice on the topics of cultural observation, homestays, traveling while abroad, safety, and foreign language, in an attempt to better prepare students for the unique cultural experiences awaiting them abroad. Visit the website: www.thecultureofstudyabroad.wordpress.com

First-generation college students are an underrepresented group in terms of study

abroad participation nationally and at Arizona State University (ASU). The ASU and

International Studies Abroad (ISA) Planning Scholars Scholarship Program was

developed to support first-generation college students in their pursuit of study abroad.

This mixed-methods study examined what the specific needs of first-generation college

students are as they pursue study abroad experiences and what effect the ASU and ISA

Planning Scholars Program had on them. A combination of surveys, semi-structured

interviews, and a photovoice project provided data for the study. Key findings included

that first-generation college students had concerns about finances, finding a study abroad

program that would keep them on track for graduation, making friends while they study

abroad, and traveling abroad alone. The study indicated that the Planning Scholars

program did increase students’ confidence in pursuing study abroad. Additionally, the

theory of First-Generation Strength was developed which suggests that first-generation

college students possess certain strengths and capital that help them overcome a variety

of new obstacles and make them an ideal candidate for study abroad due to their

experiences with having to navigate new contexts, such as going to college,

independently.