FIRST GENERATION AWAY
Congratulations on your accomplishments of becoming an ArtCenter student and being the first generation in your family to attend college! We welcome you and support your goal of enhancing your overall ArtCenter experience by studying away.
Early in the planning phase, schedule a 1:1 advising meeting with an Exchange and Study Away advisor to determine the program(s) of best fit for your individual needs. We know you and your family may have questions. We are here to answer them for you. Check out the resources below for additional support.
THINGS TO CONSIDER:
There are many factors to consider when choosing a study away program. We encourage all students to research their program of interest and its location to ensure that it aligns with their academic, professional, and personal goals. This section lists some of the factors that first generation college students may wish to consider, particularly for programs that take place abroad. Please feel welcome to contact our office if you would like to discuss any questions or concerns you have.
Academic Planning
We encourage you to choose a Study Away program that aligns with your academic, professional, and personal goals. Research programs to learn what types of courses are available and the kind of credit you would receive (e.g., studio, academic, elective). Talk with your major department and/or the Humanities and Sciences department to receive feedback on how specific courses may be applied to your degree requirements. Your research on classes and conversations with your department will help you to confirm whether or not a particular program will allow you to stay on track for graduation.
Study Away Finances & Scholarships
We understand that finances are a primary concern for many students, and we advise that you educate yourself on the financial aspects of the program(s) you are interested in. Note that finances work differently for each type of Study Away program. You are welcome to schedule an advising appointment with one of our staff to discuss program finances and/or attend a Study Away 101 info session. Please view our page on Inside ArtCenter for details on upcoming info sessions.
Some quick points to note:
If you participate in an ArtCenter faculty-led or exchange program, you will maintain your enrolled ArtCenter status while away and therefore will be eligible to use financial aid and ArtCenter scholarships.
If you participate in an Individualized Study Away program, you will be on a leave of absence from ArtCenter while away. Federal and state aid may apply, however, ArtCenter scholarships cannot apply.
Talking to Loved Ones about Study Away
Having a conversation with your loved ones about your plans to study away may require some planning and timing. If being at ArtCenter is your first experience away from home, it is possible that your loved ones may not fully understand why you wish to go further away to another country or a different city within the United States. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the resources available to you, particularly on academics and finances, to be able to convey the importance of studying away and how you will do it. Additionally, you can gather information online from a variety of sources on the benefits of studying away.
If your loved ones are concerned about the city or country in which you will study, do some research on the location. You can also let them know that there is on-site support available in every program location.
Connect with Other ArtCenter Students
Communicating with another ArtCenter student that has studied away, preferably on the same program or in the same location, will be incredibly valuable to you. They may help to ease some of the concerns you have and will provide great advice based on their own experiences. If you’re interested in connecting with a previous participant, please contact us at studyaway@artcenter.edu.
Helpful Resources
ArtCenter Resources
Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
ArtCenter’s Exchange and Study Away Office works closely with the Center for DEI in supporting students with identity concerns before, during, and after their time away. To set up an appointment, email them using the link above. ArtCenter’s counseling services are available to you before, during, and after your time away. If you are in need of support, use the link above to schedule an appointment. ArtCenter has a number of identity-focused student clubs. These groups may provide support and perspective from fellow students with similar identity anchors who have previously participated in study away.General Resources
Diversity Abroad’s Diversity and Inclusion Abroad Guide:
A comprehensive resource that focuses on specific identities including first generation students, racial and ethnic minority students, heritage seekers, and religious diversity abroad.First Generation Student Resources:
resources, advice, and student voices from the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad)UNPACKED: A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me:
A variety of student voices and perspectives from the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) Peer-to-peer interviews on students’ current experiences abroad and future plans to study abroad A collection of stories from students that were the first in their families to travel internationally