First-Gen, Non-Traditional, and Veteran Students
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to experience new cultures, gain perspective, and become a global citizen. As first-generation, non-traditional, and veteran students, you have overcome many obstacles to get where you are today. You may be feeling uncertain about how study abroad can fit into your academic plans at Webster or how the process will work for your needs. Whether your concern is financial, academic, or personal, we will connect you with resources that will help you to plan your study abroad experience.
As you begin your preparation for study abroad, you should first consider some important questions to help facilitate conversations based on your unique background provided below. There are also a number of web resources provided that you may find useful. Please know that the Office of Study Abroad is here to assist you at any time with your study abroad planning. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Tips for first-generation students considering studying abroad.
International Studies Abroad (ISA) - First Generation Student Stories
Three different first-generation students on how studying abroad affected their family, how this experience impacted their career paths, and tips for other first generation students.
Institute for Study Abroad - First Generation Student Tips
First-hand experience of a first-generation student who studied abroad.
Diversity Abroad - First Generation Students & Parents
Tips for first-generation students whose families may need more information.
Webster's Multicultural Center & International Student Affairs Office
The Office of Multicultural and International Affairs helps to facilitate cross-cultural interaction, learning, and appreciation. They also meet with students to offer social and academic advising, wellness checks, emotional support, and more.
Webster First Generation Students
Webster First offers many resources for first-generation students, such as academic and social opportunities, campus and community involvement, and career readiness assistance.
This is an organization that provides a range of resources on diversity abroad, including for non-traditional students.
Scholarships for Non-traditional Students
Here is a list of scholarships available for different non-traditional students, including single parent and women-specific scholarships.
Webster's Office of First Year Experience
Webster Office of First Year Experience and Undergraduate Persistence offers support by connecting students with institutional resources, such as Financial Aid and the Career Planning Center. You may contact their office to see how study abroad fits into your academic plan.
Information on how the GI Bill can help you study abroad.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators - Resources for Veteran Students
A behind the scenes look at how study abroad advisers should be assisting you. You can use this as a guide for questions to ask your adviser.
US Department of Veteran Affairs
Information from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
Webster's Office of Military Affairs
The Webster Office of Military Affairs is here to assist you on your educational journey. Please contact their office if you are considering studying abroad.
Webster's VetSuccess Program
Jason Blakemore is Webster’s VetSuccess counselor. You may contact him for more assistance at Jason.blakemore@va.gov.
As you begin your preparation for study abroad, you should first consider some important questions to help facilitate conversations based on your unique background provided below. There are also a number of web resources provided that you may find useful. Please know that the Office of Study Abroad is here to assist you at any time with your study abroad planning. Click here to schedule an appointment.
First-Generation Students
- Do I have work or family obligations at home that will affect the location or duration of my study abroad experience?
- How will I make studying abroad affordable? Are there scholarships available specifically for first-generation students that will aid me in my study abroad experience?
- How will my family react to me studying abroad? Are there resources available for them as well?
Tips for first-generation students considering studying abroad.
International Studies Abroad (ISA) - First Generation Student Stories
Three different first-generation students on how studying abroad affected their family, how this experience impacted their career paths, and tips for other first generation students.
Institute for Study Abroad - First Generation Student Tips
First-hand experience of a first-generation student who studied abroad.
Diversity Abroad - First Generation Students & Parents
Tips for first-generation students whose families may need more information.
Webster's Multicultural Center & International Student Affairs Office
The Office of Multicultural and International Affairs helps to facilitate cross-cultural interaction, learning, and appreciation. They also meet with students to offer social and academic advising, wellness checks, emotional support, and more.
Webster First Generation Students
Webster First offers many resources for first-generation students, such as academic and social opportunities, campus and community involvement, and career readiness assistance.
Non-traditional Students
- Will work or family obligations limit where and how long I can study abroad?
- Are there paid internships available that could help to keep my finances on track while abroad?
- Will there be other students my age studying abroad that I will be able to connect with?
- Are there options for my child/spouse to come with me abroad? If not, how can I plan for childcare or other situations?
- What type of housing will be available? Will I be able to have my own room, or share a room with someone my age?
This is an organization that provides a range of resources on diversity abroad, including for non-traditional students.
Scholarships for Non-traditional Students
Here is a list of scholarships available for different non-traditional students, including single parent and women-specific scholarships.
Webster's Office of First Year Experience
Webster Office of First Year Experience and Undergraduate Persistence offers support by connecting students with institutional resources, such as Financial Aid and the Career Planning Center. You may contact their office to see how study abroad fits into your academic plan.
Veteran Students
- How will I discuss my military experience with locals, and how will it be perceived?
- Will prior US military involvement influence my decision on where to study abroad?
- Will there be other veterans studying abroad that I can connect with?
Information on how the GI Bill can help you study abroad.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators - Resources for Veteran Students
A behind the scenes look at how study abroad advisers should be assisting you. You can use this as a guide for questions to ask your adviser.
US Department of Veteran Affairs
Information from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
Webster's Office of Military Affairs
The Webster Office of Military Affairs is here to assist you on your educational journey. Please contact their office if you are considering studying abroad.
Webster's VetSuccess Program
Jason Blakemore is Webster’s VetSuccess counselor. You may contact him for more assistance at Jason.blakemore@va.gov.