The First Abroad Scholarship provides first-generation in college students with the opportunity to study abroad by reducing the financial barrier that may prevent some students from considering study abroad during their undergraduate career. Approximately 25 recipients a year will receive a one-time scholarship of $3,000 to help cover the cost of the UT-approved study abroad program of their choice. UT-approved programs can be found by using the "Search Programs" box to the left. Recipients have up to two academic years to select a program and participate, ensuring sufficient time to plan their study abroad experience.

For example, a student who is awarded a First Abroad Scholarship in early spring 2014 may use the scholarship in any term between fall 2014 and summer 2016.

Eligibility:

• financial need (current FAFSA on file with UT Austin),
• first-generation in college student (neither parent has a four-year college degree),
• first time in college (did not transfer after a year at another institution - high school dual enrollment okay), and
• less than 60 hours earned (completed) at UT Austin at time of application

Deadline: early December 2013

Application: Click here

Application tips: Carefully read through your application before submitting to check for grammatical errors and typos. Consider visiting the UT Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) for feedback on your application. The UWC offers free, individualized, expert help with writing for any UT undergraduate, by appointment or on a drop-in basis.

First Abroad Scholarship Coordinator

Mona Syed is the First Abroad Coordinator for scholarships awarded in 2013. She is available for individual study abroad advising and mentoring for 2013 scholars, who must coordinate the disbursement of their scholarship with her. Scholars are encouraged to make an appointment with her each semester to plan the study abroad experience that best meets individual academic, personal, and professional goals. Appointments can be made by clicking on the gray "Appointments" tab to the left. Scroll down and click "Make an Appointment" under Exchange and Affiliate advising. First Abroad students are required to have one-hour meetings. Select two back-to-back meetings to get the full hour.

Margaret McCullers is the First Abroad Coordinator for scholarships awarded in 2012. She is available for individual study abroad advising and mentoring for 2012 scholars, who must coordinate the disbursement of their scholarship with her. Scholars are encouraged to make an appointment with her each semester to plan the study abroad experience that best meets individual academic, personal, and professional goals. Appointments can be made via phone or email: mccullersm@austin.utexas.edu or 512-475-8769

Additional Funding for First Abroad Scholars

The Coca-Cola Foundation China Scholarship - $2000

First Abroad Scholars who choose to study abroad in mainland China during a semester, year, or summer session abroad will automatically receive an additional $2000 scholarship from The Coca-Cola Foundation to apply towards the cost of their UT-approved program. Scholars must study abroad in China by summer 2015 to receive the award.

CET Matching Scholarship - $1000

First Abroad Scholars who study abroad on a summer or semester program with CET will receive an additional $1000 scholarship to apply towards the cost of their UT-approved program.

AIFS Matching Scholarship - $1,000

CIEE Matching Scholarship - $1000

First Abroad Scholars who study abroad on a semester or year-long program with CIEE, will receive an additional $1000 scholarship to apply towards the cost of their UT-approved program.

SIT Pell Grant Matching Scholarship – amount matches Federal Pell grant!

All UT-Austin students who receive a Federal Pell grant as part of their Federal financial aid package are eligible to receive a scholarship from SIT that matches the amount of their Pell Grant.  This matching scholarship from SIT may be applied to several of the summer and semester-long SIT programs.

The SIT Houston International Scholarship is available to students who are residents of the Houston metropolitan area, and students may apply for this scholarship once they commit to an SIT program.

Arcadia Matching Scholarship - $1,000

IES Abroad Matching Scholarship - $1,000