A new study abroad experience allows Murray State first-generation students the opportunity to expand their education outside of the classroom.
As education abroad experiences are known for having high costs, Jennifer Smith, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success, proposed an idea for a low-cost study abroad option for first-generation students. A first-gen student is someone who is the first in their family to complete a four-year degree.
Along with a team of faculty and staff, Smith plans to accompany a group of 18 students on a trip to London over spring break.
Nevaeh Jackson, freshman public and community health major, is one of the students attending the trip. She said this opportunity is important for students who cannot afford other study abroad programs.
“(Most) students like me couldn’t even imagine being able to take an opportunity like this,” she said.
Jackson said studying abroad is much more than an amusing trip students take, as it also helps with advancement towards a professional career. She said adaptability, academic diversity and cultural understanding are all areas that grow through education abroad experiences.
“All of these are critical for many of the career-fields we strive to work in,” she said. “Making these programs affordable breaks the barrier for us to excel and succeed in our lives, not just in our careers but personally.”
Smith said her inspiration for the program came after reading an article concerning a lack of first-gen students’ participation in education abroad programs, and she eventually began researching how other institutions were making progress in that area.
“Education abroad experiences are beneficial for all students,” she said. “It just happens that fewer first-gen students participate (because of) affordability, responsibilities at home and in many cases, not knowing about education abroad.”
Smith said the goal of study abroad is to enhance education through combining real-world experiences with information learned in the classroom.
“I hope this experience inspires the students to always be curious and adventurous,” she said. “I believe experiences like these help students grow in confidence and create networking skills that benefit them throughout life.”
Jackson said she is hopeful the experience will open her eyes to what the world has to offer.
“Growing up in a small town, it makes it seem that options are limited,” she said. “This program will definitely encourage me to study harder and work harder to ensure that I can make a difference in the world and personally see that change.”
The program will begin March 14, and while the itinerary is not yet finalized, the trip will include excursions at Stonehenge, Bath, a Warner Bros. Studios tour and theatrical performances.
The main funding for the program is a grant written by Steven Guns, resulting in students only having to pay $600 out of pocket for their trip.
“Partnering to make this happen was a no-brainer,” Smith said regarding the grant process.
Steven Guns, director of education abroad, is the program director for London spring break 2024. He said the funds for the program came from the Kentucky Innovative Scholarship, a pilot of the Council of Post Secondary Education and Higher Education Assistance Authority.
“The majority of the funds were meant for displaced students; however a portion of the scholarship was reserved to promote international exchange,” Guns said. “I was not involved in the writing or receiving of these funds, just a lucky office that gets to be involved in the distribution of the funds!”
Jackson said this opportunity scared her at first, but now she knows allowing fear to hold her back is never worth it. She encourages other students to take chances like this one.
Smith said one of the main goals of the program is to create a strong community of students.
“We hope to learn how studying abroad enhances a student’s overall college experience into their future careers,” she said. “We also hope that we’re able to identify grants to continue this program.”
For more information on first-generation student opportunities and resources, go to https://www.murraystate.edu/about/administration/StudentAffairs/departments/success/first-generation.aspx.
