Maria Echenique (University of Portland)
eche@****.com (Log-in to reveal)

This panel on first-generation Hispanic students (FGH) focuses on one important aspect of the college experience: study abroad. It aims to explore FGH students' experiences with study abroad, including FGH students' participation in study abroad programs, existing opportunities tailored to this population, obstacles FGH students may face, the contributions of FGH students to these programs, the integration of full-immersion Spanish study abroad programs into the college curriculum, and FGH study abroad programs’ goals and learning outcomes. Papers on other aspects related to FGH students and study abroad that are not mentioned here will also be considered.

The growing number of first-generation Hispanic students (FGH) entering college, many of whom are also Spanish Heritage Language Learners (students with linguistic and/or familial connections to the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures), invites us to reflect on how Spanish programs should adapt to serve this population. One growing trend is the creation of courses tailored specifically for heritage learners, thereby recognizing the linguistic and cultural skills FGH students bring to college as assets that should be nurtured to enhance the value of their higher education. In this context, given that full-immersion Spanish study abroad experiences are an integral part of a Spanish language major, it is important to explore how we can help FGH students pursue such opportunities. This panel aims to bring together Spanish faculty involved in study abroad at their institutions to share experiences and initiatives that increase participation, remove barriers FGH students face, and help create study abroad programs targeted to FGH students.