Abstract

This study analyzes the experiences of first generation students. To carry it out, 29 interviews were held with first generation students in different universities in Chile. The results show that the experience of each student is the result of multiple, interlinked catalysts: (i) aspirations, fears and levels of family support, (ii) contexts which facilitate or hinder the experiences; and (iii) the characteristics of the university. From this analysis there emerges what we call the academic-family aspirational capital, which points to the first generation students' abilities to choose a university, deal with the challenges of higher education and navigate their way through the university.