How hard is it for a first generation student to get into the engineering field?

I am also first generation, with my father born in Mexico City. My experience has been, for the most part, your individual talent wins out on any cultural or language differences, if you adequately learn the language, of course. This is especially true in the California schools I attended. Also, when it comes to English, regardless of major (engineering, chemistry, biology, mathematics), they all require English first. I would chose the best option for yourself to increase your English proficiency, and lower your expectations of being taught any differently. This may change your priorities, but it will be your best option in the long run. And YES, you can succeed in engineering - I have, being the only Mexican in my classes (for the most part).

My friend,

Don't worry about the stereotypes. If you are willing to put in the time to learn something it won't matter how hard or difficult the subject is. I'd recommend you stay and learn English since it's one of the most common languages within the work place. Also, remember this: success in any company is going to be a result of:
(1) How well you can adapt and relate with your peers
(2) Your ability to analyze and seek the proper information to solve problems.

I agree with Luis, Its all about your aptitude and attitude. If you have the aptitude for it, you can definitely do good in engineering or for that matter any field

Jesus:

Perhaps more important than a fluency in English, your relationship to Math and, to a lessor extent, to Physics, determine your likely suitability for a career in engineering. If you find these subjects interesting and you have a proficiency in them, it is very likely you will do well in engineering.
The engineering disciplines have a vocabulary of their own that any engineering student, American-raised or otherwise, needs to master. So I would not worry too much about your current skills with English. That will come in time. To be a successful engineer, you need to be willing to examine problems, apply a disciplined approach to developing practical solutions and always sweat the details. This is the heart of engineering. If this type of work appeals to you, then you will do just fine in engineering.

Pete Sturtevant, P.E.

Hey, go to a decent engineering school in Mexico. They methods are most likely the same and then try for grad school in another country, take English or German if you have time, you never know. I meet a couple of engineers for Catepillar in Shanghai who worked out of a Tuscon, Arizona location for the Catepillar wire harnesses built in Shanghai and the assembled in Coahila?

Cheers