The information presented here is derived from the reports of students who studied through Access Abroad. Access Abroad does not endorse or verify the accuracy of disability informati on specific to culture in the countries named.

Jennifer: Mobility Down Under

Jenny, who has a mobility disability, went to Australia to continue her studies in marketing and speech communications. She experienced firsthand the differences between access in Australia and access at home.

When Jenny decided to leave Minnesota behind for Fall Semester 1999, it was to begin spring semester halfway around the world in Melbourne, Australia, where she found the country very much to her liking. "The people are so friendly and helpful, and the countryside is great."

Jenny, who has a mobility disability, went to Australia to continue her studies in marketing and speech communications. She experienced firsthand the differences between access in Australia and access at home. "The access difference here is not with the people but their lack of concern for it. The people are great toward people with disabilities, but almost all of the shops have steps, and the movies all have stairs, with no other access in a lot of the theaters." Jenny adapted to the situation and found other ways to get around. "I would just ask somebody for help and they would just help pop my wheelchair up over the steps. People were really friendly in that way. It's not that they are against people with disabilities; they just don't think about it as an issue for themselves. Public transport, on the other hand, is very accessible most of the time, and that's great."

"The Australians I met were pretty open and sometimes blunt about disability--they would just say, you know, oh, what happened to you, or why do you use crutches, which is totally fine with me because I'd rather express to them and let them know what my situation is than to have them just think something that might not be true. It was really easy for them to adjust because I can talk about it in such a comfortable way--I think it helped them to be really comfortable around me.&quot

Jenny's advice to anyone interested in doing study abroad is to "just give it a go." The long-term benefits for her were worth the effort. "You will have the best time of your life meeting new people and seeing the culture in the rest of the world. Plus it will be good for your future. I am gaining the best hands-on experience I could possibly receive."

Read more about Jennifer's experience which helps other students with disabilities planning for an international experience.