|
What is Access Abroad?
Access Abroad is a collaborative effort at the University of Minnesota between the Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services to provide information on accessibility at sponsored overseas sites.
Is study abroad for you?
Study abroad can satisfy liberal education and language requirements, and students often say that their time abroad was the most exciting time in college. While study abroad can be challenging, the experience can help you learn more about yourself and your capabilities. In the words of Disability Specialist, Wendy Habor: "Go for it!"
Study Experiences
For firsthand perspectives on study abroad from students with disabilities.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid can be applied to study abroad, and many students find that the cost of going abroad is actually comparable to the cost of studying on campus. In addition, the Learning Abroad Center annually awards scholarships, available to disability accommodation costs.
Accommodations Eligibility
Students registered with Disability Services who are eligible for on-campus accommodation are also eligible for overseas accommodation when it can be arranged. Any site has the potential to be accessible. Students are encouraged to speak with their study abroad advisers and fill out the Accommodations Request Form (download pdf) to determine if their particular site can provide them with reasonable accommodations. Check these pages for a sampling of program-specific accessibility information.
Which Program is Right for You?
Carefully consider the following:
- What are the physical environments like in your host country?
- Is learning mainly from lecture, readings, independent research, etc?
- How are the assignments different?
- What housing options exist?
- Do you need to do their own cooking? Laundry?
- Is transportation available and accessible?
- Disability Specialist Kathy McGillivray offers some tips on Choosing a Program
Accessibility Overseas
Just as cultures differ, so do disability accommodations and perceptions. The
key for any study abroad participant is flexibility. Students are encouraged to contact Mobility International for assistance in finding programs and overseas support services.
It is important to communicate your needs and consider alternative ways to meet them. Disability Services and the Learning Abroad Center are here to assist you before and during your trip abroad. For more information: Accessibility at Overseas Sites
Quick Tips for Students with Disabilities Going Abroad
- Disclose your disability needs to program staff early, so appropriate arrangements can be made in advance.
- Remember that other cultures may provide disability access in a different way—learn about what types of accommodation are typically provided in your host country, and be flexible and open to different ways of accommodating your disability.
- Before you go, find out as much as you can about your host culture and how they view disability by reading, talking to other students, and attending pre-departure orientation sessions. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for the interaction between your disability and the new environment.
- Think about how you will answer questions about your disability in the language of your host country—look up key vocabulary words ahead of time.
What are My Next Steps?
- Pre-departure Planning
- Access Abroad Student Checklist
- For advice on planning an international experience, check out the following video clips:
Last modified on May 13, 2008 |