Studying Abroad with a Disability

Studying Abroad with a Disability

Accessibility and Support

Study abroad affords an opportunity to develop communication, language, and cross-cultural adaptation skills and makes you more competitive for employment, along with providing the adventure and challenge of exploring different places and being exposed to another culture. Students with disabilities successfully study abroad every term and GEO is committed to supporting students with disabilities in our program. 

Accessibility will vary depending on the country or community you choose for your study abroad. Because of this, it is helpful to begin planning early for any accommodations you may need. The Accessible Education Center (AEC) and GEO are here to assist you before and during your time abroad. 

When Should I Begin?

Advanced planning is essential, since it takes time to communicate with staff abroad and determine the feasibility of accommodations. Begin planning at least one year before the date you wish to study abroad. Review our Questions to Ask Yourself for areas you may need to plan for. Some accommodations may require several months to be arranged, so you should apply well in advance of program application deadlines to ensure GEO can fully consider the options available for your requests. 

How Do I Apply?

Refer to our Application Process. You will need to submit a letter from the AEC documenting your approved accommodations at the University of Oregon. Note that study abroad accommodations cannot be arranged until GEO has received the letter from the AEC.

What Kinds of Accommodations Can I Expect to Receive Abroad?

The United States is a world leader in the area of equal access for persons with disabilities. Many other countries are becoming more aware of the needs of the disability community but may not have the same level of access within their infrastructure. An important part of your study abroad experience will include learning how the host country defines and responds to needs of persons with disabilities according to their culture. GEO cannot alter systems, architecture, transportation, or laws in other countries, nor duplicate your home campus; we cannot guarantee that facilities and/or support services will be available at each location abroad in the same range and quality as on your home campus. However, meeting with your disability office on campus and providing documentation of your disability to GEO is the first step to receiving assistance for your accommodation needs abroad.

Resources

Questions to Ask Yourself

The AEC as well as disability groups in the US and abroad can advise you on how to identify your needs. Consider your specific needs and current adaptations and be sure to think about every aspect of the program: arrival, orientation, living accommodations, classes, excursions, and assistive technology.

Curriculum/Academics

  • What type of coursework will be required in your study abroad program?
  • What tools or accommodations do you use to take notes in class? Can those be arranged?
  • What tutoring services are available?
  • Can you arrange for exam accommodations?
  • If alternative formats of course materials are required, can those be arranged on-site?
  • If you are approved for flexibility with attendance or deadlines, how will this be arranged?
  • Can you bring or arrange for any assistive technology you may need to engage with your coursework? 

Transportation

  • How will you approach traveling on an international airline? How will you travel from the airport to the orientation site?
  • What are the conditions of public streets and sidewalks (e.g. paved, cobblestone, etc.) Are there typically curb cuts?
  • What types of accessible public transportation are available?
  • Is there Braille signage on buildings, elevators, classrooms, ATMs, etc.?
  • If you require assistance with orientation and mobility, will someone be available to assist you? 

Housing

  • What are the housing options available through your program?
  • Do housing facilities have elevators, ramps, and/or accessible bathrooms and showers?
  • Are flashing fire alarms available in your housing facility?
  • Are housing room dimensions physically accessible to your needs? 

Communication Access

  • Will you need an interpreter or real-time transcription?
  • Where/how will the interpreter be hired?
  • Does the interpreter know American Sign Language? Sign language is not universal and may differ between countries that have the same spoken language.
  • If you are taking a personal FM system, can you obtain batteries in your host country that work for your device?

Medical/Mental Health Care and Auxiliary Aids

  • If you need to meet with a medical or mental health provider while abroad, have you established this contact prior to departure?
  • If you take any medication, will you be able to bring the medication with you to your host country? Are you able to refill it while abroad?
  • Are any of your medications considered controlled substances in your host country? Depending on the country, you may need to take additional steps to have your medications with you.
  • Will you bring a mobility device with you? One or multiple?
  • Where can your mobility device be repaired if needed?
  • Are replacement parts or batteries for auxiliary aids readily available in the event of loss or damage? 

Service Animals

  • Are there laws in your host country that support service animals?
  • Will you need to quarantine your animal upon arrival?
  • What documentation is required to bring your service animal into your host country and back into the US?
  • Will special housing or food arrangements be necessary for your animal?
  • Will your animal be allowed into the classroom and on public transportation?
  • Are there veterinary services available in your host country? 

Personal Care

  • If you plan to have a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) accompany you abroad, have you ensured that your assistant has the necessary passport, visa, documentation, insurance, and immunizations for traveling and living abroad?
  • If you are considering hiring a PCA abroad after you arrive, how feasible is this at your site? What steps will you need to follow? Be sure to look up currency conversation rates for the country you’ll be traveling to.
  • Where will the PCA live? Can the program accommodate both of you in program housing, or will other arrangements be necessary?

Other

  • If you have respiratory concerns or severe allergies, what is the air and environmental quality in the city you are considering?
  • If your condition is impacted by temperatures, what is the climate like in your host city?
  • What dietary considerations do you have, and how easy are they to meet at your host site? Consider getting Allergy Translation Cards that outline your specific food allergies in the primary language of your site.