Your Disability Specialist and Study Abroad Program Adviser will both play an important role in talking through the impact of your disability on the study abroad experience and clarifying your accommodation needs. Keep in mind that due to differing environments, you may need accommodations or assistance overseas that you might not typically need in the United States. Also, be prepared to answer questions about your disability or accommodation needs in the language of your host country, to roommates, professors, your host family, or others who may be seeking to understand and be of assistance. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about your host country and any support services that might exist to assist you. The more you know in advance, the better prepared you will be to deal with cultural and disability-related adjustments.
Many students find it helpful to talk to others with similar disabilities who have studied abroad.
Contact a peer mentor through the Global Campus, or contact a student with a disability at the host institution for first-hand accessibility information. Explore the Access Abroad web site for additional information on study abroad for students with disabilities, including advice on Pre-departure Planning , stories of other Student Experiences , and Student Tips from Jennifer Kettler, a student with a mobility disability who studied in Australia. You can also explore information on Accessibility at Overseas Sites . For additional advice on planning for your study abroad experience, check out the video clips below.