“In a beautiful way, I received about ten fold more in return -- fortitude, strength in uncertainty, patience, independence, decisiveness, and heat-tolerance. I left with the knowledge that the world I was accustomed to -- one that seemed all-encompassing, wildly large, and equally relevant -- was just a small sliver of a much, much larger diversified landscape."
"Go out and see the world! Enjoy your time abroad; it’s truly life changing. When abroad, make sure to continue collaborating with onsite advisors and onsite doctors, (basically, whoever you may need to collaborate with). As students with disabilities, we CAN study abroad and have a great time, just don’t forget to plan ahead. Have a wonderful time, and take lots of photos!"
"My time abroad was one the best experiences of my life because of what I was able to do outside of my internship. Exploring Greece was breathtaking because of its endless beauties. I learned to scuba dive, and it was one of the most magical, life changing experiences. I will pursue this newfound passion of mine for the rest of my life!"
“Being abroad certainly put me outside of my physical comfort zone, but not once did my disability prevent me from learning more about myself and my environment, which I felt was the true essence of a study abroad experience.”
As you consider and prepare for an international experience, use the information on this page to explore the considerations, opportunities, questions, and challenges of traveling abroad with a disability.
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list and you may relate to multiple identities. You are encouraged to discuss these topics in-person with an education abroad advisor in your school or college. The Services for Students with Disabilities office (SSD) and the Counseling and Psychological Services office (CAPS) can also provide guidance and resources as you prepare for your experience.
Researching the climate for people with disabilities around the world is an important part of deciding where you will travel. Attitudes and laws surrounding physical mobility, mental illness, and chronic conditions will vary depending on your destination and it is essential that you have an understanding of the disability rights in your host country.
Explore these helpful resources regarding traveling with a disability:
Your accommodations may vary as many parts of the world have different standards of accessibility and perceptions of people with disabilities. In the U.S., laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require organizations to ensure accessible accommodations, but your travel destination likely has different laws, cultural perceptions, and accommodations for people with disabilities.
You are encouraged to utilize resources such as Mobility International to learn more about the cultural perceptions and attitudes of the host destination.
Options for medication depend on the country and its laws. In some cases, a medication that is illegal may have an alternative version that is legal within the country. The University Travel Abroad Health Insurance covers prescribed medications and if planned in advance, you will be able to pick up medications locally at the host destination. You are encouraged to connect with your physician and conduct research on your host destination.
