Prior to committing to a study abroad program or course, be sure to consider if the program or course requirements and environment are a good fit for you. While by its very nature study abroad should challenge you and provide opportunities for new experiences, reflect on the questions below to make sure you understand the specifics of your program.
Student Accessibility Checklist
Well-Being and Support
The questions below are not meant to dissuade you from study abroad, but to encourage you to consider your specific needs so that you can plan how to remain well and engaged while abroad. If going abroad on a J-term study-travel course, reasonable accommodations will be made for students registered with Disability Services, but keep in mind that different countries and cultures may not provide such accommodations. If going abroad on a long-term study abroad program, you will need to research accommodations and support services offered by your program provider and/or host institution abroad.
We encourage students to share their concerns with their instructors and/or study abroad advisors; they will be able to share information with you about your host country or university. Students should also be responsible for their own research. Check out our Resources for Travelers Abroad webpage for other recommended resources.
Accessibility Checklist
Dietary Restrictions
- What types of food are available and consumed in your destination country? Are meal accommodations possible if you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free?
- What foods are customary and predominant in your host country? Seafood and shellfish? Red meat, including pork? Grains and plant-based food?
- What ingredients and methods of preparation do you need to consider if you have food allergies? Examples include peanut oil, soy, and cross-contamination of food.
Medications
- Are your required medications legal in your host country? Are forms required to bring in medication?
- Are there any restrictions regarding the quantity of medication you can bring in?
- Are your medications available overseas? Where can you get a prescription or the actual medication in your host country?
- Does your medication require refrigeration or any special handling?
- How will travel affect the timing of taking your medications?
- If participating in a long-term study abroad program, will you need to return home at any point to restock on medication?
Medications When Traveling Internationally – MIUSA
Japan and Medications – MIUSA
Health and Hygiene
- Do you require any health aids or supplies, such as a c-pap machine?
- If the device is electric, is there alternate voltage in your destination country?
- Are your aids or supplies available in country?
- The Center for Disease Control has extensive information about maintaining your health while traveling abroad.
- Are specific vaccinations required or suggested for your country of destination?
- Are there any vaccinations or medications recommended for your specific health history?
- Work with your health provider prior to departure for suggestions and recommendations
Physical / Mobility Requirements
- In general, students are expected to carry their luggage through the airport, on/off public transportation and the hotel.
- Are you comfortable sitting in transportation (plane, train, etc.) for hours at a time?
- What are the walking requirements each day? What is the terrain – city blocks? unpaved roads? uphill climbs?
- What other physical activities are part of the program?
- Familiarize yourself with the various modes of public transportation you will be using – will they be crowded? Will you have to stand all or part of the time?
- Are there mobility aids that you will bring with you abroad?
- Will you be able to use them across various modes of transportation?
- Will the device need to be recharged, acknowledging that there are different voltages you may encounter while traveling?
Environment and Facilities
- How does the climate affect your health?
- What are common allergens in the area you will travel to? Consider the flora and fauna!
- What is the weather like?
- What is the air quality during the season you will be in country?
- What are the requirements (both on transportation and abroad) for your comfort/service animal? (Taking a pet from the U.S. to another country – U.S. Department of Agriculture)
- What are the bathrooms like? Are they easy to find? Will you have enough space to maneuver?
- Will you be staying at a hotel, home-stay, or campsite?
- How is the concept of personal space approached in your host country? What is your comfort level regarding personal space?
- Depending on the country or city, older building and streets may not be navigable for those with mobility concerns. What is the infrastructure like in your destination country? Are elevators, escalators and ramps available? Are restaurants, cultural sites and public transportation accessible?
- Are signs readable for people with colorblindness?
- Are there accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- What is the attitude or culture of the destination towards those with visible and invisible disabilities?
- How do you contact emergency services or medical assistance in your destination country? What services are available?
Mental Health
- Reflect on what situations may cause stress and envision what situations abroad you may encounter.
- Consider how you work through stress and anxiety and other mental health concerns – how will you continue that practice while abroad? For example: running or working out, meditation or silence, connecting with friends or family.
- Work with your mental health provider prior to departure for suggestions and recommendations
- Are counseling services available in the country, if needed?
- Refer to the Medications section, if needed.
Learning Disability / Neurodiversity
- Consider how the environment may be an advantage (potentially less reading and more doing) and what challenges you may encounter (routines may be harder to establish).
- Is the Internet available? Is there a fee for usage?
- Will you be able to use assistive technology in country, and on-the-go? Do your electronics require an adapter due to differences in voltage? What is your plan if the technology is not available or needs repair?
- What supports and academic strategies can you establish? Can the environment be adjusted to reduce distractions? Are tutors available?
- Who can help you develop a plan prior to departure? Once you are in the country?
Quick Tips
Adapted from the University of Minnesota’s Access Abroad page.
- Disclose your disability needs to program staff early, so appropriate arrangements and reasonable accommodations 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.