Students with disabilities often raise questions about how they will arrange accommodations if they participate in a study abroad or study away program. Advance planning makes all the difference. Here are some steps to help you identify the right program and then to assure accommodations are in place.
- Indicate your interest early. During your annual meeting with your Access Specialist, or at a meeting you arrange separately, bring up your interest in studying abroad/away–your questions and concerns, academic goals, and any elements of your situation which may need extra attention as you choose a program. Think about your particular skills and limitations in navigating a foreign language, reading and writing, mobility, living and working in a group, employing flexibility when plans change, and physical or emotional stamina. If you work with a therapist, counselor or another advisor, talk through your interest and get that person’s perspective on how study abroad/away may work for you.
- Carefully read Smith Center for Global Engagement’s program offerings. When course offerings are made available, carefully read through the options, noting those courses which most appeal to you. Consider both the country/place where you would study as well as the subject and content of the course.
- Meet with a representative from Smith Center. Once you’ve identified a few programs which interest you, make an appointment in Smith Center. Representatives can let you know what each program entails and how various programs fit with your particular needs.
- Meet with the faculty member leading the trip. The faculty member can answer specific questions about the itinerary, course content, and the way the course is taught and assessed.
- Apply for the program(s) of interest to you. Ask for support from Smith Center staff if needed.
- Schedule time with your Access Specialist to discuss appropriate accommodations. As soon as you’ve been accepted into a program, make an appointment to talk with your Access Specialist. The two of you can verify your current accommodations and decide whether any accommodations need to be added or changed for the study abroad/away experience. Request an accommodation letter immediately after the meeting so that you and your faculty member have plenty of time to plan ahead for accommodations.
- Be truthful when you complete your Physical or Health Disclosure form for the program. The more accurate the information on your particular situation is, the better prepared you and your faculty member will be for an educational and enjoyable experience.
For questions about study abroad/away, contact Jodi Malmgren in Smith Center for Global Engagement at malmgren@stolaf.edu, at 507-786-3069 or by stopping by Smith Center suite in Tomson 380.
For questions about accommodations for study abroad/away, contact your Access Specialist by e-mail, at ext. 3288 or by stopping by the Academic Success Center in Tomson 153.