Traveling with a disability can pose unique challenges. The Smith Center can work with students with disabilities as they prepare for their time abroad/away – academically and personally. Know that there are many resources for you on and off campus as you prepare for, attend, and return from your program abroad/away. As you consider studying abroad/away, be sure to find out as much as you can about your host culture/community and how they view disability. We strongly encourage you to do your research, talk to your support networks, talk to the Smith Center and Disability & Access in order to get more information about disability in the places you are hoping to travel.
Students can receive accommodations during study abroad/away, but options may be different or more limited than they are at St. Olaf.
If you are thinking about or planning to study abroad/away – and you already receive accommodations through the Disability and Access Office- follow these steps arrange accommodations abroad/away:
- Meet with your Access Specialist to determine any accommodation needs specific to your study abroad/away program.
- Request an accommodations letter.
- Upload your letter into your St. Olaf application. The Smith Center Director will forward your letter to your program host and copy you.
***If you have not yet applied for accommodations with Disability and Access, apply for accommodation by following the steps outlined on their webpage.
- Consider the physical, academic, housing, and social environment(s) of the host community.
- How many of these environments or changes impact your needs of disability, if at all?
- What does transportation look like in the host community?
- Are you expected to travel by bus, train, car, etc.?
- How can you access resources related to your diagnosis/disability while abroad/away?
- What are the procedures/options in your host community for filling medications, replacing batteries or parts to assistive devises, replacing assistive technology, etc.?
- What is the perception of disability in the host community? Are specific disabilities perceived differently?
- What is the perception of your specific disability in the host community?
- Do you know how to explain or talk about your disability in the host language? If not, be sure to research the vocabulary and language you might need to do so.
- Do you plan to disclose your disability to the program or those you are traveling/studying with while abroad/away?
- Consider how you will mitigate new stressors, limited access, and/or other challenges while on the program and in the host community.
- Consider how flexible you can be in terms of your schedule (when you eat, when you take medication, your sleep schedule, etc.).
- Traveling can add new layers of complexity.
- Be prepared for change.
- Know and trust yourself and your abilities.
- What medication do you need to bring with you?
- Is it legal or available in the host community?
- Do you need to change your medication or dosage?
- All medications should be packed in your carry on luggage and must be kept in the original pharmacy-labeled packaging.
- Talk with your Primary Care Provider and/or Therapist before you leave about strategies, resources, coping tools, and notification options for existing conditions or disabilities (ex. MedicAlert bracelets, etc.)
Helpful Links
St. Olaf Resources
Center for Advising and Academic Support – Accommodations for Non-St. Olaf Programs
Center for Advising and Academic Support – Disabilities and International Study Abroad
General Resources
CDC – Traveling with a Disability
Diversity Abroad – Managing Mental Health Abroad
Rick Steve’s: Tips for Travelers with Disabilities in Europe
The U.S. State Department – Traveling with Disabilities
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH)
International Narcotics Control Board – Travelling Internationally with Medicines Containing Controlled Substances
Mobility International USA Resources
Mobility International USA
Air Travel Tips for People with Disabilities
Successful Study Abroad with a Mental Health Condition
Traveling Internationally with a Guide Dog or Service Animal
What International Exchange Can Teach Us About Identity: 14 Disabled Travelers Reflect on Their Experiences Abroad
Ripple Effects podcast
Navigating Invisible Disabilities Abroad – panel with Gilman Alumni
Million Mile Secrets
Preparing for a Study Abroad Program if You Have a Physical Disability
How to Make Flying With Physical Disabilities Less Stressful: A Fully Accessible Guide
The ultimate guide to traveling with chronic pain
Apps
The Safe Place app – “The Safe Place” Is a Minority Mental Health App geared towards the Black Community.
Liberate Meditation app – a Minority Mental Health App geared towards the Black Community to bring awareness, education and hope.
#OlesOffCampus! My Identity Off Campus Story
“I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Asia for J-term, however, my family and I were a little concerned about how my disability might factor into my success abroad. I met with my professors and the DAC before we left which was a great help in planning my trip. Having my professors know about my medical conditions and know how to best aid me in fully participating in activities really made everything easier, I didn’t have to worry so much about whether or not I could do what everyone else was doing. My trip was an amazing experience and I’m so thankful for everyone who came together to make it possible for me.”
– Rin Culhane ’21, Asian Con (January Term)
“The prospect of traveling around the world with Crohn’s disease was terrifying and virtually uncharted; in the weeks before I left, I remember making lists of all the things that could possibly go wrong and wondering whether a semester-long program was right for me. Turns out, Global semester was right — and the most wonderful fit! Working diligently with the IOS staff and field supervisors before I left and while I traveled helped to ensure that I remained healthy, stayed happy, and could not only participate but succeed in the transformative, impactful experience — alongside all of my peers! — that is study abroad.”
– Maren Miller ’18, Global Semester and Historical Geography and the Bible (January Term)