Traveling with a disability can pose unique opportunities and 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.
- Give your accommodations letter to the Director of The Smith Center, Jodi Malmgren, malmgren@stolaf.edu or by stopping by the Smith Center office in Tomson 380. Jodi 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.
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)
Travel Accessibility and Tips for Travelers with Disabilities by TitleMax — Offers links to additional resources
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)