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
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
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
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)