Will my disability keep me from studying abroad? NO WAY!
Students with disabilities can certainly experience immersion in another culture by studying abroad. That said, planning ahead and researching to find a location and program that meets needs does take time. We suggest you start the process at least 9-12 months prior to your intended term abroad. No matter what type of disability there is a program for you!
tips for planning to go abroad
Questions to Consider
Will my disability affect me differently in my host country?
What type of support will I have abroad while on my program?
What terminology or language is used in my host country to talk about people with disabilities?
How accessible is the program?
What program activities or excursions are available? Will my disability prevent me from participating? Are there other excursion alternatives?
Tips and Resources to Plan Ahead
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but here are some examples of things to think about as you are preparing to go abroad:
Research your host countries views on different disabilities
Plan and think about how you might find creative ways to overcomes any challenges you may have while abroad
If you’ll be traveling with a service animal, you may need to find out if they’re allowed in public areas such as businesses and restaurants
If you’ll be using a wheelchair, you may want to do some research on the terrain. How difficult will it be for you to get around? Are there any laws requiring businesses to have wheelchair ramps, and can you reliably count on elevator being available?
If you will be needing any types of medications, you’ll want to make sure your prescriptions are allowed by local law. If they are, will you have any trouble getting them refilled>
Plan ahead on how your disability may affect your traveling experience on planes, trains, streets, buses, metros, and more!
Check out this page from the National Deaf Center for information on proactive planning and creating an accessible study abroad experience.
Check out this blog from a UC Irvine student who studied abroad in Japan with a disability. They talk about their experience and tips in planning your own study abroad experience.
Please note: For accommodation to be considered in the host country, students MUST be registered with Student Accessibility Services at W&M. It is important that students disclose this information up to 9-12 months prior to going abroad to ensure enough time to coordinate accommodation. Disclosure will NOT impact acceptance into a program.
Student Accessibility Services, the Global Education Office and the program provider/host university will work closely with you to identify opportunities for an enriching, engaging and safe study abroad experience.
Countries and regions of the world have varying standards of accessibility and capacities to accommodate a disability.
provider contact info
Study Abroad Organizations (Providers)
These providers have staff which assist students individually to find programs that can accommodate specific needs and will work closely with the host university regarding the appropriate support and services. Some locations do have limitations on the type of support available for certain disabilities. The following providers have shared their procedure or contact information. Check back for information from other providers and exchange partner universities.
AIFS Study Abroad AIFS Admissions staff are available to discuss program options with prospective students. Call 800-727-2437 or visit the AIFS website.
IES Contact Gretchen Cook-Anderson gcanderson@IESabroad.org for information. IES offers grants to students whose disabilities may add significant cost to their study abroad experience.
ISA The ISA website has comprehensive information for students with disabilities interested in studying abroad.
SIT Given the field-based nature of SIT programs, students with mobility disabilities should contact their Disability Services office as early as possible.
Study Abroad Italy (SAI) Italian institutions are less likely to be able to accommodate students with mobility issues. Most housing arrangements are walk-up apartments and building are older with few elevators. Also movement around older Italian cities, with their cobblestone streets and dearth of wheelchair accessible sidewalks, can present obstacles. Contact: Annie King, Director of Admissions, SAI annie@saiprograms.com, toll free at 1.800.655.896.
