Empowering Global Citizens: Special Education Services for Students Studying Abroad

Imagine a world where every student, regardless of their unique abilities or challenges, has the opportunity to explore new cultures, learn in diverse environments, and grow beyond their comfort zones. The commitment to including students with special needs in study abroad programs is not just a requirement but a powerful catalyst for change. As educators, we have the power and responsibility to make study abroad programs not just accessible but also empowering for students with special needs.

Understanding the Landscape of Special Needs in Study Abroad

Including students with special needs in study abroad programs requires a deep understanding of the diverse range of abilities and challenges these students may have. This spectrum encompasses students with physical disabilities, such as mobility issues, visual or hearing impairments, as well as those with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. Each student’s needs are unique and require tailored approaches to ensure their study abroad experience is enriching and barrier-free.

As per the ADA, “disability” includes “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment” (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, As Amended). Many disabilities aren’t visible, and you wouldn’t know the disability was there unless you were directly told.

Physical, intellectual or learning disabilities can be challenging for students’ confidence while planning a period of international mobility. Many students are not confident about deciding to participate in international mobility because they are afraid of not being able to meet their learning needs in an unfamiliar context. They wonder about their prospects abroad: Will I be able to handle it? Is it a good idea? According to an OECD study, the educational gap for people with disabilities starts early in life, as they encounter disadvantages that often lead to "prematurely dropping out of the education system and difficulties in the transition into the labour market".

Navigating the Pre-Departure Process

We understand that as a student with a visible or invisible disability, you have a unique set of considerations when choosing a study abroad program. ISEP Student Service Officers are prepared to advise you to find a program that meets your needs. Because you will have specific requirements for a successful study abroad experience, we work with you one-on-one to identify the best options for your circumstances. Our team can provide guidance on programs that accommodate learning differences, mobility concerns, visual or hearing impairment, mental health/counseling needs, emotional support animals, and more.

Read also: Explore Global Opportunities

For students with disabilities, the thought of studying about can be both exciting and daunting. While you prepare for studying abroad, we are here to help and offer the questions and resources below as a starting point.

Self-Assessment and Program Selection

Consider your needs, priorities, and where you can be flexible. Depending on the accommodations you need, there may be additional fees involved (primarily when the included housing or health insurance does not adequately meet your needs). Not all medications are available (or legal) in all countries. Do you need to take any prescribed medications for your condition that you will need while abroad? Do you have documentation of any current accommodation you receive for your disability at your home institution? What services or accommodations do you anticipate needing abroad? Consider: housing, bathrooms, access to meals/food/groceries/kitchen facilities, tutoring, counseling, testing time. Emotional support animals are not recognized in all countries and most university housing will not accept them. If bringing an emotional support animal is a priority, you may need to be flexible about where you study and/or your housing. You will need documentation for that animal to accompany you on study abroad. If you are a student with mobility concerns, think about what support you may need off and on campus. Will the language of your host country impact what support and services you need?

Institutional Support and Resources

While planning may require extra time up front, Penn Abroad, CAPS, and SDS can provide advice and support during the preparation process.

Study abroad offices could create a form to help better match students with programs that may be of interest to them. This may allow study abroad advisors to get the “initial” meeting details out of the way before a student comes in. Offering a brief overview by program location could help students further identify how their disability will affect their time in any given location abroad. Each orientation session should be customized to address the specific needs of students with special needs. This might involve smaller group settings or one-on-one sessions to focus on individual concerns. Discussions should cover specific challenges students may face, such as navigating new environments with mobility aids, managing medication schedules across time zones, or accessing learning support in a foreign academic setting. Detailed information about the accessibility features of the host country and specific locations (like accommodation and public transport) should be provided.

Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness

Before you go, find out as much as you can about your host culture and how they view disability by reading, talking to other students, and attending pre-departure orientation sessions. Remember that other cultures may provide disability access in a different way-learn about what types of accommodation are typically provided in your host country, and be flexible and open to different ways of accommodating your disability. Attitudes, laws, and resources related to disabilities vary by culture. Varying degrees of accommodations will be available in each host institution or country, with many programs offering very different levels of service, access, and accommodations to students. Students are strongly encouraged to disclose any conditions that require accommodations, though they are not required to.

Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusion in Host Countries

Your program provider in the host country plays a crucial role in ensuring the necessary accommodations and support systems are in place for students with special needs. Encourage these local partners to establish and maintain clear policies on inclusion and accessibility. Such policies should not only address the physical accessibility of facilities but also include provisions for academic and social inclusion.

Examples of Accessible Institutions

American College of Thessaloniki is a great fit for students with mobility concerns, as most of the campus’ buildings are equipped with elevators and have accessible bathrooms. Dublin City University is known for providing exemplary student support and is the world’s first recognized Autism Friendly University. Thammasat University offers accommodations for students seeking services for visual, auditory, and mobility concerns.

Legal Frameworks and Support Systems

United States Government Support for Persons with Disabilities: The United States is committed to advancing empowerment, dignity, and equal rights for persons with disabilities. are required by law to make reasonable accommodations to promote an accessible environment for students with disabilities. Learn more about how these laws might ease your experience on campus.

Three Noteworthy Laws:

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - Title II of the ADA covers state funded schools such as universities, community colleges and vocational schools. This guide covers the following laws: Americans with Disabilities Act; Telecommunications Act; Fair Housing Act; Air Carrier Access Act; Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act; National Voter Registration Act; Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act; Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Rehabilitation Act; Architectural Barriers Act
ADA National Network: The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on how to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to support the mission of the ADA to “assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.”

Practical Considerations

How do the host program and location meet my mobility needs regarding public transportation, street conditions, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, etc.? Can I arrange for test accommodations? Does a program fit my learning style? Are relevant medical professionals available in my host country?

Fostering Academic and Social Inclusion

Accessible Learning Materials

For accessible learning materials, it’s important to make sure that all course content is available in formats that cater to diverse needs.

Building Confidence and Independence

International mobility is a way to increase confidence in students with disabilities because it allows them to be independent and encourage them to find their own way. However, learning disabilities such as dyslexia may block students while choosing a destination, because they do not feel confident enough while writing or speaking in a foreign language. Students with autism who have difficulties with forming and maintaining friendships may be afraid of social isolation. So, how can mobility advisors reduce stress and contribute in a positive way to students’ mental health when going abroad?

Each situation is different, and it will depend on each student to set their own mobility goal. However, if a student has limited mobility due to a physical disability, then proposing to go too far from home might not be a good option for the student or their parents or guardians. On the other hand, students with dyslexia might find it easier to go to a country where they can use their native language. In that case, distance won’t be a limit when setting goals. Communication is a key point when orienting students, as they need to be reassured about the destinations and the options they have before choosing where to go. However, the information provided by the international service needs to be accompanied by students’ own interest, needs and research of a destination while planning a mobility. That is why, once the goals are set and the students have the required information about destinations, the students should then be free to choose. Making this decision for themselves will allow them to be involved and give them a sense of control over their mobility.

Combating Isolation and Promoting Integration

Feelings of isolation and loneliness may appear while abroad, and risk of mental health issues is higher in people with disabilities. Local institutions are a way to integrate into a new culture. Feeling welcomed and appreciated in a culture increases confidence and makes mobility easier for students with disabilities. Associations who promote inclusion are a source of reassurance when traveling abroad, students can get some guidance and feel less stressed when planning their trip. Advising them to look for information about associations on their destination can increase the chances of starting the trip in a comfortable situation for students. Some examples of associations in Europe are: Autism Europe, International Dyslexia Association, British Dyslexia Association, and ADEPA. Additionally, some universities have groups and programmes for sports, dance, cinema, photography, climate, videogames etc, which can help them integrate into daily life.

Ensuring Safety and Well-being

To enhance emergency preparedness, it’s crucial to develop targeted emergency response plans that specifically cater to the needs of students with disabilities. This includes designing evacuation procedures, medical response strategies, and crisis management protocols with their unique requirements in mind. Additionally, conducting specialized training sessions for faculty, staff, and students on effectively and sensitively handling emergencies for those with disabilities is imperative.

Resources for Travelers with Disabilities

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) page for travelers with disabilities is designed to make their support options clear and accessible.

Inspiring Stories and Available Resources

Preparing to go abroad is stressful. Adding constant trips to the doctor and online shopping trips for things needed, Allie had a journey before she even began her program. Ron has traveled to many countries and continues to learn more about himself. In this one on one interview, you get to know more about Ron and what he enjoyed. He provides recommendations such as watching videos of where you will go to get a feel of what you will need to do when you arrive! This podcast, a transcript included on the page, dives into a story about a student studying language in Germany. Stacy Mayfield has cerebral palsy which she never saw as a big deal until she signed up for an overseas exchange.

Mobility International USA

Mobility International USAExplore resources including blogs, events, and other media made for those with disabilities going abroad.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to help finance an experience abroad. To explore information about scholarships specifically offered to students with disabilities, and for general scholarship information, you can visit our Scholarship Page.

U.S. Department of State

The US Department of State is one of the most trusted resources for US students studying abroad. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE)

Americans with all types of disabilities expand their world each and every day through participating in international exchange opportunities! The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) is your resource center for disability-related questions about your study abroad, work, volunteer, teaching or cultural program.

Expand Your World! TRANSCRIPT: Expand Your World! Teach English at a primary school in Kenya. Study the culture of indigenous populations in Australia. Intern at an international human rights organization. Americans with all types of disabilities are expanding their world through international exchange. Now’s your chance to explore the world.

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