Study Abroad Considerations

  1. Department Directory
  2. Center for Disability Access
  3. Unique Accommodation Considerations
  4. Study Abroad Considerations

Just as cultures differ, though, so does the degree of access and readily available disability services in the many countries and communities you might consider for your study abroad experience. Students with disabilities have successfully participated in many study abroad programs; however, not every study abroad experience is a good fit from an accessibility perspective.

Things to Consider

Because the Americans w/Disabilities Act and Section 504 are U.S. laws, these laws do not generally apply beyond the geographical boundaries of the United States. Thus, students in other countries usually are dependent on the laws of the country where they are studying for purposes of what academic accommodations, if any, they are legally entitled to.

To maximize the opportunity to travel abroad and study internationally, it is essential that you allocate time in advance of your study abroad program to plan for accommodations, regardless of the type of disability. The CDA and the Office of Study Abroad are here to assist you before and during your time abroad.

Studying abroad requires flexibility for people with and without disabilities. For anyone, living in another culture will be different. These differences include disability services, perceptions, and accessibility standards from what you are used to in the U.S.

Many common medications, including Adderall, Prozac, Vicodin, Demerol, Percocet, Ritalin, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, Androgel, and Sudafed are banned or controlled substances in certain countries abroad. If you regularly take prescription pain medication, stimulants, steroids, sedatives, or injectable medications, be sure to notify your host program and speak with your prescriber.