Students with Disabilities
Welcome! The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities throughout their study away journey. We recognize that disability, along with your other identities, may shape your experience.
We encourage you to share accommodation needs early, so there is time to explore programs that meet your academic goals and determine available accommodations. Students with disabilities successfully participate in study away programs around the world.
The resources below are a starting point for planning. While students are responsible for requesting accommodations and planning for their individual needs, the GEC is here to provide guidance, answer questions, and advocate for you throughout the process.
Preparing for Your Global Engagement Experience
鈥淧eople with disabilities live in every country. But the degree to which they participate in society (school, work, community life) is significantly influenced by the cultural roles and expectations placed upon them.鈥澨 — , Mobility International USA听
Disability, like race, ethnicity, and gender, is understood differently across cultures. As you explore study away programs, consider how disability and accessibility are approached in your host institution, city, and country. Mobility International USA鈥檚 offers helpful guidance for navigating these cultural differences.听
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 are U.S. laws and generally do not apply abroad. Accessibility standards, laws, and available accommodations vary by country and may differ from those at Elon.听
Accommodation requests are considered individually. Accommodations that fundamentally alter a program or create an undue hardship cannot be provided, and some locations may not be able to meet specific accommodation needs. Early research and planning can help you identify programs that support your needs and goals.听
As you explore your options, consider the following questions (adapted from the University of Maryland, College Park, Education Abroad Office):听
- How are people with my disability viewed and supported in the cultures I am considering?听
- If I use academic, medical, mental health, or other support services at Elon, will similar resources be available abroad? What will they cost, and what will my insurance cover?听
- How does the academic environment differ from Elon? How does the host institution define and support learning disabilities?听
- Can the program accommodate my dietary, medical, or medication needs? Are my medications legal in my host country?听
- How accessible are the campus, housing, transportation, and surrounding community?听
- Are there accessibility considerations for program components such as excursions, internships, research, or fieldwork?听
- What is the environment like? Crowds, noise, smells, and pace vary greatly by country. Consider whether you鈥檒l feel comfortable navigating busy cities or if a quieter, smaller town might be a better fit.听
听Planning Tips听
- Register with the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility if you have not already done so. Many study away programs require documentation of your approved accommodations at Elon.听
- Review each program brochure for accessibility information, including the program’s activity level, and contact the GEC with any questions.听
- Budget for any disability-related expenses, such as accommodations, medical care, or assistive equipment.听
- If you take prescription medication, verify that it is legal and available in your host country and plan accordingly.听
- If you have a medical condition, discuss your study away plans with your healthcare provider and review your insurance coverage. Consult the Health and Safety resources as you prepare.听
听General Information for Students with Disabilities听
- 听听
- 听听
Resources for Specific Disabilities听
- 听
- 听听
- 听
- 听听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
Preparing for New Experiences
After you are accepted into a study away program, begin the process of requesting accommodations as early as possible. Delaying disclosure may limit the availability of accommodations, particularly after arrival. Accommodation requests are reviewed in collaboration with the GEC, the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility, and your host institution.听
As you prepare for departure, consider the following:听
- Are my prescription medications legal in my host country, and are there any travel or storage requirements?听
- What documentation or information should I obtain from my healthcare provider?听
- What self-care strategies or support systems will help me while I am away?听
- If my accommodation or medical needs change, who should I contact?听
听Additional planning tips:听
- Research disability access and accommodation practices in your host country, as they may differ from those in the United States.听
- Learn key disability-related vocabulary in your host language to help communicate your needs.听
- Review Mobility International USA’s resources on traveling with prescription medications and accessible air travel.听
- Identify disability communities or support networks in your host country before you depart.听
- Look up videos or blogs from students in your host country to get a feel for daily life.听
- Create a visual timeline or calendar from now to departure听
- Break down tasks into smaller steps (e.g., applying for a visa 鈫 filling out forms 鈫 mailing documents)听
- Request a packing checklist or download a visual guide听
- Look up public transport maps, housing layouts, and local grocery stores in advance听
听Social preparation:听
- Prepare scripts or templates for:听
- Introducing yourself to new people听
- Asking for help听
- Handling common conflicts (e.g., with roommates)听
- Join any online groups or message boards to meet other students ahead of time听
Your Identities and Study Away听
There is no single experience of studying away with a disability. Even students with the same disability may have very different experiences in the same country. Other identities鈥攊ncluding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality鈥攎ay also shape your experience.听
As you prepare, seek out stories and perspectives from travelers with disabilities, particularly those whose identities or experiences are similar to your own. The resources below offer personal insights and practical advice for navigating study away.听
Podcasts, Journals and Articles听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听
听Videos and Webinars听
- (VIDEO – We Represent March 2021 Virtual Conference, Panel Discussion) This panel discussion features Jasmine Whaley, C鈥2013, who is a 2012 Gilman Scholar Alumni who studied abroad in Amman, Jordan.听听
- (VIDEO – We Represent June 2021 Virtual Conference, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 2021 Joining Hands Virtual Symposium, Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 2020 Joining Hands Virtual Symposium, Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
While Away
What should I do if things change? How do I deal with the unexpected?听If your accommodation needs change while you are away, contact the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility, the GEC, and your host institution or program provider as soon as possible. Together, they will determine whether additional accommodations are reasonable and available.听You may be one of only a few students with disabilities on your program, and your experiences may differ from those of your peers. As you navigate your time away, consider the following strategies:听
- Draw on the skills and strategies that have helped you navigate Elon. Consider how they can be adapted to your new environment.听
- Connect with local disability communities or advocacy organizations, if available. Your on-site staff may be able to help identify these resources.听
- Practice your daily routine (morning, meals, study time) with flexibility for adjustment听
- Identify any sensory triggers and plan coping strategies (earplugs, fidget tools, sunglasses, etc.)听
- Set up digital tools: calendar reminders, medication apps, visual schedules, translation apps听
- Lean on the support network you established before departure, and don’t hesitate to build new connections while abroad.听
- Set boundaries around conversations about your disability. You are not responsible for educating others, and it is okay to redirect questions or share resources instead.听
- Reach out to the GEC or a trusted Elon faculty or staff member if challenges arise. We are here to help you problem-solve, discuss self-care strategies, and connect you with additional support, including guidance on reporting bias or discrimination if needed.听听
Return
Sometimes students are surprised to find that their return to campus is more difficult than they anticipated. In addition to experiencing reverse culture shock, you may also find that you had a different global engagement experience compared to students who hold majority identities. It鈥檚 important to remember that while everyone experiences travel away differently, you are not alone in your lived experience. Your advisor at GEC is happy to listen to any concerns, challenges, or frustrations you experienced during your experience. You may find that having the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your experience can help you learn where you have grown and how to apply your experience now that you鈥檝e returned. Your advisor may also be able to connect you with current students who have had similar experiences.听Lastly, it鈥檚 important to remember that while studying away is extremely rewarding, it is also challenging mentally and physically. Remember that Elon offers free counseling services and health services to students. Appointments can be made online, or your study away advisor will be happy to help you get connected.听
We also welcome hearing feedback on how your experience could have been more inclusive so that we can improve the program for students of all identities. You can provide feedback by completing your return evaluations within your . You may also consider meeting one-on-one with your global engagement program coordinator.听
Opportunities for Engagement
The GEC has several resources on how students can integrate their study abroad experience into their lives at Elon.
- Consider becoming a Global Ambassador
- Apply for the. The National and International Fellowships Office advises students who are interested in this program.
- Join in for International Coffee Hour at the GEC on Thursdays from 9:30 am -10:30 am to connect with students from all over the world!
- Explore opportunities to present and reflect on your experience such as at SURF Day or through courses like COR 4330: Coming Home 鈥 The Impact of Studying Abroad
- If you have ideas on programming that the GEC can do, please let us know! Contact Allegra Laing, Executive Director for Global Programming.
Preparing for Your Global Engagement Experience
鈥淧eople with disabilities live in every country. But the degree to which they participate in society (school, work, community life) is significantly influenced by the cultural roles and expectations placed upon them.鈥澨 — , Mobility International USA听
Disability, like race, ethnicity, and gender, is understood differently across cultures. As you explore study away programs, consider how disability and accessibility are approached in your host institution, city, and country. Mobility International USA鈥檚 offers helpful guidance for navigating these cultural differences.听
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 are U.S. laws and generally do not apply abroad. Accessibility standards, laws, and available accommodations vary by country and may differ from those at Elon.听
Accommodation requests are considered individually. Accommodations that fundamentally alter a program or create an undue hardship cannot be provided, and some locations may not be able to meet specific accommodation needs. Early research and planning can help you identify programs that support your needs and goals.听
As you explore your options, consider the following questions (adapted from the University of Maryland, College Park, Education Abroad Office):听
- How are people with my disability viewed and supported in the cultures I am considering?听
- If I use academic, medical, mental health, or other support services at Elon, will similar resources be available abroad? What will they cost, and what will my insurance cover?听
- How does the academic environment differ from Elon? How does the host institution define and support learning disabilities?听
- Can the program accommodate my dietary, medical, or medication needs? Are my medications legal in my host country?听
- How accessible are the campus, housing, transportation, and surrounding community?听
- Are there accessibility considerations for program components such as excursions, internships, research, or fieldwork?听
- What is the environment like? Crowds, noise, smells, and pace vary greatly by country. Consider whether you鈥檒l feel comfortable navigating busy cities or if a quieter, smaller town might be a better fit.听
听Planning Tips听
- Register with the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility if you have not already done so. Many study away programs require documentation of your approved accommodations at Elon.听
- Review each program brochure for accessibility information, including the program’s activity level, and contact the GEC with any questions.听
- Budget for any disability-related expenses, such as accommodations, medical care, or assistive equipment.听
- If you take prescription medication, verify that it is legal and available in your host country and plan accordingly.听
- If you have a medical condition, discuss your study away plans with your healthcare provider and review your insurance coverage. Consult the Health and Safety resources as you prepare.听
听General Information for Students with Disabilities听
- 听听
- 听听
Resources for Specific Disabilities听
- 听
- 听听
- 听
- 听听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听听
Preparing for New Experiences
After you are accepted into a study away program, begin the process of requesting accommodations as early as possible. Delaying disclosure may limit the availability of accommodations, particularly after arrival. Accommodation requests are reviewed in collaboration with the GEC, the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility, and your host institution.听
As you prepare for departure, consider the following:听
- Are my prescription medications legal in my host country, and are there any travel or storage requirements?听
- What documentation or information should I obtain from my healthcare provider?听
- What self-care strategies or support systems will help me while I am away?听
- If my accommodation or medical needs change, who should I contact?听
听Additional planning tips:听
- Research disability access and accommodation practices in your host country, as they may differ from those in the United States.听
- Learn key disability-related vocabulary in your host language to help communicate your needs.听
- Review Mobility International USA’s resources on traveling with prescription medications and accessible air travel.听
- Identify disability communities or support networks in your host country before you depart.听
- Look up videos or blogs from students in your host country to get a feel for daily life.听
- Create a visual timeline or calendar from now to departure听
- Break down tasks into smaller steps (e.g., applying for a visa 鈫 filling out forms 鈫 mailing documents)听
- Request a packing checklist or download a visual guide听
- Look up public transport maps, housing layouts, and local grocery stores in advance听
听Social preparation:听
- Prepare scripts or templates for:听
- Introducing yourself to new people听
- Asking for help听
- Handling common conflicts (e.g., with roommates)听
- Join any online groups or message boards to meet other students ahead of time听
Your Identities and Study Away听
There is no single experience of studying away with a disability. Even students with the same disability may have very different experiences in the same country. Other identities鈥攊ncluding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and nationality鈥攎ay also shape your experience.听
As you prepare, seek out stories and perspectives from travelers with disabilities, particularly those whose identities or experiences are similar to your own. The resources below offer personal insights and practical advice for navigating study away.听
Podcasts, Journals and Articles听
- 听听
- 听听
- 听
听Videos and Webinars听
- (VIDEO – We Represent March 2021 Virtual Conference, Panel Discussion) This panel discussion features Jasmine Whaley, C鈥2013, who is a 2012 Gilman Scholar Alumni who studied abroad in Amman, Jordan.听听
- (VIDEO – We Represent June 2021 Virtual Conference, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 2021 Joining Hands Virtual Symposium, Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 2020 Joining Hands Virtual Symposium, Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
- (VIDEO 鈥 Mobility International USA, Panel Discussion)听
While Away
What should I do if things change? How do I deal with the unexpected?听If your accommodation needs change while you are away, contact the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility, the GEC, and your host institution or program provider as soon as possible. Together, they will determine whether additional accommodations are reasonable and available.听You may be one of only a few students with disabilities on your program, and your experiences may differ from those of your peers. As you navigate your time away, consider the following strategies:听
- Draw on the skills and strategies that have helped you navigate Elon. Consider how they can be adapted to your new environment.听
- Connect with local disability communities or advocacy organizations, if available. Your on-site staff may be able to help identify these resources.听
- Practice your daily routine (morning, meals, study time) with flexibility for adjustment听
- Identify any sensory triggers and plan coping strategies (earplugs, fidget tools, sunglasses, etc.)听
- Set up digital tools: calendar reminders, medication apps, visual schedules, translation apps听
- Lean on the support network you established before departure, and don’t hesitate to build new connections while abroad.听
- Set boundaries around conversations about your disability. You are not responsible for educating others, and it is okay to redirect questions or share resources instead.听
- Reach out to the GEC or a trusted Elon faculty or staff member if challenges arise. We are here to help you problem-solve, discuss self-care strategies, and connect you with additional support, including guidance on reporting bias or discrimination if needed.听听
Return
Sometimes students are surprised to find that their return to campus is more difficult than they anticipated. In addition to experiencing reverse culture shock, you may also find that you had a different global engagement experience compared to students who hold majority identities. It鈥檚 important to remember that while everyone experiences travel away differently, you are not alone in your lived experience. Your advisor at GEC is happy to listen to any concerns, challenges, or frustrations you experienced during your experience. You may find that having the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your experience can help you learn where you have grown and how to apply your experience now that you鈥檝e returned. Your advisor may also be able to connect you with current students who have had similar experiences.听Lastly, it鈥檚 important to remember that while studying away is extremely rewarding, it is also challenging mentally and physically. Remember that Elon offers free counseling services and health services to students. Appointments can be made online, or your study away advisor will be happy to help you get connected.听
We also welcome hearing feedback on how your experience could have been more inclusive so that we can improve the program for students of all identities. You can provide feedback by completing your return evaluations within your . You may also consider meeting one-on-one with your global engagement program coordinator.听
Opportunities for Engagement
The GEC has several resources on how students can integrate their study abroad experience into their lives at Elon.
- Consider becoming a Global Ambassador
- Apply for the. The National and International Fellowships Office advises students who are interested in this program.
- Join in for International Coffee Hour at the GEC on Thursdays from 9:30 am -10:30 am to connect with students from all over the world!
- Explore opportunities to present and reflect on your experience such as at SURF Day or through courses like COR 4330: Coming Home 鈥 The Impact of Studying Abroad
- If you have ideas on programming that the GEC can do, please let us know! Contact Allegra Laing, Executive Director for Global Programming.