Students with disabilities who wish to study abroad/away are encouraged to explore their options with UCSC Global Learning and the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
Although UCSC Global Learning and the DRC cannot guarantee the accessibility of study sites, the Global Learning team and its partner institutions can advise you if a given site appears to be inaccessible and recommend an alternate site. Students who anticipate requesting accommodations should contact their DRC Accommodations Specialist and UCSC Global Learning as soon as possible for assistance and advice about participation and preparation.
Note: To determine if funding is available for accommodations abroad, you should begin by consulting with UCSC Global Learning and the Financial Aid office well in advance of your departure. You should be aware that federal law does not require the University to provide funding for disability accommodations and/or facilities beyond U.S. borders.
Global Learning Tips
Early Disclosure: If you are participating in a UCSC or UC-sponsored program away from campus, inform the Disability Resource Center of your disability related accommodation needs as soon as possible. It is important to let both of these offices know early in the process so they can best advise you. Some accommodations can take 3-6 months in advance to prepare. If you are not sure if you will use accommodations abroad, it may still be important to make potential needs known. If you are studying abroad on an independent program, contact the provider directly as soon as possible to determine their process and if your needs can be accommodated within their program.
Plan Ahead: Research the accessibility of each site to determine which destinations best suit your academic endeavors and accommodation needs (see the disability categories below for questions to think about when planning). It is not possible to anticipate all issues, but pre-departure planning will help. Among the resources available are the stories of study abroad/away returnees who can paint a portrait of the potential challenges and adventures of a host location.
For preparation tips and stories of students with disabilities who successfully traveled abroad, check out UCSC Global Learning and Mobility International USA (MIUSA).
Be Flexible: Study abroad/away requires adaptability for people with and without disabilities. Living in a new culture will bring new challenges, including disability services and accessibility standards that might differ significantly from what you are used to in the United States.
Documentation: If you plan to request disability-related accommodations while studying abroad, start by completing the UCSC Global Learning Disability Accommodation Letter Form. As part of this form, the Disability Resource Center—upon your request—will prepare a letter documenting your approved accommodations. Once the form is complete, you will send it to your program contact (either UCSC Global Learning or UCEAP, depending on your program). In addition, it is important for you to bring a copy of your medical documentation abroad, including prescription information. A copy should also be left with your parent or guardian in case your copy is lost or damaged.
Questions to Keep in Mind
Processing Disabilities (LD, ADHD, Psychological, Brain injuries)
- Will the student need notetakers for class?
- What is the student’s host university’s policies on extended exam time?
- Are they willing to authorize the student’s usual test accommodations based on American medical documentation?
- What tutoring services might be available?
- If the student needs to see a doctor or therapist for psychological concerns while overseas, have they established this contact prior to departure?
- Has the student considered bringing their personal tape recorder to tape lectures? Do they have permission to tape lectures?
- Are books available on tape?
Chronic Systemic Disorders
- If the student has respiratory problems or severe allergies, what is the air and environmental quality in the city they are considering?
- If the student’s condition is affected by temperatures, what is the climate in their prospective host city?
- What prior notification has been given to the instructors regarding potential absences should the student’s condition flare up unexpectedly?
- Will the student need extended time on assignments?
- If the student normally receive test accommodations, do they have authorization through the host university to receive the same accommodations there?
- What special dietary considerations might the student have?
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Will the student need an interpreter or real-time Captioning? Who will be funding this accommodation? Where will the interpreter be hired? Does the interpreter know American Sign Language?
- Sign language is not universal and may differ between countries that have the same spoken language. Students should find out the differences before leaving. It may be possible to depart early to learn the new sign language.
- If the student is taking a personal FM system can they obtain batteries in their host country that work for their device?
- Who will notify the student’s instructor of the need to wear the FM mic?
- Will the student need a notetaker?
- Are captioned videos available?
Mobility/Orthopedic Disabilities
- Will the student take one or two wheelchairs? Electric or manual?
- Does the student need a transformer? Is the voltage in their host country compatible with their transformer?
- How will the student ship their chairs abroad?
- Where can the student’s chair be repaired abroad?
- Does the student need to make additional arrangements to get from the airport to the orientation site or to their host university?
- Are the streets and/or sidewalks paved or cobblestone? Are there curb cuts for wheelchair access?
- What is the accessibility of the host university and city (elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, housing, transportation, etc.)?
- Is voice recognition software available?
- Will the student need notetakers, scribes or transcribers?
- What kind of field trips might the student’s program go on? Are they accessible?
- Are lab or library assistants available in the student’s host country?
- Does the student need extended time on assignments or exams?
Visual Impairments
- Has the student contacted the consulate of their host country to determine if they will need to put their guide dog in quarantine?
- Will special housing or food arrangements be necessary for the student’s dog? Is their dog allowed into the classroom?
- Are alternate formats available? (books on tape, Braille, e-text, enlarged print, scanning, CCTV etc.)?
- Will the student need a mobility assistant to help orient them?
- Has the student obtained maps of their host city and enlarged them to become familiar with directions prior to departure?
- What kind of test accommodations will the student need?
- Is there Braille signage on buildings, elevators, classroom, etc.?
- Will the student have access to accessible computer software in order to write papers or read assignments?
Medication and Medical Care Abroad
Before departure, you should consult with a physician, travel clinic, or UCSC Student Health Center about anticipated medication and medical care needs while abroad. If you take medication, you should inquire if your prescription is legal and available in your host country, or if you will be able to take an extra supply of medication that will last during your stay. Contact Customs to determine procedures for bringing your medication into the host country. Also, if you may need to see a doctor or psychologist while overseas, discuss with UCSC Global Learning or UCEAP what physicians or medical facilities are available in your host city. For students who use UC SHIP, you have access to Lyra which is an online confidential mental health service including coaching, therapy, medication management and self-care resources. Establish contact with these medical providers prior to departure to clarify eligibility for services and payment issues. You can also find more detailed information about Health and Safety on the Global Learning website.
Customs Restrictions
Certain items may be restricted by Immigration or Customs (Braille computers, tapes, medication, etc.). You should contact the Consulate of your host country to determine restricted items and what must be done to take them with you abroad and bring them home again. Sometimes a letter from the host institution and/or the University of California is required. You should find out what you will need well in advance and contact UCSC Global Learning or UCEAP if a letter is needed to help with Customs.
Personal Attendants
Students bringing a personal attendant with them must make sure the attendant also has the necessary passports, visa, documentation, insurance, and immunizations for traveling and living abroad. Some additional questions to ask yourself include: Where will the attendant live? What kind of funding will the attendant need? If you will need to hire an attendant abroad, you should find out before departure what is needed to do so. If you plan to participate in study abroad/away and you intend to bring a personal assistant with you abroad, consult with UCSC Global Learning before you apply.