The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) encourages students with disabilities to participate in education abroad programs. The process to request and the availability of accommodations varies from program to program. Planning ahead is important!
As you finalize your program choice, please meet with your program advisor or email iegi@binghamton.edu to schedule an appointment to discuss your options. The IEGI Office will work together with you, the on-site program, and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to gather information on reasonable accommodations for your term abroad. Please note that you must meet the standard eligibility requirements for your program of interest.
Communication about your concerns, questions, and needs is key. We also encourage you to review the following resources, which may be helpful as you research and prepare to study abroad.
Planning Ahead
Things to consider when selecting a program:
- What types of accommodations will you need abroad to be successful?
- Can the education abroad program you’re interested in provide these accommodations in a similar way to your home campus? If not, what would your experience be like to still participate in this particular program, or are there other program options?
- What documentation does the host university or partner program require related to your accommodations?
- Are there other factors (e.g. location, academics, cost, language, intersecting identities) that you want to consider in addition to disability or health-related considerations?
- How does your host country view disabilities? What are the laws regarding accessibility in your host country?
- Will you need accommodations or support during travel or on your flight?
- If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, is it available and/or legal in the host country? Can it be prescribed there? Is it legal in countries you plan to visit?
General Resources
- Mobility International USA (MIUSA) - Advocacy, student stories, and disability-related international exchange resources
- MIUSA: Preparing to Go Abroad with a Disability - Tips and preparation strategies
- Disability & Mental Health Abroad (PennState Global) - Guidance and external links including tips on accommodations, cultural considerations, and essential contacts
- SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) - Global accessible travel resources
Student Tips and Experiences
- Learning Disabilities:
- Accessing Information and Insight in the UK, Dwight Richardson Kelly
- Finding My Strength in Spain, Kristin Hoobler Morgan
- Deafness:
- My World Has Expanded, Sarah Beauchamp
- Visual Impairment:
- Into Unknown Territory, Kevin Cosgrove
- Wheelchair Users & Physical Accessibility:
- Chronic Illness & Invisible Disabilities:
- Food Allergies:
- Survival Kit: Studying Abroad with a Food Allergy, Emma Rattenborg
- 9 Tips for Studying Abroad and Traveling with a Food Allergy, Anna Egan
Travel Resources
- Transport Security Authority (TSA):
- Disabilities and Medical Conditions Information regarding what to expect when transiting airports within the United States
- U.S. Department of State:
- Traveling with Disabilities - Safety, accessibility, and country-specific notes
- Country Information - Country-specific information regarding accessibility in a program location of interest. Seach by country, then view the "Local Laws and Customs" section.
- U.S. Department of Transportation:
- Traveling with a Disability - Passenger rights and airline accessibility policies
Legal, Policy, & International Rights
- UN Disability Laws and Acts by Country/Area - Country-by-country overview of legal protections
- DREDF: International Disability Rights - Global legal protections and advocacy
How Do I Get More Information?
- Review our Education Abroad FAQs
- Meet with an advisor during drop-in advising hours
- Email us at iegi@binghamton.edu for assistance
- Contact Binghamton University's Services for Students with Disabilities
Views expressed in links provided or in sub-links within the document do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives.