Alumni Stories of Funded Programs

Gilman Success Stories

American students with disabilities have received Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships from the U.S. Department of State for post-secondary study abroad opportunities.

Boren Success Stories

American students with disabilities have received the Boren Awards for International Study scholarships and fellowships from National Security Education Program for post-secondary study abroad opportunities.

Fighting the Good Fight

As a graduate of the University of Michigan, Nicholas Hoekstra taught English for two years in Japan through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. Nick, who is blind, describes how he addressed his own pre-travel concerns, the tactics he used to assert his independence while abroad, and the moves required to spar with a Judo sensei.

Planning and Financing Study Abroad: One Study Abroad Participant's Story

Beth Ocrant, who is blind, discusses some of the accommodations arrangements she made prior to her study abroad experience at the University of Sunderland in England.

The Pearl of Africa: Sharing Expertise and Learning from Others in Uganda

Dr. Salam, who is blind, quietly challenged many preconceptions about disability during his time in Uganda, as a volunteer specialist.

From Student to Teacher to Advocate

Sophak Kanika Nguon, who uses crutches and an power wheelchair for mobility, honed her leadership and advocacy skills during MIUSA's 2003 Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) program. Learn how she furthered her commitment to social justice through gaining scholarships for a Master's of Social Work degree in the online article "From Cambodia – to Seattle!"

Researching Spain’s Vibrant Past and Present

Radwan Daoud, a student at New York University who uses a wheelchair, earned a study grant to research one of Spain's historical figures in Madrid. While there, he learned about municipal efforts to make the city and its cultural treasures more accessible to people with disabilities.

Encouraging Independence in Brazil

Denise Decker did a 3-year fellowship with Partners of the Americas (Partners) to design and conduct a project, titled "Encouraging Independence." The goal was to train volunteers to help people with disabilities in Brasilia, Brazil - a culture where volunteerism, especially as it relates to people with disabilities, is a relatively new phenomenon.

Peace Corps Stories

People with disabilities are among the many volunteers that have been part of Peace Corps’ 50 years of international service.

U.S. Department of State Sponsored Exchanges

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State provides funded international opportunities each year and has included people with disabilities from the U.S. and abroad among its exchange program alumni.

Fulbright Success Stories

People with disabilities are among the Fulbright alumni who received scholarships to study, teach, conduct research or participate in other professional, cultural and educational activities internationally.

Crashing barriers: Language Study in the U.S.

MIUSA invited Teuta Halilaj to visit Eugene, Oregon, USA from her native Albania to participate in the 2006 WILD program. She was one of two delegates who was rewarded with a scholarship to study English at the University of Oregon.

The Praxis Project

Funding Sources for Small Emergency or Travel Grants