Living the Question – My Study Abroad Experience at Lancaster University, England
During my sophomore year in college, I learned about a variety of study abroad opportunities from my peers in the studio art department who were beginning to apply to different art programs overseas.
After much thought and discussion with my advisor and professors, I decided that study abroad would allow me to grow as an artist and as an individual, further developing my artistic skills and personal style.
I could channel new experiences and perceptions into my artwork. In addition, on a more personal level, I believed that a study abroad experience would teach me how to become more independent and gain a greater sense of confidence and personal identity.
After some independent research and initial contacts, I decided to apply to Lancaster University in Lancaster, England. I am visually impaired and chose Lancaster because of its superior services for people with disabilities and its enclosed, rural campus. I contacted Ethel Sussman, the North American Officer, to apply and she put me in contact with people and offices that could assist with arrangements. They would eventually play an integral role in my study abroad experience.
It's All in How You Plan It
Before my arrival, I worked with the International Office to arrange an accessible and appropriate location for my dormitory, assistance from the college porters, a car (at my own expense) to pick me up at Manchester Airport and take me to Lancaster University on arrival, and the same service for my return to the United States at the end of the term. I also established contact with other students who were planning to study abroad at Lancaster University at the same time.
In general, I found the services at Lancaster University and in England to be vastly different from what I was used to at my home school. This is primarily because my college does not have a formal office that provides programs or services for students with disabilities. In contrast, Lancaster University has a strong and intricate support network for all disabled students. Support includes the combination of student helpers, helpers from the community, contact between the university and local social workers, and special equipment on campus.
The Office for Students with Disabilities at Lancaster University arranged for the use of the closed circuit television (CCTV) in the library, special assistance from the library staff, and use of a large computer monitor and computer strategically placed near the CCTV. Helpers to assist me with cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and orientation and mobility at the university campus and the nearby town of Lancaster were also provided. A local social worker provided additional assistance with orientation and mobility and the provision of low-vision equipment.
Prior to my departure, I corresponded with the studio art department via e-mail. We discussed the location of my studio space (work area) within the art department building and special assistance from the art professors and technician. We also planned for orientation and mobility training at the art building. They told me what art supplies to bring with me to Lancaster University, and where additional supplies could be purchased in Lancaster.
I also worked with a New York City travel agency that not only specializes in student travel, but also had an agent with expertise in arranging travel for people with disabilities. They assisted me with travel arrangements and coordinated special assistance for my flight.
What You Can't Plan For
A great deal of planning should go into a study abroad experience in order for it to be successful. However, there is always something that you cannot plan for. Despite the fact that I planned my trip to Lancaster University for a year, there was bound to be at least one surprise upon my arrival.
I had requested that I be placed in a flat on the first floor near an exit for easy accessibility. This request was easily granted. However, the Residence Life Office failed to mention that the first floor of every building is the ground floor and no women live there because of safety concerns. As a result, I was surprised to find that my three flat-mates were male! At first this was extremely awkward. Thankfully, I only had to share a kitchen and I had a private bath. Because of my unique situation, the Residence Life Office and the college porters took special security precautions.
The Art of Academics
Probably the most difficult cultural and academic adjustments for me were in my three studio art classes: printmaking, photography and studio practice. At first, the art department was a little uneasy about having a visually impaired student in its midst. As I have been in many other places, I was the Art Department's first visually impaired student. Our e-mail correspondence before my arrival broke the ice a bit. However, there was some conflict over the academic level of my work and the course level at which I was placed. I quickly learned that being a senior at a United States college is not necessarily equivalent to being a senior at a British university.
Also, art courses in England are vastly different from those in the United States. An art course in the United States usually meets twice a week, three hours each day. Most work is done during class time, but homework may also be assigned. In England, my art courses generally met once a week for an hour and a half. Almost all work was done in the studio on the students' own time. This can be difficult for American students to become accustomed to, as it was for me. Many British professors think American teachers pamper their students, while in England students are expected to be independent.
Art students are required to do a tremendous amount of self-guided research in the library and the field. The professor may recommend certain artists to study, but students are expected to go beyond a professor's suggestions with their own independent research. Therefore, I spent a great deal of time in the Lancaster University library, researching artists who influenced my work prior to my arrival in England. In addition, I investigated 20th century Latin American art, African art, Asian art and Indian art. I was also able to persuade many of my new friends to pose for my sketches and photography so I could work from life, and I visited different museums and galleries in my spare time.
It was hard to do all of this in my little flat, and so I was forced to orient myself to the studios. My professors assigned me to the art technician, Rob, who oriented me to the building and its facilities and provided me with assistance when necessary. Rob showed me how to work independently in the print shop and in the photography lab. I began to work in both facilities without any assistance. In addition, I was given a studio space to do my paintings. Rob helped me by providing supplies and assisting me with stretching canvases. At first, I was leery of working in my studio alone, especially at night, but eventually I became accustomed to my surroundings and came and went as I pleased with great ease. By the end of my three months, it was as though I had worked in the art department all of my life.
Upon Reflection
A study abroad experience provides the individual with wonderful personal, academic and career benefits. As a result of my time at Lancaster, I gained an impressive resume and artist's portfolio. I feel that my artwork and knowledge of art history developed a great deal because of my studies there. I learned innovative techniques in both photography and printmaking, and learned how to conduct self-directed research. In addition, I became independent in my artwork, orientation and mobility, daily living skills and ability to travel. I gained a great deal of confidence in my abilities to adapt and succeed on my own. This gave me a greater sense of my identity, purpose and spirituality. Furthermore, I obtained a tremendous amount of insight about the British culture and how to interact with all types of people. Finally, I made life-long friendships and wonderful memories to last a lifetime. My time at Lancaster University was an experience I will treasure always.
