My love of travel abroad started a few years ago when I traveled to Mexico and later to Venezuela. I use a wheelchair and consequently had been unsure of how these trips would work out. I found out that with careful planning and a little creativity, I was able to get around and do what I wanted quite successfully.

More recently, I felt ready for a longer stay abroad. With more time, I knew I’d be better able to learn the language and become more involved with the culture of another country. Last year, I began looking into the study abroad programs offered by Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where I am a student. I am majoring in business and economics with a minor in Spanish and international studies. I was intrigued by the program in Granada, Spain, as it seemed to fit in well with my goals--so I applied.

My study abroad advisor, disabled student services advisor and I formed a team and began investigating accessible accommodations, transportation alternatives and options for classroom sites. My study abroad advisor maintained a positive attitude and a strong commitment to my participation in the program. He expected me to stay positive as well and to provide complete information as to what accommodations I would be needing. The team also wanted to learn from the different ways I’ve adapted to inaccessible situations I’ve faced before.

Planning and preparation are fundamental. Besides needing to learn about all of my options for getting myself around, I needed to confer with my doctor about health issues related to my disability that might arise for me while in Spain. I investigated beforehand what medical equipment I’d be able to find in Spain and what I needed to take with me. It was hard work, but the energy and forethought I put into preparing myself made all the difference once I arrived in Spain.

As my scheduled departure date drew near, our main concern was where I was going to live! Though the site director in Granada ran up against many closed doors, none of us were ready to give up. Our plan was that I would arrive with my fellow students and stay in a hotel temporarily. I called the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange to see if it had any contacts in Granada. With the helpful disability contacts its staff provided and the fine detective work of the Granada site director, we discovered an organization called Federación Provincial de Minusvalidos de Granada. The site director explained my situation to staff members. One thing led to another until a family with an accessible home offered to host me. They were excited by the opportunity to host a student with a disability from the United States.

The flat was completely accessible. There was a built-in ramp at the entrance, doorways were wide enough for my wheelchair and there were lever doorknobs. Even more important, my Spanish family and I learned a lot together and became very close by the time I left. We spent as much time as possible together, just hanging out or going places that locals go. I felt very much a part of my new family; they included me in everyday activities and special events. They even welcomed my new friends!

Though there were about 15 wheelchair - accessible minivans available in Granada, I mostly took taxis to and from campus and around town. I could transfer easily, drivers were always willing to pack my wheelchair into the taxi and I could get exactly where I wanted to go. There was also an accessible bus that went around town. However, the curb at a stop needed to be just the right height and at just the right angle in order for the lift to work properly.

The city of Granada is hilly and features many beautiful but difficult-to-maneuver cobblestone streets. Granada is an old city and many buildings have stairs inside and out. A recently passed Spanish law requires that new buildings be accessible. This means that there were a few places I could go to without much trouble. Being the adventurer that I am, I just do what’s necessary to go anywhere I choose; people are always willing to help me when I ask.

I met some fascinating, colorful people in Spain. The relationships I formed were by far the most rewarding part of my experience. I learned an important lesson through traveling in Latin America and in spending time in Spain, and that is simply to listen and be willing to examine my own cultural assumptions and biases. Experiencing anything from minor to major cultural clashes is inevitable. That is part of the value and beauty of international experience. These bumps and crashes are what help all of us to grow and change.

My everyday life in Granada was full and absorbing. I had classes to attend and the never-ending swirl of campus life to delve into. I also had friends from our Willamette group and new friends I met in Spain. We enjoyed going out in the evenings and exploring on the weekends. Thanks to my companions, I made it to the top of castles and into gypsy caves to see flamenco music and dancing. I also played wheelchair basketball with a local team in Granada.

I felt that my participation added perspective and diversity to our group dynamics. It was perhaps a more intense and broader experience for everyone involved to get to know someone with a disability as part of an exchange group. Staff from Willamette and Granada would not hesitate to include more students with disabilities in any of their programs.

I’m glad Willamette University lived up to its commitment to include disabled students in its study abroad programs. My experience has been a turning point for me: my perspectives on myself, my culture and the world are deeper and more mature. I have a clearer sense of what I want to do with my life, and I have no doubt that I will continue to be involved with international business and disability issues.

My best advice is to never give up. Follow your heart. Go see the world - get out and do it, and you will discover that you can do whatever you choose.