Featured Person: Amanda Parkman

Name: Amanda Parkman

Disability: Physical

Hometown: Blue Chip, Arizona, United States

Host Destination: Wollongong, Australia

Program Length: One semester, February through June

Program Type: Study Abroad

Can you tell us a bit about where you went on exchange and what you did there? What were your favorite parts of your time abroad?

I did my exchange in Wollongong, Australia at the University of Wollongong (UOW). At the time there was a leadership program, Black Opal. I was a member of its sister program at University of Arizona, Blue Chip. Wollongong is about two hours south of Sydney.

While a student at UOW, I took many of my general requirement courses such as Australia 101 and Geology 101. I enjoyed the opportunity to gain different perspectives. I also participated in the Black Opal program and had the opportunity to gain valuable lessons as a leader. As a member of Black Opal I attended weekly team meetings, went to the Diversity Camp, and as a team we put on a campus event to educate UOW students about the lack of clean water in developing countries.

Besides the many experiences I gained academically and in leadership, I had many wonderful experiences socially. I gained friendships that I would not have otherwise. I spent many hours at the beach, Easter weekend in Sydney and nights out dancing.

I had such an incredible time in Australia during my study abroad experience that I went back the following summer. I spent two wonderful months catching up and having fun with the friends I had made during my exchange. I also spent a week in Melbourne. I went alone and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was a reaffirming experience for me. Reminding me I am a strong, adventurous, and independent woman.

I feel that the experience as a whole had a cumulative effect on me and choosing just one event as my favorite is difficult. But a moment that comes back to me often is from Easter weekend. I was with my friend Lindsey and we were at Sydney Harbour. I remember thinking then, “Wow. I did it. I’m here.”

What was the biggest challenge for you during your time abroad?

Making the arrangements needed because of my physical disability. From the beginning it was difficult sometimes to get the answers I needed about accessibility--the reassurance I needed that once I got there I was going to be able to get around. It was also difficult planning getting thereby plane. I was worried about things like getting from gate to gate and even using the restroom while on the flight. Things that many can take for granted but I knew I needed to have planned out. In the end, I’m really glad I asked others about their experiences and what I needed to expect. I’m glad I took the time to ask the questions I needed of the college there like housing and the campus. It was a lot of work but it paid off once I got there.

How has your international exchange impacted your career, school, and life?

It is difficult to put into words just how much my international exchanged impacted me. I can see a difference. I’m more confident and independent. My goals and dreams for life have grown. I always thought I had a set plan for my life and that I only wanted it to go one way. After studying abroad I realized there is a whole world out there with so many other opportunities out there for me. I’ve seriously considered doing graduate studies abroad. I know for sure I want to travel more. I no longer fear traveling because of my disability. Although I know there will always be obstacles and detailed planning that needs to go into it, it is possible.

What do you recommend to students who disabilities as they plan their study abroad experience?

There are a couple of things that I recommend for students with disabilities to do as they plan for their study abroad experience.

1. Begin mentally preparing for the experience and the process. Applying, getting accepted, planning; it’s a process and it’s a tough one at that. It is one that I would do again though if I had a chance because it is a life changing opportunity.

2. Begin planning. This is not something that can be done at the last minute. There are applications that need to be filled. Questions that need to be asked. For example, you need to figure out the housing in the country you will be visiting. You need to figure out how you will get from the airport to the housing. You need to figure out how you will get around once there. And that is on top of everything else that needs to be planned and taken care of for anyone studying abroad.

3. You need to be prepared to be open and honest about the accommodations/assistance you will need. Don’t be shy to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t wait till you get there or about to get there to tell the university there that you have a disability. You need to be up front about it early on so all the accommodations necessary are made. You need to know if they even provide the accommodations/assistance you need. Not all places do and they are not required to.

4. If you don’t have one yet, get your passport.

5. Research airlines and find the one you’ll be most comfortable flying with. If you have never flown before, ask around and get advice from others with disabilities how they manage when flying. Things from getting around the airport to on the plane and using the restroom. These are things you need to be aware of so you can mentally prepare yourself for.

6. Go in this experience open minded. Known that things will go wrong and feel overwhelming but it will find a way to work itself out. Just breathe.

What are you up to now?

Currently I am working full time at the University of Arizona for THINK TANK the Student Academic Learning Center. I’m beginning to put serious thought into the graduate program I want to pursue. I would like to one day have my Ph.D.

Read Amanda’s blog “Adventurous Amanda” she kept while abroad, and also read about the application process for the Benjamin H. Gilman Scholarship she received towards her study abroad experience in “Applying for a Gilman: Q&A with Amanda Parkman.”

 Visit our "Featured People" page to meet other international exchange alum.