Considerations for Study Abroad

To improve foreign language skills, students, like those mentioned in the earlier case examples, may choose to study abroad. By the spring semester of their senior year of college, 13% of blind or low vision students will have studied abroad, compared to 21% of non-disabled students, according to the National Survey on Student Engagement (2006). Some of these students may choose to study in countries where critical need languages are spoken.

Arrangements are needed to make the educational experience accessible. This informational guide has already addressed:

• How to obtain alternate formats of books while abroad from national libraries
• Where to search for blind organizations in the host country
• What software developed both in the United States and abroad can handle critical need languages, which the student may purchase or bring abroad.
  

Other considerations for study abroad include:

• Utilizing vocational rehabilitation funding and maintaining social security benefits while studying abroad
  
• Planning for travel with a guide dog
  
• Ensuring that any electrical equipment brought overseas is adapted to the voltage of the host country
  
• Preparing for the study abroad experience and finding support in adjusting abroad
  
• Arranging for accommodations and services overseas and working with the study abroad office
  

For more information, read the following section on the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange.

Back to Readers and Scribes                                                                      Next Article: Resources and References