Impact of International Exchange Programs

International exchange opportunities not only impact student’s understanding of how to manage their disability abroad, but like their non-disabled peers, by studying abroad, students with non-apparent disabilities can develop a broader perspective on their place as citizens of the world and expand their personal development. “Every time you step foot outside of the United States and the culture you grew up in, you’re able to take a different perspective on the world and see things differently," says Brennan Rhodes, who has dyslexia and studied in Spain and Italy. "I love being in another culture, learning about it and absorbing it. It gives me another piece to put into my mosaic.”

^{Photo Caption: Surveys from returned students often reveal increased tolerance towards and understanding of other cultures, expanded worldviews, and greater awareness of their own national identity.}

The following are other students' thoughts on how being abroad affected their perspectives:

• “I got a wider perspective. I definitely grew and see other country’s side of things now. It’s no longer America and the world around America – it’s just the world.” Hailey McKenzie who has diabetes and studied in Scotland.
• “I grew up in a small west Texas town that was very close-minded. It’s exciting for me that I can say I’ve seen more of the world than most people in my hometown.” Kristin Faudree who has a learning disability and studied abroad in Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico and Spain.
• “I understand politics on a more fundamental level having been to Spain.  Particularly with the war, I understand the various perspectives in Europe and different stances that countries have taken.” Angela Brown who has lupus and studied in Spain.
• “You learn about American culture abroad – both as an embodiment of American culture yourself, and about the history and ideas that you can only really learn from the outside. The overseas experience was a significant chapter in my life and informs who I am as a person. Always in the back of my mind, I’m thinking about my work from a broader international point of view.” Chris Opsal who has diabetes and traveled to England and Turkey.

Leading to Other Adventures or Future Careers

Being overseas can stimulate a life-long desire to experience other countries and cultures, and shape academic majors, employment in international fields, and future careers. The tangible benefits gained from international exchanges, such as foreign language and intercultural skills, internship experience, cross-cultural knowledge, and refinement of career goals, can be built upon when one returns from abroad to fulfill these life interests.

All of these young adults with non-apparent disabilities translated their study abroad experience into other international opportunities and future career dreams.

Kristin Faudree’s career plans were influenced by her multiple study abroad experiences leading her to a Master’s degree in International Training and Education from American University.

Betsy Valnes, now the Executive Director of the National Youth Leadership Network, has attended international conferences in Bosnia and Norway, and plans to get an international degree at a university in the U.K.

Angela Brown’s experience in Europe assisted her to get an international accounting position, working with an international firm after graduation.

Hailey McKenzie, who comes from a small town, found having international experience on her resume helped provide “a more worldly look” on paper as a young professional applying for jobs with the federal government.

Kevin Long returned from volunteering in Kenya determined to get an international non-profit management degree to build an organization that supports deaf education in Kenya – it later became Global Deaf Connection and has expanded internationally.

All of these young adults with non-apparent disabilities translated their study or volunteer abroad experience into other international opportunities and future career dreams. “I thought about the times that most impacted my life and it was always when I was overseas, and how much I liked talking about it and encouraging others to do it. I thought maybe I could do something in this field," reflects Allegra Johnson, who received her degree from School for International Training and now works at the Washington State University study abroad office. "Two years to the day after my hip surgery [for my arthritis], I’m walking around Japan meeting with exchange partners at the universities where I send students. If that isn’t powerful and magical, I don’t know what is!”

The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange provides information on how students with all disabilities can build on their experiences abroad, and get involved after Returning from Overseas. Included in this resource is information about how to find other programs abroad, share study abroad stories with others, locate internships in the United States with organizations doing international work, and access a free online booklet on Preparing for an International Career full of resources, fellowships, programs and advice from role models with disabilities.

“Studying abroad was the most influential experience of my life,” says Alison LePage, who has a learning disability and applied her study abroad experiences in college to her later work in the international exchange field. “I think that young people with disabilities don’t see what they can achieve. If I had gone abroad in high school, I probably would have taken a different route related to my career – it wouldn’t have changed, but I would have gotten here sooner. I strive for youth with disabilities to go outside their area of comfort. I speak to them and push them to have international experiences because they will learn more about who they are.”

^{Photo Caption: Students can be involved in many international activities on their campuses or in their communities before and after going abroad.}

Summary

1. Surveys from returned students often reveal increased tolerance towards and understanding of other cultures, expanded worldviews, and greater awareness of their own national identity.
2. Being overseas can stimulate a life-long desire to experience other countries and cultures, and shape academic majors, employment in international fields, and future careers.
3. The tangible benefits gained from international exchanges, such as foreign language and intercultural skills, internship experience, cross-cultural knowledge, and refinement of career goals, can be built upon when one returns from abroad.
4. The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange provides information on how students with all disabilities can build on their experiences abroad and get involved after returning from overseas.
5. Resources at http://www.miusa.org/ncde include how to find other programs abroad, sharing study abroad stories with others, locating internships in the U.S. with organizations doing international work, and a free online booklet on Preparing for an International Career full of resources, fellowships, programs and advice from role models with disabilities.