In 2015, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) pledged to provide 25 “Access the World” scholarships for U.S. college students with disabilities to study abroad in partnership with Mobility International USA (MIUSA). The scholarships are part of CIEE’s commitment to the Generation Study Abroad™, a five-year initiative of the Institute of International Education (IIE), which strives to double the number of U.S. students studying abroad by 2020.
Now, only 5 out of the 25 scholarships remain! U.S. undergraduate students with diverse disabilities may apply for select CIEE programs in summer 2016. Deadline: April 15, 2016. Click here to apply.
Historically, students with disabilities have been underrepresented in study abroad. According to Open Doors Data, students with disabilities represented only 5% of the U.S. students studying abroad in 2012-2013. In support of Generation Study Abroad, CIEE has pledged a series of concrete initiatives to increase study abroad opportunities at the secondary and post-secondary education levels by breaking down the real and perceived barriers of cost, curriculum, and culture.
“International education is a powerful tool in the development of all students, providing the necessary skills to succeed in a globally interconnected world. Yet, too few students with disabilities take part in study abroad, many because they believe programs can’t accommodate their needs,” said James Pellow, president and chief executive officer of CIEE. “Our goal is to tear down the barriers to international education and offer examples to all students that study abroad is possible.”
CIEE and MIUSA launched the scholarships, in part, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities since its passage in 1990. “On this 25th anniversary, CIEE is proud to continue our 20 history of working with MIUSA to advance disability rights and leadership globally by providing more opportunities for students with disabilities to take part in international exchange and development,” said Pellow.
Previous “Access the World” scholarship recipients traveled to countries as diverse as Morocco, Jordan, and Czech Republic.
“To be honest I never thought in a million years that I would be able to leave the US and experience something different. The scholarship has allowed me to overcome my fears of traveling alone. As a visually impaired person there are a host of challenges some I can expect and some I could not even fathom. Jumping in head first allowed me to really see what I am capable of.” – Antoine Craig, Access the World Scholarship Recipient/CIEE alum to Spain
Not ready to apply for the Access the World Scholarship? Not eligible? Check out these other study abroad scholarships here.
