CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Study Abroad!
"If I had let my disability get in the way, I would have missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life: studying in Kenya. I encourage everyone, disabled or not, to study abroad. You'll never forget it."
Molly Conley
Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals, Kenya
"What's important in considering whether or not to go abroad is not so much the challenges one might face in doing so, but the attitude with which one approaches those challenges."
Nick Catanzarite
English Literature in London
In today's global society, it is imperative that students acquire international skills. Study abroad affords an opportunity to develop these skills and makes you more competitive for employment, along with providing the adventure and challenge of exploring different places and being exposed to another culture. As you learn about a new culture you also learn about your own, and in the process you realize what it means to be American.
Students who have studied abroad often say that their time in another country changed their perspective of themselves and the world -- in addition to being the most exciting time of their college career! While studying abroad can be challenging, the experience can help you learn more about yourself and your capabilities, building self-confidence in the process.
With more than 225 programs in over 60 countries, study abroad at Michigan State University has become a normal part of the undergraduate experience for many students from various backgrounds.
Links to questions below:
No matter what your interests, you are sure to find a program that meets your needs.
"The most important thing I learned while studying abroad is independent travel skills. Orientation and mobility are often incredibly difficult for me. I often have difficulty finding my way around large cities, university campuses, etc due to my visual impairment. Studying abroad completely forced me out of my comfort zone. While in Australia I asserted my independence more than ever, gained a lot of confidence, and grew as a person."
Kim Borowicz
The People, Government, Justice System & Public Policies of Australia
CIC/AESOP Internships in Australia
You must be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.00 (or the minimum GPA as determined for the program) at the time of application. Some programs have additional eligibility requirements, such as language proficiency. Check individual program brochures for eligibility details.
Advance planning is essential, since it takes time to communicate with staff abroad and determine the feasibility of accommodations. Begin planning at least one year before the date you wish to study abroad. Start by registering with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). Your RCPD specialist may arrange a meeting with you and an OSA (Office of Study Abroad) staff member. They will ask you specific questions that will help you articulate your needs and find the program best suited to your capabilities.
The key to successful participation in study abroad is planning ahead.
Your active role in disclosing your disability-related needs far in advance will be key to your success.
Disclose your disability-related request as far in advance as possible to the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) staff. Some staff at sites abroad indicate that they may be able to arrange for accommodations that are not already in place, but only with sufficient advance notice.
Even if you don't think that you'll need accommodations, it is always best to discuss your study abroad plans with a RCPD specialist. Since conveniences in the U.S. may not be available or accessible in other countries. The RCPD and OSA Staff member may be able to help you prepare and plan accordingly.
Follow these ten keys steps to unlock the challenge!
Key steps:
What kinds of accommodations can I expect to receive abroad?
The United States is a world leader in the area of equal access for persons with disabilities. Many other countries are becoming more aware of the needs of the disability community but may not have the same level of access within their infrastructure. An important part of your study abroad experience will include learning how the host country defines and responds to needs of persons with disabilities according to their culture. MSU cannot alter systems, architecture, transportation, or laws in other countries, nor duplicate MSU's campus. However, meeting with a RCPD specialist and providing documentation of your disability is the first step to receiving assistance for your accommodation needs abroad.
"All of my professors at USFQ were very accommodating with respect to my documented learning disabilities. They provided me with the same amount of extra time on exams as I received at MSU. They also allowed me to give a short paper and presentation rather than writing an extensive paper, and they allowed me to take oral exams in the privacy of their offices. All one has to do is show effort and progress and they will be more than willing to assist."
Juan Posada
Multidisciplinary Studies in Quito, Ecuador
Remember that the most important characteristic for any study abroad participant is flexibility. You are going abroad to experience a different way of life, which may include a different way of dealing with your disability and a different degree of independence to which you are accustomed.
Be prepared to answer questions about your disability or accommodation needs from roommates, professors, your host family, or others who may be seeking to understand and be of assistance.
Yes, you can afford to study abroad! Studying abroad involves a commitment and is an investment in your future. Like any other type of investment, it requires planning, careful management, creativity, and perseverance. The personal, academic, and professional rewards will last a lifetime!
The program fees vary by program and are listed on the information sheets and the study abroad Web site. Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with MSU's Office of Study Abroad and Office of Financial Aid.
Scholarships and grants offered though the Office of Study Abroad are available. Check out http://www.miusa.org or contact OSA for possible sources of scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. Also check "Scholarships" and "You Can't Afford NOT to Go!" for deadlines, eligibility requirements, and additional funding ideas.
Scholarships are also available through the Resource Center for People with Disabilities. See their Scholarships and Awards webpage.
You can apply for a program in person at the MSU Office of Study Abroad, online, or by mail. All students must complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization form after acceptance. The purpose of this form is to help the OSA provide appropriate assistance in advance or on site. The information provided will remain confidential and will be shared with the program staff, faculty or appropriate professional only if it pertains to your well being.
We strongly recommend that you apply early − many programs will be filled to capacity prior to the application cut-off date.
Where can I collect more information?
Office of Study Abroad (OSA)
Michigan State University
109 International Center
East Lansing, MI 48824-1035
Phone: (517) 432-4345
Fax: (517) 432-2082
E-mail: Cindy Felbeck Chalou chalouc@msu.edu
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
Michigan State University
120 Bessey Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 353-9642
TTY Phone: (517) 353-1293
Fax: (517) 432-3191
Contact your RCPD Advisor
"The anxiety presented by (finding out first-hand about the lack of accessibility of London), was secondary to my desire as a college student to experience and learn about another part of the world."
"The six weeks I spent in London were some of the best of my life despite, and in part perhaps because of, my disability."
Nick Catanzarite
English Literature in London
Check out these resources for additional information*:
* Please note that not all Web sites are accessible for persons with disabilities.
This is an on-going list of questions in response to those form students like you!
What if I decide not to use accommodations abroad and then find out that I need them when I arrive?
You should gather as much information as possible about the site ahead of time. Resources available at MSU may not be available abroad. While abroad, contact the OSA and RCPD. The staff will work with the host institution as much as possible; however there is NO guarantee that you will receive an accommodation at this point.
Will I get a refund if my program is inaccessible?
If you do not disclose your disability-related needs, you are subject to the same policies as any other student. It is essential to plan ahead. If you have disclosed and discover that your destination is not accessible, the OSA and RCPD staff will seek to refund all non-recoverable costs and identify alternative options.
Do you have any more questions?
See: Where can I collect more information? Email us so we can answer your questions and share more information on this page.
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