Physical Accessibility & Mobility
Physical accessibility infrastructure is not standardized around the world, so if you're managing a physical disability or chronic illness that impairs your mobility, it's important to research your location in advance. For example, many cities in Europe have historic cobblestone roads, which can be difficult to navigate if you're using a mobility aid like a cane or a wheelchair.
Questions to consider:
- How are disabilities or chronic illnesses perceived in my host country? Am I comfortable disclosing my condition to others?
- What's the physical landscape like in my host city and at the university/program center that I'll be attending?
- Is the local transportation system (buses, trains, airports) readily accessible?
- Are there housing options that will meet my needs? Is the housing close to the university or program center?
- Are classrooms equipped with accessible seating? Do local businesses have accessible entrances?
- Are accessible restrooms common in this country/city?
- What support systems are available to me on-site?
Resources:
Physical Accessibility & Mobility
Physical accessibility infrastructure is not standardized around the world, so if you're managing a physical disability or chronic illness that impairs your mobility, it's important to research your location in advance. For example, many cities in Europe have historic cobblestone roads, which can be difficult to navigate if you're using a mobility aid like a cane or a wheelchair.
Questions to consider:
- How are disabilities or chronic illnesses perceived in my host country? Am I comfortable disclosing my condition to others?
- What's the physical landscape like in my host city and at the university/program center that I'll be attending?
- Is the local transportation system (buses, trains, airports) readily accessible?
- Are there housing options that will meet my needs? Is the housing close to the university or program center?
- Are classrooms equipped with accessible seating? Do local businesses have accessible entrances?
- Are accessible restrooms common in this country/city?
- What support systems are available to me on-site?
Resources:
Academic Accessibility Abroad
Some countries and universities are more well-versed in academic accommodations than others, so it's important to communicate your accessibility needs early on in the process. If you have visual or hearing impairments and need course material delivered in a particular way, or if you receive extra time on exams, or if you need a quiet, independent environment to study in - these are all important to share with your host program or university.
Questions to consider:
- How are learning disabilities or processing impairments perceived in my host country/city?
- What accommodations do I receive at Penn State? Can I get similar accommodations abroad?
- How is the academic environment at my host institution different from Penn State? How might that impact the level of support I need?
- If I can't receive the full accommodations that I'm used to, how will I manage my stress or anxiety?
- What resources are available on-site to help me in the case of academic difficulties?
Resources:
- Your education abroad adviser can reach out to your program to give you information on accommodations
- You may also choose to reach out to your program directly - your education abroad adviser can give you that contact information
Academic Accessibility Abroad
Some countries and universities are more well-versed in academic accommodations than others, so it's important to communicate your accessibility needs early on in the process. If you have visual or hearing impairments and need course material delivered in a particular way, or if you receive extra time on exams, or if you need a quiet, independent environment to study in - these are all important to share with your host program or university.
Questions to consider:
- How are learning disabilities or processing impairments perceived in my host country/city?
- What accommodations do I receive at Penn State? Can I get similar accommodations abroad?
- How is the academic environment at my host institution different from Penn State? How might that impact the level of support I need?
- If I can't receive the full accommodations that I'm used to, how will I manage my stress or anxiety?
- What resources are available on-site to help me in the case of academic difficulties?
Resources:
- Your education abroad adviser can reach out to your program to give you information on accommodations
- You may also choose to reach out to your program directly - your education abroad adviser can give you that contact information
Mental Health Abroad
Traveling abroad may seem like an escape from existing mental health concerns, a chance to start fresh and let go of the anxieties that may burden you at home - but taking care of your mental health is extremely important when you're participating in an education abroad experience. Encountering new, unfamiliar faces and places can be stressful and can exacerbate existing mental health issues if you're not proactive about practicing self-care and wellness.
Questions to consider:
- How does my host country perceive people with mental health conditions? Am I comfortable with disclosing my condition to others?
- What preparations can I make to better handle living and studying/interning in a new country? What knowledge would make me feel more ready - knowing the food, practicing the language, knowing the culture, etc.?
- What self-care habits do I practice at home? Can I practice those same habits abroad? If not, what alternatives will I have in my host city?
- For example, if I work out to decompress, but my host city doesn't have a gym, can I take walks or join a local sports club instead?
- What housing arrangement would be most comfortable for me? If I have a roommate, how can I talk to them about my mental health?
- If I rely on mental health support at home (a therapist, a friend or family member, CAPS, etc.), how can I access that support abroad? Are there other resources on-site that I can turn to if I'm having a difficult time managing my mental health?
Resources:
Mental Health Abroad
Traveling abroad may seem like an escape from existing mental health concerns, a chance to start fresh and let go of the anxieties that may burden you at home - but taking care of your mental health is extremely important when you're participating in an education abroad experience. Encountering new, unfamiliar faces and places can be stressful and can exacerbate existing mental health issues if you're not proactive about practicing self-care and wellness.
Questions to consider:
- How does my host country perceive people with mental health conditions? Am I comfortable with disclosing my condition to others?
- What preparations can I make to better handle living and studying/interning in a new country? What knowledge would make me feel more ready - knowing the food, practicing the language, knowing the culture, etc.?
- What self-care habits do I practice at home? Can I practice those same habits abroad? If not, what alternatives will I have in my host city?
- For example, if I work out to decompress, but my host city doesn't have a gym, can I take walks or join a local sports club instead?
- What housing arrangement would be most comfortable for me? If I have a roommate, how can I talk to them about my mental health?
- If I rely on mental health support at home (a therapist, a friend or family member, CAPS, etc.), how can I access that support abroad? Are there other resources on-site that I can turn to if I'm having a difficult time managing my mental health?
Resources:
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