Seeing the World: Studying Abroad When Blind
Studying abroad is often a goal for many undergraduate college students. Whether they’re studying or improving foreign language skills, researching specific aspects of a country, or wanting to delve deeper into a different culture, studying abroad offers collegians the opportunity to learn and grow in new and exciting ways that they may not otherwise experience on their college campus in the United States.
For students who are blind or have low vision, studying abroad can often be an exciting and challenging journey. This article aims to provide insight, support, and guidance for those interested.
Breaking Down Possible Preconceived Ideas
As someone who has been blind since birth, the concept of studying abroad in college always sounded daunting. I routinely thought, “There’s no way I can actually go to another country by myself and independently navigate school and new environments.” However, as an undergraduate college student minoring in Spanish, I knew that studying abroad was something I needed to explore. It was required for the minor.
When I began my undergraduate studies and Spanish classes, I started exploring the various Spanish-speaking study abroad programs offered by my institution that would fulfill the Spanish minor requirement of studying abroad during one semester in a Spanish-speaking country, such as Mexico, Ecuador, or Spain. One program that particularly stood out to me during my research was the program located in Mexico. It offered a group-study abroad experience. I would not be traveling alone. Instead, I would be going to Oaxaca, Mexico, for one semester with a group of my peers from my home institution. We would attend classes and work on projects jointly. Thus, I concluded that this program was the best suited for me because I would not be entirely alone in another country. I would have peers from my classes that I could collaborate with during my study abroad experience. I was delighted when I was accepted along with ten of my fellow students.
Planning is Important
While study abroad programs may seem too complicated, unsafe, or inaccessible for students who are blind or who have low vision, it is in partnership with the University’s accessibility services, study abroad program, and peers that blind or low vision students can experience study abroad programs in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and fosters independence.
When a student first decides they want to study abroad in college, they should conduct preliminary research and gain a better understanding of where they want to study and how they may access that location, with their access needs in mind. At their University, students may receive accommodations through the campus’s disability services office; however, when studying abroad, it’s essential to remember that access and accommodations are not universal. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) only exists in the United States. Therefore, other countries outside the U.S. will likely have their own laws, regulations, and accessibility features unique to those countries. Even some countries outside of the US do not allow non-residents to be covered under their laws.
While access may look different when abroad, this does not mean that you shouldn’t go; it just means that you need to prepare ahead of time and work with your campus partners to create a plan that will help you be flexible, independent, and feel included along your study abroad journey. Some key steps to cultivate further insight before you study abroad include the following:
Discuss with your campus’s study abroad program/department about the country you are interested in traveling to.
If you receive accommodations at your institution, it might also be helpful to share this information with the study abroad team so that they might be able to offer further insight into what accessibility looks like in the country you wish to study overseas. You do not have to share any information about your disability or your accommodations.
Gather information about the program/curriculum you’ll be learning while you’re abroad; what sort of requirements do you need to complete during your study abroad program? Will you be tasked with working with peers from your institution, or will you be partnered with students from other universities around the world? Are you traveling alone or in a group? Will staff/faculty be present during your whole study abroad experience, or not?
Connecting with the disability services office will help you develop a plan in advance for managing your accommodations while you’re abroad.
While some accommodations (like extended time on tests/exams) may more easily transfer to another university/institution while you’re abroad, other accommodations (like technology, accessible textbooks, etc.) might require more time to prepare before you embark on your study abroad trip.
Some areas to consider when discussing access and accommodations with your disability services office professional include housing, transportation, technology, and support staff who may be available to assist you if needed.
You might find it helpful to collaborate with both your accessibility office and the study abroad program/department simultaneously so that everyone is on the same page and understands how they can assist you in their respective areas of expertise.
Consult with other students who’ve studied abroad in the location you wish to go to.
These conversations can help you gain knowledge about the local environments, food, and transportation. They can help you paint a clearer picture of what you can expect during your study abroad stay.
Preparing
First, gather information about the specific study abroad program you’re interested in. It’s important to also prepare in advance for your new adventure as a blind and low vision traveler abroad. You might find it helpful to…
Work with an orientation and mobility specialist before you go abroad. Brush up on your O&M skills and discuss how to navigate potential differences while abroad.
Potential differences may include:
- Cane travel on cobblestone streets
- navigating bus systems in a foreign language
- finding landmarks in a new city
- accessing ride-share services in another country
- navigating unfamiliar grocery stores or shopping centers
- learning routes in an unfamiliar country
- navigating unfamiliar infrastructure
- understanding traffic patterns different than in the US
You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with your technology before you arrive at your overseas destination.
Know how to use accessible maps, GPS, currency identifiers, magnification apps, screen-reader software, translation apps, etc.
Understand how disability is perceived in your host country.
You will want to learn how you can best advocate for yourself and your needs while abroad.
Will you be able to easily connect with your home campus’s disability services if you experience an issue when abroad? Will you need to communicate with strangers if you encounter an accessibility barrier when traveling abroad? Foster a clearer cultural awareness around access in other countries. It can help you navigate tricky situations you may encounter when studying abroad.
Are you a guide dog handler? You’ll likely want to understand your host country’s view on service animals and its specific laws and regulations regarding guide dogs. Moreover, you will want to work with your local veterinarian to ensure that you have the appropriate vaccines before your trip abroad. You might also want to reach out to your guide dog school to see if they have any guidance on traveling abroad with your guide dog.
Go Time!
At long last, you’re finally on your way to your overseas destination to embark on your study abroad journey. No matter if you’re studying abroad for a week or an entire academic year, this experience is going to challenge you, shape you, and further foster your independence and dexterity as a blind/low vision college student.
You will find studying abroad exciting, frustrating, enriching, and fulfilling. You will learn to navigate completely unfamiliar landscapes and environments independently. You’ll find new ways to adapt to unforeseen challenges, imperfect accommodations, and challenging adventures. You will grow as a student in your academic knowledge. You will also develop your skillset as a traveler who can embrace the unexpected.
If Issues Arise
If you run into problems while studying abroad, such as accessibility barriers, discrimination, or safety concerns, start by contacting your home university’s study abroad and disability services offices.
They can work with your host university to address accommodations or other issues. If the problem is serious or cannot be resolved locally, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your host country can help. They can step in to explain local laws, connect you with disability resources, and help ensure you’re treated fairly. With support from both your University and the embassy, you can keep your international experience safe, accessible, and rewarding.
Memories from Studying Abroad
I soon found myself jetting off to Oaxaca, Mexico, to study abroad for an entire semester. Some key highlights from this trip include staying with a wonderful host family by myself, navigating a new host university, immersing myself in the Spanish language, learning about a new culture and history, and creating lasting memories with my classmates. The entire experience challenged me in more ways than I can count, but overall, I learned that studying abroad as a blind student can be dynamic, accessible, and unique. – Hunter Duncan
Conclusion
Studying abroad is not impossible for blind or low vision college students. It will require pre-planning, establishing clear support systems, and understanding that you will need to be flexible in new situations. The study abroad experience will enable you to cultivate independence and personal growth beyond what you thought you were capable of. I am thankful I explored the opportunity, navigated the challenges, and took on the experience abroad as an undergraduate student.
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