Study Abroad: Inclusive Opportunities Presentation Outline

Kristin Ramey & Katherine Knight

Overview of the presentation:
- Our presentation will cover multiple areas of how study abroad can be more inclusive. We will
start by discussing the barriers that students with disabilities face, move in to what our
institutions can do to support them, and then discuss advising strategies for helping students
make this experience possible.
Slide 1: YouTube clip Start at 0:00, end at 2:11.
- Discuss the importance of removing assumptions and receiving firsthand knowledge from
students with disabilities, and how this clip will shape our discussion.
Slide 2: Main barriers
- Attitudinal
- Informational
- Financial
o Lack of access to information, encouragement, funding, accommodations, and role
models for students who are considering studying abroad.
o All of these insufficiencies can be addressed by creating a universal design.
Slide 3: Universal Design
- Partnership agreements between the U.S and other institutions/third-party providers should
include commitments to make a program inclusive and set expectations for how to modify
programs if necessary.
- Examples of universally designed program components
o Can anyone think of others? (If no response, share the ones that are italicized)
Referrals to English-speaking doctors, counselors, and tutors.
Connections to local disability or diverse organizations, peers, and community
groups.
Periodic consultation with students throughout the semester.
Appropriate breaks/flexibility in scheduling.
Availability of internet and other communications for accessing remote support.
Appropriate education about insurance needs and traveling with medications.
Notes provided from lectures (especially if they are in a different language).
Buildings and transportation that are accessible or modified.
- One way we can implement some of these planning pieces is through orientation workshops,
creating a cohesive, interdependent, and respectful group experience.
Slide 4: Inclusive Policies
- Colleges/universities establish policies and procedures for their study abroad programs that are
similar with their U.S. campuses (as long as its not against the countries laws and immigration
policies). We do this because it reduces liability and risk.
- Examples of inclusive policies (explain each if necessary)
o Student Code of Conduct
o Safety Reporting
o Non-discrimination protections
o Equal opportunity statements
o Health & Insurance policies

Institutions should negotiate for individuals or group plans that include

additional benefits (mental health or preexisting conditions coverage).
Slide 5: Budgeting for Accommodations
- Institutions should have budget discussions and separate line items that allows them to move
quickly if accommodations are needed for students abroad with disabilities.
- Examples of Best Practices
o Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Pools funds for participants with disabilities who require extra services or
accommodations (CIEE shares expenses with home institution).
o University of Wisconsin-Madison
International Academic Programs (IAP) Office works closely with students with
disabilities office to evaluate each situation that arises program type, location,
program duration, and determine appropriate resources and relevant expenses.
Slide 6: Expanding Access
- A comprehensive advising approach is important and involves several offices within an
institution.
o Does anyone know what departments would need to be involved for a successful
collaboration?
Study Abroad
Disability Services
Financial Aid
Academic Advising
Counseling and Health Services
- Create a Welcome Environment
o Staff training, wed and other outreach materials, physical office environment.
- Accommodation Requests
o Platforms needed in the U.S. and overseas.
- Preparing Students for the Experience
o Cross-cultural considerations
- Pre-departure Preparations
- Financial Considerations
o Discussed on budgeting slide
- Administrative Considerations
o Relationships with institutions overseas
- Considerations on Return
*** Hand out article mention how it is related to the information that has been discussed thus far.
Have them read sections on disclosure and planning, flexibility, laws and cultures, and statistics on
trends. Should ask if anyone has initial thoughts/considerations.
Slide 7: Resources
- Go through resources available for institutions.
Slide 8: Class Discussion Questions
Slide 9: References