Office of Disability Resources

Study Abroad Guidelines

Naropa values active engagement in a global context. At Naropa, there are several different options for
studying abroad through Naropa-sponsored programs or study abroad programs of students choice,
approved by the study abroad administrator.

Both the study abroad administrator and the Office of Disability Resources can be a resource for you as
you consider study abroad. The following will help guide you as you consider study abroad programs.

Student Responsibilities
Meet with your advisor to discuss how your program of choice, or study abroad in general, will
fit your academic track.
Self-identify early in the process
Research programs that they are interested in applying
Request specific accomodations
Communicate with others who have completed study abroad experiences
Develop a proposed budget
Meet deadlines
Communicate with the Office of Disability Resources, study abroad administrator, and the host
institution

Host University Responsibilities

Ensure students disability-related information is kept confidential
Answer questions that the student has regarding the planning process of study abroad
Communicate with Naropa regarding any disability-related issues

Study Abroad Program Advisor Responsibilities

Application process
Equal consideration in participation
Assistance with placements
Information about sites
Contract arrangements overseas

Office of Disability Resources Responsibilities

Collect and evaluate student documentation
Advise the Study Abroad Coordinator concerning accomodations

Adapted from: http://disability.illinois.edu/employment-opportunities-dres

 Assist in identifying academic adjustments
Arrange funding for required accomodations as needed.

Timeline
Start planning at least a year before you plan to study abroad. Accommodations may take time
to arrange.

Funding Options
Naropa will provide accomodations for study abroad programs that are sponsored through the
University (Bhutan, Where There Be Dragons)
For programs not sponsored by Naropa funding options include:
o Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Fund for Education Abroad
Hawkinson Scholarships
Lakselaget Foundation Scholarship
Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarships
Ashley Soul Conroy Foundation Scholarship
o Civic Organizations
Rotary Club
Lions Club
Elks
Kiwanis
o Department of Labor Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Must be a registered DVR client
Study abroad must be directly related to educational goals
Must exhaust other funding first
o Social Security/SSI Study Abroad Provision
Program must be sponsored by a US educational institution
Course of study must not be available in US
Course of study must enhance ability to work

Cultural Considerations
Research as much as possible about your country and host universitys cultural interpretation of
disability. Research government legislation as it relates to disability.

International Transportation Needs

What are the airlines accommodation capabilities?

Adapted from: http://disability.illinois.edu/employment-opportunities-dres

 Is there accessible transportation or community support in the host country?
What travel accomodations will be necessary?
If public transportation is inaccessible, is the cost of taxis feasible?

Auxiliary Aides
Are there persons or agencies that can repair auxiliary aids if necessary?

Service Animals
Are there laws in the host country that support service animals?
Does the host University support service animals?
Are there veterinary services readily available? Are they accessible?
What are the airline regulations about traveling with a service animal?
What are the host countrys regulations on traveling with a service dog on public transportation,
etc?
Is there a Quarantine Period for animals to or from the host country?

Housing
Are the room dimensions physically accessible?
Are the bathrooms and showers accessible?

Curriculum
Are classes project-driven or exam-driven?
How much reading is involved?
Is E-Text available?
Are course materials accessible to you (i.e. captioned videos)?

Outside the Classroom

Study abroad opportunities typically include travel to outlying villages or cities, or instructional
opportunities that happen outside of the classroom.
Is mobility assistance required?
What are the conditions of the public sidewalks or streets?
Will students be staying in different housing for any part of the study abroad experience? Is it
accessible?

Adapted from: http://disability.illinois.edu/employment-opportunities-dres

Disability Support Services at Host Institution
Does the host institution have a disability service office or point of contact to address
accomodations?

Counseling
Does the host institution or community provide resources that address medical or psychological
support?

Checklist of things to consider as you investigate study abroad

programs:
___ Housing

___ Personal Care Assistance

___ Transportation

___ Interpreting or Captioning Services

___ Auxiliary Aids

___ Classroom-physical access

___ Exam Accommodations

___ Lecture Info. Access

___ Textbook / Library / Computer Information

___ Health-Related Circumstances (ongoing medical treatments, dietary concerns)

Adapted from: http://disability.illinois.edu/employment-opportunities-dres