Education Abroad

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Students with Disabilities

Whatever your disability, you can study abroad with PSU Education Abroad! We are prepared to support you any way we can to facilitate a successful and enjoyable experience! We can help you find solutions to inaccessible places, learn new strategies, and prepare for differences.


Individuals with disabilities may find disability acceptance, inclusion, and accessibility abroad very different from what you find in the United States.  While disability acceptance and inclusion will vary due to the realities of local conditions, accessibility may vary based on the requirements of the academic program of choice. For example, there may be a great deal of walking travel required on a daily basis through your program of choice or a requirement to commute via regular use of public transportation. Your advisor can work with you to see if your program choices are at compatible sites that best coincide with your educational and disability needs.

It’s good to keep in mind that other countries have their own laws and regulations concerning physical accessibility and the accommodation of disabilities in the classroom. Other countries are not obligated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations that we follow here at PSU. That having been said, while the PSU Education Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on any Education Abroad program, we work diligently with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) and agents on site at your institution of choice to come up with creative solutions to accessibility challenges.

If you’re interested in studying abroad, it’s best to plan early – at least 6 to 12 months in advance. Schedule an appointment with your Accessibility Specialist in the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to begin the process of identifying the reasonable accommodations you may need overseas.

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Laura is a visually-impaired student who studied abroad in Akita, Japan through IE3 Global.

“I encourage those who plan on studying abroad to keep your minds and your hearts open.  Everybody’s experience is going to be different, wherever they choose to study. The experience will always be tailored to the individual, and I think in many ways, it’s whatever you make of it.”

Things to Consider

  • What is the physical environment like in your host country?
  • Is learning mainly from lecture, readings, independent research, etc?
  • How might your academic assignments be different?
  • What housing options exist in your chosen program site?
  • How independent will you be on your program?  For example, do you need to do your own cooking? Laundry?
  • What kind of transportation is available?  Is transportation accessible?

PSU Resources
Education Abroad Advisors
Disability Resource Center

Additional Resources