Study abroad diversity resources

The University of San Francisco's Center for Global Education (CGE) is committed to supporting its diverse student population throughout their study abroad journey. Our team is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of international opportunities to students from underrepresented groups, in addition to supporting students of diverse identity-groups and learning differences to successfully navigate their experiences abroad. We believe in the transformative power of study abroad and encourage students to experience different cultures, viewpoints, and ways of living, as this will ultimately contribute to better cross-cultural understanding and self-awareness in our interconnected world.

Social Identity specific resources:

Disability, Mental Health, & Self-Care

The Center for Global Education is committed to supporting students with disabilities in order to ensure that the opportunity to study abroad is inclusive and accessible to all. It is important to recognize that the attitudes, perceptions, laws, and resources surrounding accessibility may vary depending on where you plan to go.

The following reflection questions may be helpful to consider when preparing to study abroad:

General

  • What is my host culture's attitude toward individuals with disabilities? How do they define disability?

  • Are there any laws and/or protections for people with disabilities in my host country?

  • What accessibility barriers might I encounter and how will I handle them?

  • What types of accommodations might I need while abroad in order to have a successful experience? Does my host university have a disability services office or a point of contact designated to address accommodations needs?

  • If I utilize academic, medical, psychological, or other resources at my home institution, will I also utilize resources abroad? Where can I find the resources I need? What is the financial cost of these resources and what does my insurance cover?

Transportation

  • What is the physical environment and terrain like of my host university? Does it meet my accessibility needs?

  • What are the overall conditions of the public sidewalks and street pavements?

  • How accessible are places in my host country? How much do physical accessibility aspects like distance across campus, public transportation, weather, etc. matter to me?

  • Is public transportation (bus, train, etc.) available and accessible?

  • When necessary, will covering costs of private taxis be feasible due to inaccessible public transportation?

Housing

  • Are there accessible housing options that are close to classes? If there are dining areas, laundry rooms, and study areas, are these accessible as well?

  • What are the sleeping arrangements like in my program?

  • Are there accessible bathrooms and shower facilities? How close are they to my room?

  • Are there elevators available in my housing facility?

  • Are local businesses (banks, shopping centers, markets, grocery stores) accessible? How close are they to my housing accommodations?

Academic Accomodations

  • How different is the academic environment? Is there flexibility for longer test time, reduced workloads, mandatory excursions, etc.?

  • Does this program fit my learning style?

  • How are the courses formatted? What type of coursework will be required?

  • What academic accommodations does my host university offer?

  • Who can I contact to request accommodations for my classes?

Medical

  • How will I handle refills of my prescription medication? Is my prescribed medication legal and available in my host country?

  • Will I need additional documentation to travel with any particular medications or supplies? Will I be able to travel legally with these supplies?

  • What types of medical care are available? Will I be able to access necessary medical care or medication abroad?

  • Where can I seek medical care? How close is it to my housing accomodations?

  • Are replacement parts for medical devices readily available in the event of loss or damage?

Mental Health

  • I’m currently working with a mental health care provider. Will I be able to continue my sessions over a virtual platform?

  • How do I cope with transitions? How will I navigate culture shock?

  • How will I practice self-care while abroad?

  • What support systems are necessary to help me overcome feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety?

Disability, Mental Health, & Self-Care Resources

Physical Health

Mental Health

Self-Care

On Campus Support