AU Abroad, the Academic Support Center (ASC), and Disability Support Services (DSS) make every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully in study abroad programs. As a result of these efforts, AU students with disabilities study abroad as frequently as other students and find that, for the most part, they can access accommodations with advance planning.

What can I expect overseas?

Please be aware that American University cannot guarantee that facilities, technology, or support services will be available at each location abroad in the same range and quality as on the AU campus. Laws in other countries are in effect, and procedures followed by institutions abroad may be different from what you are accustomed to at AU.

The ASC and DSS can work with students to individually assess disability needs as they relate to a student's interest, support systems, and the availability of accommodations in specific locations. 

How do I prepare to study abroad?

The following checklist can be helpful for AU students with disabilities who wish to study abroad.

1. In advance of deciding where to study, make an appointment with your counselor in the Academic Support Center (ASC) or the DSS director (if you receive accommodations from that office) to begin a conversation about study abroad options.
2. Identify a study abroad site based on your interests and your disability needs.
3. Apply online at the AU Abroad Web site.
4. Once admitted, complete the Disability Accommodations Request form which will be available on your AU Abroad portal.
5. If you think the services or accommodations you need may not be available at your location, clarify by e-mail with the appropriate person overseas in advance. Your ASC counselor or DSS director can help with the communication.
6. Request a study abroad letter of accommodations from your ASC counselor or the DSS director. Take one copy to the AU Abroad office and keep one copy to carry with you to your program.
7. Soon after you arrive overseas, speak with the program director at enclave or contract programs about your accommodation needs. If you are directly enrolling in a foreign university as an international student, the appropriate administrator may be a disability coordinator or a dean. Follow their advice about arranging accommodations with your professors.
8. E-mail your ASC counselor or the DSS director if we can be of help while you are overseas.