Hear about study abroad experiences
Nikki Farahanchi
Business - India
What were some of the most important considerations you had to make before you decided to study abroad? Had you traveled abroad before?
I am legally blind, and I had never left the country alone before this trip. There were so many things to consider: Should I bring a white cane? How am I going to navigate my flights independently? How can I travel to a new crowded city without my vision? What if I get lost? I had to adopt a very flexible and open mindset because many of these questions weren’t clear. I had to be more brave and courageous than I’d ever been in my life when deciding to travel to India alone.
How long did the planning process take? What additional resources were helpful during your planning process? Did you draw on any supports at U-M? Elsewhere?
The planning process for study abroad takes a while. I highly recommend watching other student's travel vlogs on YouTube. They are so helpful! Moreover, meeting with my advisor and program director to ask about my accommodations and concerns was very reassuring.
What support did you have while abroad?
The most helpful resource was my program coordinator Patrick, who was so incredibly kind it moves me to tears. I also made amazing study abroad friends who were careful and watchful of me, reading menus and holding my hand on dark streets as a guide. Although my disability was an obstacle, self-advocacy and the loving support of my friends provided me with the most beautiful trip abroad. I came home feeling so empowered as a young visually impaired woman who had traveled all over India!!!
What is something you wish you had known about in advance that you know now?
I wish I had a friend who just told me to relax and have fun! It goes by fast, so enjoy it!
What was something that went really well and something that was really challenging?
I became confident in my own skills while traveling abroad and learned that just because I am going blind does not mean I am helpless! I truly gained a sense of independence through this experience.
What were accessibility and social stigma like in your host country and how did that impact your experience?
My disability is invisible so I didn't face any stigma, which I am very privileged and blessed to say. In general, the locals are very nice and willing to help out and answer questions for tourists, which made my experience very positive.
What advice or tips do you have for other students with disabilities who are thinking about studying abroad?
First tip, DO IT!!!! Don't be scared, be brave. And come prepared. I carried a white cane with me all over India, even though I only used it once for two minutes. Have a safety net for yourself. And make friends early on. Be social and open about your disability, it will help you out so much. People are so willing to help, you just need to ask! My abroad experience is something I talk about all the time, and I hope that every single student gets the opportunity!
Did your experience abroad alter your college experience and/or future academic or career goals?
It has helped me greatly in all my job interviews. If anything, it gave me so much more confidence in my career choice of fashion.
Robbie Elliott
Industrial and Operations Engineering - University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
What were some of the most important considerations you had to make before you decided to study abroad? Had you traveled abroad before?
For me, the only consideration was whether or not my extended time on tests would be carried over at the host university. This was my first trip abroad and first time out of North America.
How long did the planning process take? What additional resources were helpful during your planning process? Did you draw on any supports at U-M? Elsewhere?
I applied for study abroad in November, was accepted by December, and then it was pretty straight forward from there. I believe that the College of Engineering just reached out to see if I needed accommodations, I said yes, and they handled the rest. It was really easy and I had no worries.
What is something you wish you had known about in advance that you know now?
How fast you will find a group of friends. There is nothing like being in an unfamiliar place that quickly brings people together. I'm still very close to those friends and talk to them all the time.
What advice or tips do you have for other students with disabilities who are thinking about studying abroad?
Definitely do it! It was an amazing experience and I've been looking for another opportunity to go on a trip since I came back. My host college handled my disability and accommodations request just like the University of Michigan does.
Jasmine Hamilton
Psychology - Prague, Czech Republic
What were some of the most important considerations you had to make before you decided to study abroad? Had you traveled abroad before?
How to transport medicine and what to do to treat it if something out of the ordinary happens in a country where you don't speak the language.
What is something you wish you had known about in advance that you know now?
A note from your doctor to keep in your carry-on, in your luggage, and on your person goes a long way.
What was something that went really well and something that was really challenging?
Access to healthcare was easy. It was challenging not knowing much about the food.
What advice or tips do you have for other students with disabilities who are thinking about studying abroad?
Do it. Communicate anything important and don't be afraid, you are not the first, but you can help open doors by simply being there
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