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Co-operative Education

Planning for accessibility abroad

Completing a co-op or exchange experience abroad can help you grow your skill set, gain a global understanding of your subject area, and make incredible connections that last a lifetime.  

As a student with accessibility needs, careful planning can set you up for success. Here are some considerations that can help you make informed and practical decisions. 

Start by contacting us

We are here to support you along the way. If you're thinking about a work term outside Canada, we encourage you to speak with us. 

We can help you disclose your accessibility needs in the first stages of your experience. Many of our co-op and exchange partners are committed to accessibility and can be part of the conversation if they are informed about your needs. 

Curious about where other students have worked?

You can read other UVic students' experiences on the UVic StoryMap.

Learn about your destination country

Exploring the cultural nuances of your target destination will help you set your expectations.

Here are a few resources to help:

  1. Read this article for some good research questions to get you started
  2. Use the Canadian Transportation Agency's Take Charge of Your Travel: A Guide for Travellers with Disabilities resource to verify the accessibility standards of your destination country
  3. Explore this resource to understand what particular legislation might influence your experience
  4. Consider networking and setting up informational interviews with peers that have had a similar experience

Research the organization

If you're looking to work for a particular employer organization, be intentional about your goals for your experience abroad. Ask lots of questions and build a connection with your host organization.

We recommend that you consider:

  • Can you identify equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in the organization’s online presence?
  • Is the employer located in a rural or urban location?
  • What is the physical environment and terrain like?
  • Are there (accessible) bathrooms in key areas?
  • How far is the nearest medical care facility?
  • How accessible is public transportation?
  • Are their accessibility policies publicly available?
  • How was the experience of past UVic students?

Chat with your medical practitioner

We suggest that you have a conversation with your medical practitioner as early as possible.

They can help you set up a medication plan, determine out if your medication is legal and available in your target region.

Your practitioner can also provide you with an official letter to export your medication for the entirety of your trip, if needed.

Prepare for your experience

Travel preparations

As you prepare to depart on your work term abroad, we recommend that you do the following:

  1. Familiarize yourself with UVic's messaging on safe travel off-campus
  2. Register with and learn about International SOS, a program that can connect you with in international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services abroad
  3. Check the Government of Canada's resource on health and safety outside Canada
  4. Run through "Well on your Way: The Government of Canada checklist on healthy travel abroad
  5. Keep your medication in its original container or containers in your carry-on luggage accompanied by your physicians’ official letter. Using a see-through pouch with the labels on the front can be a practical solution.

Staying connected

As exciting as an experience abroad can be, relocating to a different country along with different cultural expectations and all the experiences that this can bring can feel isolating at the same time.

  • Have you reflected on how often you would like to connect with family?
  • Can you connect virtually with your counsellor?
  • Can you contact your physician while abroad?
  • What is your insurance coverage and how can you contact them?

Tip

Writing a travel experience blog or sharing on social media can be a great strategy to connect with your home network, and a fun way to let them in on your experience. Find out more about UVic international experiences through the Storymap Project.

Have a Plan B

Plan for things that might not go your way.

For example, if you use a mobility aid, hearing aid or other medical equipment, plan to bring spare parts.

If you use software that relies on the Internet, verify that Wi-Fi is reliable in your target area. Can you think of other considerations that you might need a backup plan for?

Resources

Contact us

Excited to get planning or want to discuss your personal situation in more detail?

Contact the Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator (for co-op students) or the International Exchange Advisors (if you are going on an academic exchange) to learn more.