We have been able to successfully send many students with disabilities or additional needs abroad as part of their Reading degree, and are committed to trying to make Study Abroad accessible to everyone, where it is possible, working internally within the University and externally with our partner institutions and organisations to try to put support in place at application stage and whilst students are abroad.
One of the most important things you can do is to research which is the right country and right university for your study abroad experience before you apply.
If you have particular support needs or adjustments which are made for you here at the University of Reading, you will want to look at what support services and provisions are offered in other countries and universities, and how they will meet your needs as this will vary across partner institutions.
Some factors you may want to consider are:
- What support services do they have in place?
- How would they provide the types of support you need? For example, if you have a notetaker in Reading, can they provide a notetaker, a technological solution or something else?
- Is university accommodation or private
accommodation available which would meet your needs? For example:
- How close is the accommodation to the university?
- Are rooms in halls usually single or shared?
- Does the institution provide adapted rooms?
- What about the location of the university? For
example:
- What are transport links like? (for daily commuting and to airports)
- Is it within reach of any particular facilities you may need? eg shops, doctor’s surgeries, hospitals
- Are there any restrictions in the country about medications you need to take?
- If you currently have help with personal or daily care, how would this work in the country or university of your choice?
- What funding assistance can you get to meet any disability related needs?
There are links to partner institutions’ websites on the Where? page, which you can use to start your research.
