Graduate Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Study Abroad: Current Practices and Student Perspectives
(University of Oregon, 2012) Ablaeva, Yelena; Ablaeva, Yelena; Carpenter, Kathie
While there has been an increase in the numbers of students studying abroad each year, the participation of students with disabilities remains low. As internationalization of higher education takes news steps, bringing along with it the myriad benefits of intercultural exchange, study abroad becomes an important and often required component of educational experience. This study explored the current practices and experiences of the inclusion of students with disabilities in study abroad programs. The interviews with 10 study abroad professionals, 5 students with disabilities, and 1 faculty reveal discrepancies in the perceptions of the current practices. In light of the findings of this research, I argue that the study abroad experience promotes higher levels of identity development for students with disabilities. I also propose recommendations to ensure the positive experience for both study abroad professionals and students with disabilities.