Accommodating Students on Study Away Programs

Duke GEO Article
by the Duke Global Education Office

The Duke University Global Education Office (GEO) is committed to inclusion on its study away programs. We work closely with Duke’s Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) to help students with disabilities request and receive approved reasonable accommodations on study away programs to the extent that they can be arranged, taking into account challenges that might arise due to the program being in a foreign setting. Some examples of the challenges students might encounter include: culture shock, learning differences, language barriers, and homesickness.

Please understand that we cannot guarantee that every approved accommodation can be implemented in every program location.

Because it may take a substantial amount of time and planning to arrange accommodations abroad, if you should need assistance in identifying programs and/or program locations that may fit your individual needs, you should reach out to a GEO advisor as early as possible when considering participation in a study away program.

This will give us time to explore all of your options, determine the feasibility of offering particular accommodations in particular program locations, and actually arrange accommodations if needed and available.

If it should become apparent at any point in this process that your preferred program/program location cannot reasonably accommodate your specific needs, we will closely work with you to explore other program options that may fit both your interests and medical needs.

Information for Duke Students

Already registered with Duke SDAO

Duke students who are planning to study away via a Duke-administered program, Duke-approved program, or petition program should ensure they, are registered to receive accommodations at Duke through the SDAO, the following steps will occur for all registered students:

In the accommodations portal, request your accommodations letter be sent to GEO. If your accommodation includes a single room request, it must be received within 2 weeks of acceptance. GEO will do our best to honor requests made after this deadline.
The SDAO will email an accommodation letter to GEO and copy you. GEO will then connect you with the GEO Program Manager of your program. This individual will serve as the disability liaison with the study away program in question and will assist the SDAO in the coordination and implementation of accommodations where available.
It is imperative that you and the GEO Program Manager discuss your specific accommodations if you have any concerns as to whether your accommodation(s) can be met while studying away from Duke. Do not assume that any or all accommodations can be offered/arranged.
After the GEO Program Manager receives your accommodation letter from our office, they will provide this letter to the designated individual(s) at the institution/program you will be attending, or will assist you in contacting the designated individual(s) at the institution/program you will be attending.
You may be required to “register” with the host institution or their disability office. If this is requested of you, please follow the instructions provided by the GEO Program Manager and/or host institution. In some cases you will need to provide documentation, not only from Duke but also from your medical provider. If needed, you may need to confer with your designated GEO Program Manager for clarification as to next steps.

Not yet registered with Duke SDAO

Duke students who are planning to study away via a Duke-administered, Duke-approved, or petition program, and who are not already registered to receive accommodations at Duke through the SDAO will first need to request accommodations through the Duke SDAO. Once you have received notification that your requested accommodations have been reviewed and approved by the SDAO, you will go through the steps outlined above under "Already Registered with SDAO".

If you have any questions or concerns throughout this process, please reach out to GEOSDAO@duke.edu.

Information for Non-Duke Students Studying on Duke-Administered Programs

Non-Duke students may request accommodations on a Duke-administered program by first requesting accommodations from the Duke SDAO. Once you have been notified that your requested accommodations have been reviewed and approved, the SDAO will send GEO a letter outlining the accommodations you are eligible to receive while on your Duke-administered study away program. GEO will then work with you, the SDAO, and your program director to offer accommodations to the extent that it is possible to do so.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout this process, please reach out to GEOSDAO@duke.edu.

Single-Room Request

If your SDAO accommodation outlines a single room for student housing, please submit your study away SDAO paperwork within two weeks of the study away program application deadline. GEO will do its best to accommodate single-room requests made after this two-week window.

World Situation FAQ: How GEO Monitors and Assesses Safety Conditions

The safety and security of Duke students studying away is the first priority for Duke University. Using trusted sources of information and analysis, we are constantly monitoring and assessing the security conditions in and around our study away sites.

International SOS (ISOS): Emergency and Travel Assistance Service

Duke has contracted with a travel assistance company called International SOS (ISOS), which provides emergency assistance and other services for all students (both Duke and non-Duke students) studying abroad on Duke programs. Learn what services are offered and how to make the most of this benefit.

Laptop and Smartphone Security

It is easy to carry a laptop or smartphone around; but, unfortunately, it is just as easy for thieves to steal one. In the seconds it takes you to turn around to greet a friend in a coffee shop, a thief can pick up and make off with your valuables. Bottom line: You need to guard your laptop and phone as closely as you guard your wallet.

Smart Things You Can Do To Avoid Unsafe Situations

Just like in the United States, it is important that you are vigilant and take commonsense precautions to safeguard yourself while on your study away program. There are proactive steps you can take to make your situation as safe as possible.

Sexual Misconduct on Study Away

Duke University is committed to encouraging and sustaining a living and learning community that is free from harassment, violence, and discrimination. Familiarize yourself with Duke’s sexual misconduct policies and the options for reporting, both confidential and non-confidential.

Things You Can Do to Minimize the Risks of Sexual Misconduct

Sexual assault and rape are prevalent globally, and no one is immune. While female-identifying students are statistically more susceptible, students of any gender identity should exercise caution and awareness. Sexual assault can happen at any time or place. It is important to remember that sexual violence is never your fault.

Before You Go: Health & Wellness To-Do Items

This checklist will help you think about your health-related needs and take care of what needs attention before you depart. Things like what to pack, what to do if your routine medical visits falls during your time away, glasses and contacts, prescription medications, and immunizations, to name a few.

Driving While Abroad

While we strongly recommend that you not drive while abroad, should you choose to do so, you may need a special driving permit, a road permit, or both to drive in certain countries. An international driver’s permit, available from your local automobile association, should be recognized by many countries and may, with your driver’s license, suffice for driving.

Identity & Diversity