Disability and inclusion support

We have the following advice to help you get started if:

• you have a special educational need or disability, and
• you're interested in studying or working abroad.

Who to contact

If you want to study abroad, contact:

• the exchange coordinator for your Academic School, and
• the Disability Support Service.

They'll be able to discuss your options. Get in touch with them at the earliest opportunity. That gives us the most time to check your choice of universities can put adequate support in place for you. We may need to share information about your disability with the partner institution. This will help them to make the appropriate reasonable adjustments. It's best to communicate your needs early in the process. This will help you get support and guidance to make the right decisions for you.

Email NTU Global to contact our central Study Abroad team. They're also here to help you. They can give more information on the funding available to accommodate your needs.

Working whilst studying abroad

You may want to do a period of work abroad. This can be as well as, or instead of, studying abroad. If so, contact our Employability team.

Things to think about

Cultures differ around the world. That includes the perceptions of disability, and the accommodations made for it. Learn about what types of accommodation are typically provided in your host country. Be flexible and open to different ways of accommodating your disability. Some of the questions you might consider include:

• What is the contact information for disabilities services organizations in your host country?
• What mobile apps or other tools could help you abroad?
• Are your medications legal in your host country, and in other countries you may travel in or through?
• Are the same accommodations you receive at NTU available to you abroad?
• Will you have the same access to medication and physical or mental health services abroad?
• Will your housing accommodate your needs?
• What solutions can you plan now to manage new challenges you may face abroad?

Before you go

Before you go, learn as much as you can about your host culture and how they view disability. Read, talk to other students, and attend pre-departure orientation sessions. The more you know, the better. Prepare for the interaction between your disability and the new environment.

If you're a student with SEND, the scheme will fund up to 100% of actual costs for support directly related to your additional needs.

Turing Scheme funding also covers preparatory visits by the sending organisation. This allows it to carry out risk assessments. These help ensure you can equally access and take part in all elements of a placement. Pre-visits can be for a maximum duration of three days. The funding can be used for both learners and accompanying staff. Pre-visits are not available for any other purpose.

The term SEND refers to learners with special educational needs (SEN). This includes those:

• who are in receipt of Disabled Student Allowance, or
• whose SEN arise because they have a long-term disability.

This disability must have a substantial and long-term effect on the ability to do normal everyday tasks. This includes learners who meet one or more of the following:

• having a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010, for participants from English, Scottish, and Welsh higher education providers, and/or
• having a disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, for participants from Northern Ireland higher education providers.

Students are required to provide receipts for the cost of any additional support before being reimbursed.

Visit InclusiveMobility.EU for information on the accessibility of university facilities in Europe.

These external sites also have useful advice for SEND students considering study abroad.

• Studee — The ultimate guide to studying abroad with a disability
• Studyportals — How difficult is it to study abroad with a disability?

As a mature student, you are encouraged to undertake a period of study abroad during your time at NTU. We understand that you might have other commitments to manage, but our diverse range of partner destinations and placement durations ensures that every student can find a suitable programme to fit their budget and schedule.

If you can’t give up all your responsibilities to go abroad, you could try a summer school, which can span as little as two to four weeks. For a more immersive experience, consider participating in a semester or year-long study abroad programme at one of our partner universities around the world. Contact your School Exchange Coordinator to find out if you are eligible.

We also have short-term study abroad options of less than three months, with different intakes throughout the year. Please email Faye Martin, our Short Mobilities and Scholarships Coordinator, for further information.

All countries have their own culture which may differ to the UK. It is important that you understand and respect these differences. Find out more about the country's local customs, dress codes, video or photography do's and don'ts, and whether there are no-go areas, for example.

Ask your host university for advice if you are unsure how to behave in a certain situation. It's always best to investigate the cultural and religious beliefs of the region or country where you'll be studying before your trip.

Our colleagues at NTU Global might be able to help connect you with other students who are in a similar situation, or have already returned from their travels. Email us at ntuglobal@ntu.ac.uk or visit the Global Lounges to speak with us.

Other resources

LGBTQ+ centre

• Many universities in liberal countries have professional student advisers to help LGBTQ+ students. Reach out to them before you leave to address any concerns and questions.

Fellow LGBTQ+ students

• Use the internet to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals who have studied or are studying at your prospective university.

University LGBTQ+ societies

• Campuses often have student-led LGBTQ+ organisations and societies, which are great for connecting with like-minded individuals.

Local LGBTQ+ charities or organisations

• These groups could provide local knowledge, introduce you to other LGBTQ+ individuals, and guide you to local LGBTQ+ scenes.

Embassy of Your Home Country

• In extreme medical or political emergencies, such as a hate crime, get in touch with the political ambassador of your home country.

Useful links

• LGBT foreign travel advice
• LGBTQ+ travel guides