Accessibility Abroad
At EF, we are dedicated to creating the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of educational travel for all students regardless of gender identity, race, physical ability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status.
For travelers with a physical disability, EF has the interest of the customer in mind, and even with our best effort, there may be restrictions and challenges while traveling.
As the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply abroad, service providers on international programs may not have the infrastructure to make special provisions or accommodate special equipment that may be required.
In addition, the pacing and physical requirements of EF Study Abroad programs vary by itinerary. Certain programs require considerable physical exertion and may pose difficulties for travelers with disabilities or impaired mobility.
We encourage you to disclose to your Group Leader any physical disabilities or limitations prior to enrolling on the program.
If you require dedicated assistance, we ask that you plan to travel with an aid or companion who can be available to assist you for the duration of the program.
EF representatives are available to discuss any specific accommodations that travelers with limited mobility might require and whether such requests can be reasonably arranged. To discuss your specific needs with an EF Study Abroad representative, please call our Traveler Support Team at 877-485-4184. We are available Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM EST.
Resources to consider
Depending on your school’s policies and state laws, there might be resources available to help you study abroad (i.e. funding for necessary equipment, bringing an aid abroad, and even scholarships). EF highly recommends reaching out to disability services to see which on-campus resources can extend to a study abroad program.
We also recommend doing extensive research on accessibility in the country you are interested in traveling to prior to departure. While consulting these resources, please keep in mind that group travel on an EF program will differ from travel on an individual or family level.
https://wheelchairtravel.org/international-travel
https://www.sagetraveling.com/paris-accessible-travel