Learning Abroad Center

Accessibility: Study Abroad in Sweden

The program requires sitting, standing, and moving across uneven terrain both in urban and rural areas. The program operates Monday through Friday and may include weekend activities.

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We are happy to assist students with documented reasonable accommodation needs through an interactive, case-by-case process involving the student, Learning Abroad Center, on-site staff, home school (when applicable), and the Disability Resource Center.

Program Page

Learn about DIS: Study Abroad in Sweden.

Attitudinal

People with apparent physical disabilities are typically regarded much the same as in the US. There is very infrastructure to help accommodate individuals with disabilities in the city, though some buildings may be inaccessible due to their age and lack of updates. Access ramps are found commonly in the city.

Classroom and Academics

DIS is a non-profit study abroad institute in Stockholm. DIS does not have the same disability resources as an American college or university; however, the program is very receptive to working with students with disabilities to the extent possible. Although there is not a designated disability-related office, DIS has an Office of Academic Support at its Copenhagen headquarters that can coordinate accommodations in Stockholm for students with learning disabilities, and we strive to offer comparable accommodations where possible. DIS also has an office of Housing and Student Affairs that can assist students with in-house counseling or support for current students or provide referrals to a psychologist/psychiatrist if necessary. 

Students with physical limitations may find the program to be very demanding at times. Study tours can be a challenge for students with physical difficulties and restrictions because of the amount of walking. European streets and buildings can be challenging to the physically disabled, but Stockholm is more accessible than many comparable cities, including Copenhagen (the other DIS site), where we have successfully hosted blind, deaf, and physically disabled students. We therefore anticipate being able to do so in Stockholm, as well.

DIS Stockholm classrooms, staff offices and shared study/lounge spaces including the library are all accessible by elevator. DIS does not provide its own food services.

DIS asks students to disclose any learning disabilities as part of the registration process and requests that students provide documentation from their home institution of the accommodations received there.

Students who are granted the use of a note-taker as part of their learning accommodations are able to have a fellow student take notes for them in their classes. An academic counselor can provide academic advice and limited support with students’ coursework. There is also an online tutor service where students can send their assignments in for general feedback. We cannot provide resources such as taped books, and electronic resources that are often offered at bigger institutions in the US.

Students who are eligible for extended testing time are able to have that accommodation at DIS.  While we strive to provide an alternative, distraction-free testing environment for students with this accommodation, the nature of the facilities at DIS make this impossible to always guarantee.

All students must be full-time, typically 5 classes per semester (estimated 5 hours/day in class plus 30-40 hours/week studying outside of class). Break periods in the middle of the day could be managed by choosing a schedule that allows this.

DIS has mental health counseling available on site, and many psychological/mental health counseling professional contacts to whom we can refer students as needed. These services are all available in English.

Excursions and Field Trip

While DIS is located in a relatively central location, housing options are spread throughout greater Stockholm. Trains and train stations are handicap accessible, most crosswalks have auditory signals, and there are curb cuts on the sidewalks.

Excursions and study tours involve taking a bus, plane, or train to various sites.

Housing and Food Services

Students are housed with host families or in apartment-style accommodations. DIS would attempt assist with arranging suitable housing that could accommodate service dogs, special dietary needs, wheelchairs, etc.

For students with physical disabilities, there are Residential Communities and Living & Learning Communities accessible by elevator but restrooms/kitchens may not be ADA compliant. All students must be able to cook, clean, and shop for themselves.

Technology

Students have access to computer labs with Internet access. DIS has computer labs available for all students, and a tape recorder can be made available to students with learning accommodation as well. Reading technology including braille printers or captioning are not available.

Library Services

Students have access to the University’s library online.

Transportation

Students have to travel between 30-90 minutes (walking, biking, or by public transit) between housing and class. Most public transportation is wheelchair accessible.