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Life and Times of a Disabled Student
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🍋🍋🍋Today’s Dinner: Gnocchi with Lemon Bacon Cream Sauce 🍋🍋🍋 https://www.instagram.com/alexie.automatic/p/Bv206h_FJQc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tmbwgu28sifo
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Language Barriers
Studying in another country is an incredibly scary process made even scarier by not knowing the language. Here are some basic tips and resources from my studies to make your life a little easier!
1) Find a Language Student: If you’re studying abroad to, say, study Physics or Renaissance Art, find a student who is traveling in the same program as you who is traveling to learn, say, French or Spanish.
What do I mean by this?
Well, for example, when I traveled to Martinique in the Summer of 2017 to study French, the FREN 212 Program wasn’t the only offered course. Students from my University were also there to take part in an Africana Studies program; thus, needless to say, most of them didn’t know French in a French-speaking country. Pairing up between students, in this situation, would make the travel experience exponentially easier for the non-language speaking student and provide great practice for the language-learning student.
2) Learn Key Phrases: In every situation, from asking for directions, grocery shopping, and ordering food, a few key phrases are essential to making studying abroad easier. A few that I would recommend are:
Hello/Goodbye.
Open/Closed.
How are you?
I would like...(a pizza, a hamburger, etc.)
Where is...?
3) Use a Free Online Language-Learning Program: To get ahead of the curve and learn beyond key phrases, using a language-learning program for a basic conversational knowledge of your country’s language may be for you. Programs for your phone and for your computer that I would recommend are: Duolingo and Memrise.
https://www.duolingo.com/
https://www.memrise.com/
3) Purchase a Travel Book of Phrases: Possessing a pocket book, not a travel dictionary, and bookmarking useful phrases may be useful.
4) Learn what NOT to say: Some phrases and gestures in your home country may be inappropriate or even offensive in your travel destination. Do a little research and be considerate.
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Travel Abroad Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship:
This is a scholarship that I’ve personally received and would highly recommend; however, it’s also a scholarship that can only be received once.
In addition to supplying general information about yourself, university transcripts, and information about your study abroad program, you will need to submit two essays:
One personal essay about why you want to study abroad
One essay detailing a Service Learning Project
After you’ve completed your Study Abroad Program, you have 6 months to complete your Service Learning Project and submit an essay about it as well.
This scholarship program favors unconventional places to study. This means that, if you’re studying outside of popular places like Paris, Italy, or England, you’re in luck; however, if you are studying in the popular study abroad destinations, a small percentage of scholarships are still awarded.
This scholarship also favors students learning a second language, especially ones outside of Spanish or French like Turkish or Urdu. In addition, this scholarship also places an emphasis on diversity so, students who are disabled or LGBT+ may be interested in this scholarship.
Awards can be up to $4,000 and can be used on anything from airfare, tuition, food/lodging in your travel destination, and such.
https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Fulbright U.S. Student Program:
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program can be applicable for students who show interest in traveling or teaching English abroad. This is a tricky program but, may benefit students in a Graduate Program, conducting Undergraduate Research, or in their Senior Year of their Undergrad. This program offers over 8,000 grants catering to different needs.
https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/information
Golden Key Scholarship:
This is a member-based scholarship that is awarded to undergrad’s and graduates who wish to travel abroad. Because the scholarships cater to different needs and different travel abroad programs, more information can be found here:
https://www.goldenkey.org/scholarships-awards/overview/
NOTE: Contact your University for Study Abroad specific scholarships and grants. More often than not, your University will supply a decent amount of funding for you to study abroad.
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Simple Chili of Awesomeness
Should you find yourself living in an area that has ample storage space, a large pot, and a refrigerator/freezer, making a batch of this chili may be for you!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat
1 yellow onion, diced
3 bell peppers, diced
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can green chilies or jalapenos
1 can pinto beans, drained
2 cans condensed tomato soup
1 can water
1 tsp olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup chili powder
1 bay leag
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions:
Toss ground meat, onion, bell peppers, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a large pot on medium. Cook until meat has browned.
Toss green chilies, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, water, and bay leaf into the pot. Turn heat down to low.
Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
Turn off heat and serve with sour cream, avocado, and/or shredded cheese.
NOTE: Chili can be put into individual portions and frozen for longevity.
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Simple Recipes for the Traveling Student
https://autisticwildcat.tumblr.com/post/162990128394/basic-pan-seared-fish
https://autisticwildcat.tumblr.com/post/162990315829/soy-sauce-rice
https://autisticwildcat.tumblr.com/post/164947293984/simple-chili-of-awesomeness
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Soy Sauce Rice
Ingredients:
1/2 cup white rice
1 cup water
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Or to taste
Method:
Bring the water to boil in a medium pot. Add salt.
Stir in rice and reduce to simmer. Cook for 10 - 15 minutes and stir occasionally.
Check if all or most of the liquid is absorbed. If there is remaining liquid, continue cooking until it’s gone.
Turn off heat.
Stir in soy sauce and serve immediately.
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Basic Pan-Seared Fish
Ingredients:
1 fish fillet
Recommended: salmon, tilapia, cod
However, nearly every type of fish can be used for this recipe
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (can be substituted with olive oil)
2 teaspoons dried green herbs
Recommended: Parsley, basil, or tarragon
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Method:
Rub each side of the fish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper
In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Once butter has begun to foam, lay fish in pan.
After 2 minutes, using a spatula, gently flip fish and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes.
NOTE: For salmon, after the 2 - 3 minutes are up, sear the sides on the fish for 30 seconds each
Using a spatula, gently flip fish . Add garlic to pan and cook for 30 - 45 seconds. Add herbs.Tilting the pan towards you, spoon the garlic, herbs, and remaining melted butter over the fish for 1 minute.
Transfer fish to plate. Add salt and pepper to taste if need.
Serve immediately.
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Common Emergency Numbers
North America: 911
Europe: 112
Central America: 66
Australia: 000
East Asia: 100
Russia: 112
***This may not necessarily be the emergency number for your prospective country. Please message me if you would like any countries added.
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Common Worries about Living Abroad
When living abroad, be it for vacation purposes or for education, there are four categories of worries for the disabled traveler:
1) Food: what to cook when participating in a home-stay or living in a hotel or apartment/where to find affordable food.
Typically, during a home-stay, your host parents will cook breakfast and dinner for you. If you have any food allergies, communicate with your adviser and host family.
If they are in the original packaging, even if opened, you can bring your own spices abroad. Essential spices to bring for simple dishes are:
Salt
Pepper
Parsley*
Oregano*
Basil*
*Italian seasoning is a good substitute if you cannot bring these spices individually
Kitchenettes are usually small and have minimum supplies. If you’re wheelchair-bound, request a roommate or a group member to help and/or move tables around for more mobility. Be prepared to have three pans and three pots of varying sizes, cutlery, and a few glasses. There may or may not be a cutting board or a cutting knife.
In a kitchenette, there is usually a toaster or a microwave.
Garlic, butter, olive oil, and soy sauce will be your best friend. If you love pasta, canned sauces are life-savers.
Simple rice dishes, sauteed vegetables, and sauteed meats are the way to go.
Experience what the locals eat! Simple dishes local to the area are usually also the cheapest to make and eat!
If you are traveling abroad, you should have an at-country adviser that will know the best places to eat if you choose to eat out.
My recommendation: Don’t ask for the best places to eat if you’re on a budget. Ask for the cheapest places to eat.
2) Transportation: how to get to and from the airport and anywhere you need to go.
With an educational program, the coordinators will drive you to and from the airport. Even if the flight is delayed or you run into unexpected trouble, they will still come and get you.
All transportation to and from excursions are provided by the coordinators.
If you are wheelchair-bound or have limited mobility, be sure to communicate with your advisers ahead of time so that they can make the proper arrangements.
Taxis are usually the most expensive option. Taxicos are cheaper but, they are an informal type of transportation that combines taxi and bus values. Buses are usually the best option.
If you choose to get a taxi, going in a large group will drop the price significantly.
3) Money: how much to bring and what to expect to spend money on
For a month-long stay, the minimum I would recommend is $500 to spend on food. But, having upwards of $1,000 is a safe fallback for transportation, souvenirs, and food.
Most of what you’ll spend money on is food and transportation.
Be prepared for secondary, non-priority expenses. Be prepared to spend money on dish soap and detergent, toiletries, and medication.
For souvenir-shopping, go to open markets; but, don’t stop off at the first stall you see. These are usually the most expensive because it catches tourists eyes. Go deeper into the marketplace and you’ll find the same things being sold for cheaper.
4) Accommodations: internet and cell phone services, wheelchair accessibility, access to medication and physicians, and country understanding of disabilities and discrimination.
First and foremost, arrange a meeting between your disability coordinator and study abroad adviser. This is the prime time to talk about your worries and address possible solutions for your time abroad.
Talk with your study abroad adviser about cell phone plans. More than likely, they have traveled to your destination before and know exactly what plans are suitable for your location.
Wi-fi, especially with web-centric courses, are usually provided at your residences; if not, then your local university will often have wi-fi.
Unfortunately, like many places, there are not many forms of wheelchair accessibility. Talk to your study abroad adviser beforehand so that they can plan activities accordingly.
Your adviser will provide locations to your nearest doctor and pharmacist. Get your local emergency number and contact your on-site adviser immediately if you need medical attention. Usually, your home university will provide traveler’s health insurance
Mental health can have negative connotations overseas. Be sure to research accordingly. Your safety is most important so, be sure to have a buddy (a group member or study abroad adviser) to be your advocate if needed.
Prescription medications are allowed on planes.
***
Special Note for Female and LGBT Travelers:
Self-defense items you can and can’t bring abroad:
CARRY-ON:
Mace (NO)
Pocket Knives (NO)
Swiss Army Knives (NO)
Self-defense keychain (NO)
Emergency whistle (YES)
CHECKED BAGS:
4 Fl. oz of Mace (YES)
Pocket Knives (YES)
Swiss Army Knives (YES)
Self-defense keychain (YES)
Emergency whistle (YES)
Essentially, if you plan on bringing along only carry-on bags, you cannot bring any self-defense items except for an emergency whistle; however, if they’re small, you can bring everything you need in a checked bag. Be sure to consult with your airline first.
TIP: Bringing your keys in checked and carry-on bags is acceptable everywhere. Weave your keys between your fingers to form a makeshift self-defense keychain in a pinch.
~*Protecting Yourself *~
Unfortunately, there’s no place in the world where women or people that are LGBT won’t be harassed in some shape or form. In some places of the world, it’s even dangerous. Here are a few tips to stay safe in environments where you may be uncomfortable or feel threatened:
Stay in pairs or groups
If you go anywhere alone, contact at least two other people including your adviser and/or professor and give them an estimated time you’ll be back
Talk with your male group members to walk to your room or pretend to be a boyfriend when in an uncomfortable position
Develop code words or phrases with your fellow study abroad group members to get out of difficult situations
For example, use a candy none of you like so that none of you will accidentally use the phrase.
“I’m really craving an Almond Joy right about now!”
If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, contact your adviser immediately.
If something happens to you, contact your adviser immediately. They are there to help.
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