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Accommodations and Access

Accessibility is an important consideration to be mindful of when deciding where to travel and study abroad. Be aware that unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities. Pepperdine embraces the opportunity to support students by working closely with colleagues at the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) to create inclusive experiences. Together we can support a successful experience abroad. This work is reliant upon student research and communication during their pre-travel planning which includes contacting the OSA and the International Programs Office to discover accommodation information prior to committing to a study abroad program. 

  Diversity & Identities Abroad

Below are some resources to help students select appropriate study away options. We strongly recommend connecting with IP Staff, Faculty-in-Residence, and IP Alum throughout the application process. 

On Campus Resources

Off Campus Resources

  • US Department of State has information pages to help travelers consider how characteristics (e.g., race/ethnicity, faith background, sexual orientation, etc) can have an impact on their travel experience. 
  • Diversity Abroad – A leading international education organization that connects students interested in issues related to diversity with international study, internships, teaching, volunteering, degree, and job opportunities. Diversity Abroad’s mission is, “To ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges.”
  • Mobility International USA (MIUSA) – Advancing disability rights and leadership globally by empowering people with disabilities to travel abroad.
  Service Animals

Our desire is for all Seaver students to take part in our nationally renowned study abroad programs. To this end, Pepperdine has created information to assist students in decision making regarding service animals and their study abroad opportunities. Every campus location and locations students choose to travel internationally have their own local disability guidelines. American Disability Act (ADA) policies and guidelines are not extraterritorial (not applied internationally) so it is important for students to understand the realities of bringing a service dog to various international contexts. Please note that while Pepperdine assists students with accommodating service animals abroad, students are not able to bring emotional support animals to international study abroad locations (Washington D.C. students may inquire with OSA about the possibility of bringing emotional support animals to D.C.).

Items Students Should Consider: What should a student planning to bring a service dog abroad consider?

  • Review airline, TSA, and customs policies on flying with service dogs before making a decision on whether or not you would like to study abroad to that location.
  • Consult with a veterinarian to make sure the animal is healthy enough to travel abroad and how to monitor the animal's health and safety while in transit.
  • To learn how to reenter the US with a service animal, we recommend viewing the CDC website and US Dept. of Agriculture website.
  • IP classes as well as internships make for long days, usually 8 hours or more. Students should consider how to manage the care of an animal during class, excursions, and internships.
  • Most programs have an overnight or multi-day excursion. Many students do considerable personal travel during the programs. How will the service animal factor into this travel?
  • There will be personal costs associated with assistance animals in IP: licensing, animal transportation, food, medical care, and possible boarding. We advise students to explore these costs prior to their study abroad decision.

International Programs Site Specific Service Animal Information

The International Programs Office can provide students with IP campus-specific service animal information upon request by emailing international.programs@pepperdine.edu. Please note that information provided, by campus, is subject to change at any time without notice. Students are encouraged to investigate site specific information further by contacting the International Programs Malibu Office for additional support. Please refer to Pepperdine's Animal Policy.

 

Registering Accomodations

Disability accommodations abroad may include supportive measures that address the following:

  • Classroom accommodations for learning disabilities.
  • Mobility-related accommodations for physical disabilities.
  • Housing and dietary-related accommodations which address access needs relative to the student living environment.

Students interested in studying in one of Pepperdine's international programs must discuss any and all accommodations (academic, dietary, mobility, residential, etc.) they might need with IP and OSA before committing to a program. Students must apply for their accommodations to be applied abroad (accommodations in Malibu do not automatically apply abroad). Please note that all accommodation requests must be approved by OSA and communicated to International Programs personnel no later than 15 May for fall semesters, no later than 15 September for the spring semesters, and no later than 15 March for summer terms. 

How to Register Accommodations:
Follow the steps on the OSA accomodations page and contact the OSA Office for further information.

Our accommodation and accessibility document provides details across all IP campus locations. Students interested in faculty led program accommodations and accessibility should speak with their faculty director.

Read details about accommodation registration in the section below as accommodations registered in Malibu are not directly applied to international programs. Direct further questions to International Programs: 310.506.4230 or international.programs@pepperdine.edu

Some Questions to Consider Before Program Commitment:

  • How do the host program and location meet my mobility needs regarding public transportation, street conditions, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, etc.? Can I arrange for test accommodations? Do I have the appropriate documentation?
  • Does the program's housing fit my needs?
  • Does a program fit my learning style? How accessible are mandatory excursions?
  • What are the cultural attitudes and laws surrounding disability in my host country, and how might I respond to those differences?
  • How will I overcome a language barrier and ask for help?
  • What arrangements must I make for a service or emotional support animal at home while I am abroad?
  • What assistance might I need for airline travel, public transportation, and sidewalk navigation?
  • What extra expenses may I have to consider (personal assistants, interpreters, technology, equipment, etc.)?
  • Have I spoken with my doctor and/or mental health counselor about being abroad?
  • Is my medication legal and available in my host country?
  • How will I cope with possible “flare ups” in my mental health, due to homesickness, culture shock, stress, and unpredictability?
  • Are relevant medical professionals available in my host country? Will I need to meet with my current healthcare providers virtually while abroad?

Students should complete their due diligence on dietary needs and/or preferences before submitting an application to one or more international programs.

  • OSA Registered Food Restrictions: Dining accommodations are available for those with disability needs to the best of IP's ability. Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) before applying to a program to ensure food restrictions can be managed. Note that not all restaurants are equipped to support a variety of food allergy concerns. For students registered with OSA the international program offices will work with restaurants used in program activities to safeguard nutritional safety.
  • Food Preferences (not allergies or intolerances): Food preferences not always able to be accommodated abroad. While we try to offer a variety of options, students with food preferences without an accommodation from OSA (e.g., preferences like non-dairy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, no red meat, no seafood, etc.) are not automatically accommodated. Therefore, students with food preferences should contact the IP Office to understand what can be expected prior to committing to a program. 
  • Food Services by Campus Location: Students at all campus locations (not faculty led programs) will receive payments to purchase a select number of personal meals every month. Restaurants outside of the United States may not offer the variety of vegan and vegetarian options that one might be accustomed to in the U.S..

Students with housing accommodation needs should speak with International Programs staff before commiting to a program as we are limited in our ability to meet housing accommodation needs. Click on the Accommodation and Accessibility Information By Campus Toggle on this page for further information.