Accessibility
Academics
During the coursework phase of the program, you will generally be in class five to six days per week for three to five hours per day. You will be provided with regular 10-minute breaks and at least an hour for lunch. Learning is typically assessed through take-home assignments, written assignments/exams, and oral presentations/exams. Course reading and in-class materials are typically available in a digital format.
Students with questions about alternate format materials, testing accommodations, or other academic accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Program Center
The SIT program office, including its classrooms, study/library and lounge are accessed by stairs. The building does not have an accessible elevator. The exterior entrance and interior hallways/pathways are at least 32 in. (82 cm.) wide. The classroom and study/library have thresholds/bumps at least 2 cm. high.
Activities/Excursions
The program includes a weeklong excursion to Moravia and/or Bohemia and day trips to surrounding countries, including Slovakia and Poland. You’ll spend extended periods of time outside while traveling to and from class, hearing lectures in the field, and participating in walking tours. Good walking or hiking shoes that are comfortable, waterproof, and rubber-soled are essential. In Prague, the cobblestone streets can be wet and icy. Program excursions may occasionally vary to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities.
Housing
Each program’s homestay coordinator is responsible for placing students in homestays. These placements are made based on health concerns and needs. Be advised some homestay families permit smoking in the homes while others do not. Homestays offer students regular access to Wi-Fi, cellular service, electricity to charge devices, and refrigerators to store medication. The physical accessibility of homestay options is currently limited. Students with questions about homestay accessibility are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Dietary Needs
Traditional Czech food includes meat with a sauce, soups, creamy salads, and a side dish of rice, potatoes, or dumplings. SIT Study Abroad works with students, program staff, homestay families, home colleges and universities, and others to accommodate student dietary needs whenever possible. For more information on dietary needs and dietary preferences, please review the Student Support section of the Student Health, Safety, and Support web page.
Transportation
Students typically travel 30 to 60 minutes between their primary homestay, classes, and/or placement sites by foot, bus, tram, train, and/or subway. Walking, buses, and trains are used for program excursions. Some trains and subways are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps but buses generally are not. Cobblestone sidewalks are common and can be wet and icy. Prague has some curb cuts and auditory signals at crosswalks.
Technology
You are strongly advised to bring your own academic technology, including laptop computers, adapters, assistive technology, and digital recording devices (for field interviews). Fully insuring personal electronic equipment against theft or loss is recommended. It may be possible to rent a laptop for a brief period. The program computer space currently has the following: Wi-Fi, computer for word processing, printer, and scanner.
Students with questions about assistive technology, note-taking accommodations, or other academic accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Health Resources
Prague has Western-style medical clinics with English-speaking doctors and dentists. Ambulance service is also available. You should be aware that smoking is permitted in public places, including restaurants, cafés, and offices. Payment for medical services is covered by your health insurance if the provider is notified prior to or during the medical service.
Once admitted, you are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns about accessing health services or medication while abroad during the health review process. Read more about the health review process and the summary of benefits for student health insurance.
Requesting Disability-Related Accommodations
To request disability-related accommodations once admitted, you should contact the Office of Disability Services. For more information about the accommodation process, documentation guidelines and a link to the accommodation request form, please visit the Office of Disability Services website.
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Disability Services at [email protected] or 802 258-3390 as early as possible for information and support.
Additional Support Resources
MIUSA (Mobility International USA) is a cross-disability organization serving those with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision, and other disabilities. It offers numerous resources for persons with disabilities who wish to study abroad and/or engage in international development opportunities.
Abroad with Disabilities (AWD) is a Michigan nonprofit organization founded in 2015 with the goal of promoting the belief that persons with disabilities can and should go abroad. AWD works diligently to empower clients to pursue study, work, volunteer, and/or internship opportunities outside of the United States by creating dialogue, sharing resources, and spreading awareness.