Accessibility
This information is provided to assist you in identifying possible accessibility barriers and preparing for an accessible educational experience with SIT Study Abroad. You should be aware that while in-country conditions and resources vary by site, every effort is made to work collaboratively with qualified individuals to facilitate disability-related accommodation. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact SIT Disability Services at [email protected] for additional information related to access abroad and to discuss possible accommodations.
Academics
During the coursework phase of the program, you will generally be in class five days a week for four to six hours per day. You will have 30-minute breaks every one and a half to two hours. Learning is typically assessed through take-home assignments, written assignments/exams, oral presentations/exams, individual assignments, and in-class quizzes/exams. Course readings and in-class materials are typically available in a digital format.
If you have questions about alternate format materials, testing accommodations, or other academic accommodations, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Program Center
The SIT program office, including its classrooms, is accessed by numerous steps and narrow walkways measuring less than 32 in. (82 cm.) wide. In general, vertically oriented Cuzco can be physically challenging to navigate due to having many steps and levels. Few ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features exist within the city.
Activities/Excursions
The program includes excursions to Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Amazon, Lake Titicaca and Puno, and Araquipa and Colca Canyon. You should expect to stand, walk, and hike for long periods of time. A pair of comfortable, rubber-soled, waterproof trekking shoes is recommended. Program excursions may occasionally vary to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities.
Housing
The program’s homestay coordinator will be responsible for placing you in your homestays. These placements are made based, first, on health concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs, to the extent possible. Urban homestays offer regular access to Wi-Fi, cellular service, electricity to charge devices, and refrigerators to store medication. Backup power is available. The physical accessibility of homestay options is currently limited. If you have questions about homestay accessibility, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Dietary Needs
The local diet in Peru is based on meat, chicken, fish, rice, a large variety of potatoes, beans, corn, and limited vegetables and fruits. Cuzco is a cosmopolitan city, with a large variety in food options and restaurants. Vegetarians can be accommodated with notice.
SIT Study Abroad works with students, program staff, homestay families, home colleges and universities, and others to accommodate 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
Because you will live close to other SIT students in your Cuzco neighborhood, you will usually walk together in the mornings. Most homestays are within a five- to 15-minute walk from the program site. Walking, bus, train, taxi, airplane, and boats are modes of transportation utilized for excursions. Buses and trains are generally not equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps and have limited room to stand or stretch.
General routes of travel in Cuzco are not accessible. The city is situated on steep terrain with many narrow stairs and paths.
Technology
You are advised to bring your own academic technology, including laptops, recording devices, thumb drives, and assistive technology. SIT provides limited personal property insurance; therefore, it is recommended that you insure computers or other valuables for full coverage. The program’s computer space currently has a computer, printer, scanner, and copier. Adequate internet access can be found throughout Cuzco and even in smaller cities but not necessarily in rural areas. The classroom locations in Cuzco are also equipped with a wireless system. Internet café fees are considered affordable.
Health Resources
Medical care is good in Lima and usually adequate in other major cities, but it is less adequate elsewhere in Peru. Urban private healthcare facilities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural ones. Payment for medical services is covered by your health insurance if the provider is notified prior to or during the medical service.
Some students experience “soroche” or altitude sickness when they first arrive in the Peruvian Andes. This typically subsides after two days. If you have had challenges with altitude in the past or think that you may have difficulty, you may want to consider speaking with your doctor about health concerns and medication.
Dust and dryness can make wearing contacts uncomfortable; it is therefore advised to bring two pairs of prescription eyeglasses.
Admitted students 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, admitted students 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.