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 to six days per week for three to five hours per day. You will be provided with short breaks between classes, with a longer break for lunch. Student learning is typically assessed through take-home assignments, in-class assignments, written assignments/exams, oral presentations/exams, individual assignments, group assignments, and in-class quizzes/exams. Course readings and in-class materials are typically available in printed and digital formats.
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 is accessed by a ramp with an automatic door opener. The exterior entrance, doorways, and hallways/pathways are at least 32 in. (82 cm.) wide. The building has an accessible elevator. The program does not have a student lounge.
Activities/Excursions
The program incorporates multi-day, educational excursions to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo. You can expect to be outside for long periods of time, traveling to and from class by public transportation and participating in walking tours. Therefore, you are advised to bring comfortable, waterproof walking shoes. You are expected to carry all your luggage significant distances on your own. Program excursions may vary in order 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. The physical accessibility of homestay options is currently limited for this program. Homestays offer regular access to Wi-Fi, cellular service, electricity to charge devices, and refrigerators to store medication. On excursions to Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina, you will stay in hostels or small hotels. Students with questions about homestay accessibility are encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Services as early as possible.
Dietary Needs
Balkan food typically consists of meat, potatoes, soups, salad, and fish. Open-air markets offer fresh vegetables and fruit. 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
In Belgrade, the most common modes of transportation are buses, trolley buses, and trams. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive. Most students commute about 30 to 50 minutes a day between their primary homestay, classes, and/or placement sites. The general routes of travel in Belgrade and Serbia vary. Some sidewalks have curb cuts, and some traffic lights have auditory signals. Buses and taxis are used for program excursions. Buses are not equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, however they do have room for standing or stretching.
Technology
You are required to bring your own laptop computer, handheld voice recorder, adapters, and assistive technology. Insuring all personal electronics against loss or theft is recommended. The SIT program center has internet access during posted hours along with a communal computer for word processing and a scanner. Internet cafés are conveniently located in cities with some places offering free Wi-Fi.
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
Medical care can be found in the major cities of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Kosovo; however, equipment may differ from Western standards. Medicine and basic medical supplies are available at private pharmacies. Persons with mental health conditions may not be able to locate English-speaking mental health providers. Medical care expenses are paid up front. 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.