[NABS-L] Summer short-term study abroad

[Manahil Jafri]

Hi Lizzy, 

I actually studied abroad for 2 weeks this past summer in Copenhagen, Denmark, and am planning to do a similar program this summer in Turin, Italy and next winter in Turkey. 

I an a huge advocate for brief study abroad trips, as it gives you a great sense of the country your exploring, but without the commitment of staying there for an entire semester. Usually universities design these trips so you can get a broad overview of the culture and life style, which I highly appreciate. I personally was debating on doing an entire semester abroad, but decided against it because I, frankly, could not decide which country I would be comfortable staying in for 4 months and did not have any background or planning to get a background in any foreign language. If you have a place you have been dreaming of visiting, and want to/already know the native language, I would definitely encourage you to go abroad for a semester. However, if you want a small taste of life abroad, I would push for the short form trips. 

I will also note, I never felt that adjusting to my surroundings from a blindness perspective would have changed my mind of changing the duration of my stay. It was surely an adjustment, especially with the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen constantly breaking my cane tips, but I felt very at home and comfortable. Surely, there’s a sense of wanting to stay longer and wishing that you were still there when you get back to the states, but I think this is analogous to abled-bodied individuals feelings when returning home. 

Overall, I would definitely encourage you to take advantage of the short term study abroad, I think you’ll have a blast. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to me. 

Best
Manahil
-
Manahil Jafri
Co-Chair | NABS Membership Committee 
Secretary and treasurer | NYABS 

> On Jan 31, 2023, at 2:43 PM, Lizzy Cappelli via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello NABS,
> I know many of you have studied abroad for a semester and had an amazing time.
> 
> I am wondering if anyone has insight on studying abroad for a summer session that is 3-5 weeks? I know each person is unique, but is it worth it or does it feel like once you’ve aclimáteme and gotten systems in place it’s time to return home. Particularly since it takes time to figure out a new city, make new  friends and academic accommodations for such a short period with a visual impairment? 
> 
> Thanks for any insight you have.
> 
> From,
> Lizzy 
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