
Disability, Mental Health, & Self-Care Resources
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Resources for being you abroad.
Going abroad, whether this is your first time or your umpteenth, can be a trip both literally and figuratively. Seeing something new or being someplace unfamiliar has its own challenges, especially when it comes to mental health and physical accessibility. With IES Abroad, you won't handle these concerns on your own.
We have not only compiled resources on mental health, physical health, and self-care to help prepare you and support you along the way, but we also have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country. If you need additional resources outside of those that are linked below, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].
Browse a collection of IES Abroad and other website's resources specific to having a healthy study abroad experience.
Breaking the Stigma About Mental Health Abroad: Correspondents Share Their Personal Stories
Hear from IES Abroad Correspondents as they discuss how to balance dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health concerns while studying abroad.
Student Advice: How to Maintain Your Health While Studying Abroad
IES Abroad Student Ambassadors discuss how they maintained their health while studying abroad.
How to Practice Self-Care While Studying Abroad
IES Abroad Ambassadors share their advice for self-care while abroad.
Student Voices - Interning Abroad with a Visual Impairment
IES Abroad alum Holly Stevens shares what it was like to intern abroad with a visual impairment.
IES Abroad Blogs - Mental Health
Hear from IES Abroad Correspondents as they plan, manage, and thrive while abroad with mental health concerns.

Mental Health Resources
The IES Abroad Student Affairs staff, both at our headquarters in Chicago and around the world, are here to help! If you have any mental health concerns before traveling abroad, please contact the Chicago Dean of Student Affairs prior to departure at 800.995.2300. A representative from the Dean of Students Office will assist in making reasonable accommodations at the IES Abroad Center.
- Studying Abroad with Anxiety
GoAbroad.com
- Tips for Traveling with Panic Disorder and Anxiety
Very Well Mind
- How to Deal with Depression While Studying Abroad
GoOverseas.com
- 6 Stay-Calm Strategies for Dealing with Anxiety Before a Trip
Afar

Physical Health Resources
IES Abroad will attempt to provide accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability, you should inform the Chicago Dean of Students Office of the disability prior to departure at 800.995.2300. A representative from the Dean of Students Office will assist in making reasonable accommodations at the IES Abroad Center.
- The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad with a Disability
Studee
- Disability and Study Abroad [VIDEO]
Hannah Hinze, YouTube
- How to Successfully Study Abroad When You Are Blind
Blind and Low Vision Tips for Going Abroad
- Mobility International
Advancing disability rights and leadership globally
- How to Travel the World In a Wheelchair
Nomadic Matt
- 7 Tips for Studying Abroad with Disabilities and Chronic Conditions
Go Overseas

Wellness & Self-Care Resources
- 12 Mindful Ways to Manage Your Stress
IES Abroad
- Breaks, Buttons, and Breath: Three Tools for Overcoming Social Anxiety
Wade Suarez, IES Abroad Correspondent
- Self-Care While You Study Abroad
HerCampus Online Magazine
- 8 Ways to Handle Study Abroad Stress
GoAbroad.com
I'm slowly learning that being "perfect" isn't required to be "prepared." In fact, preparation for study abroad requires imperfection and, more specifically, being okay when things don't go perfectly.
At IES Abroad, we're here to help. If you have any questions about your identity abroad, please contact our Diversity Relations Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800.995.2300. Know of another resource we should add? Let us know!
