SASS Worldwide is a study abroad and domestic study tour program designed by Student Accessibility and Support Services (SASS) to provide inclusive, short-term travel experiences.  

SASS Worldwide is designed to support students with disabilities in the pace of the schedule and experiences included. Multiple pre-travel meetings will help students prepare, and familiar SASS staff accompany students on the trip. Our staff-to-student ratio (1:6-7) is less than other study tours to offer a more supported and connected experience. 

There are three pre-departure meetings in the fall semester and then a virtual meeting the week before departure. At the pre-departure meetings, we discuss cultural differences, expectations, the lack of ADA/accessibility, the pace, and general schedule. We talk about places and experiences where there may be triggers and how to utilize coping skills. These places and experiences can include transportation, shopping and currency, meals, etc. These pre-departure meetings facilitate communication and trust between the staff and the students.

SASS staff members who already know the students accompany them, providing support and guidance throughout the journey. We also utilize a travel provider with experience working with colleges. The provider’s resident director serves as a "tour guide" throughout the study tour so there is consistency and connection.

SASS Worldwide takes place during January Term. Trips during other times of year may be available in the future.

Since 2012, students have traveled to countries like Hungary, Ireland, Germany, and Italy through SASS Worldwide.

SASS Worldwide is open to all McDaniel students, however, students registered with SASS have priority registration.

Prices vary and are dependent on location. We attempt to make the study tour cost as inclusive as possible: all group activities and excursions are included; all transportation costs from the departing airport to returning is included; all breakfast meals, some lunches and dinners, and all hotel expenses are included.

As an optional/selected experience, financial aid is not available for January Term study tours.

No, you do not need to know the native language of the countries we visit. The study tour will be conducted in English.  

Since many study tours are experiential, academic accommodations are typically not needed. However, the design and schedule of the study tour is strategically planned (for example, every evening is "free time" for students to take a break and decompress, physically rest, or to explore more independently). Also, the course is fully outlined in writing on Blackboard, and staff communicate verbally and in writing consistently from applications (in April) through the study tour (in January).

It is important to note that the ADA does not apply in other countries, and there is often less accessibility during international travel. 
 

McDaniel College utilizes CHUBB insurance for study tours, and our provider supports us through emergency and medical situations. Academic support is built in.

Currently the study tour is a two-credit experiential January Term course.

Students apply through the Study Abroad Portal, then complete a pre-interview survey and an interview with SASS. The selection of the accepted students is based on multiple factors: application order, travel readiness, independence, balance of group personalities, and support needs.

Yes, they can contact their student. Part of the experience is independence skill building. Students should communicate their needs and concerns with trip staff. If there is a concern about health or mental health (a danger of harm to self or others), then we welcome input from parents, but this is exceedingly rare. 
 

A new domestic study tour may be available in the near future.