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Supported Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities

Want to travel in college, but unsure about leaving your support system behind? We understand that feeling. That’s why SASS designed study tour trips that support you before departure and during the journey. With SASS Worldwide, you can take advantage of McDaniel’s distinctive short-term travel opportunities with guidance from familiar faces.

Since 2012, SASS Worldwide has taken students to locations like Ireland, Germany, and Italy, elevating their academic experiences to a global level.     

Study Abroad with SASS

SASS Worldwide trips are  offered during January Term, cost dependent on location.  

Students registered with SASS will be notified when applications open, with details on the destination, trip dates, and cost.  

Nikhil Niyogi stands outside of the student center with his arms crossed, wearing a blue button-down shirt, a belt, and tan pants.

Supportive Study Abroad Opportunities Travel with Confidence Discover how SASS Worldwide helped Nikhil Niyogi ’25 explore Italy while staying connected to the support he needed.

 

“One of the most exciting experiences I had was a Jan Term study abroad trip to Italy hosted by Student Accessibility and Support Services, called Italy Unveiled: A Cultural Exploration. I spent a few days in Florence and in Rome. Some day trips that we took included Pisa, where I took a Tuscan food tour and climbed the Leaning Tower; Modena, where I tasted balsamic vinegar; and the medieval town of Viterbo where we tried six types of goat cheese! In Florence, the Uffizi Galleries was a standout experience for an Art minor like me. In Rome, I got to see St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museum which I had only seen in movies, and the Colosseum was breathtaking.” 

– Nikhil Niyogi ’25, Marketing major with a minor in Art  

What makes SASS Worldwide different from typical study abroad?  

We host a series of comprehensive meetings leading up to the journey, with preparatory lessons and discussions like:  

Learn About Local Flavors

Before the trip, you’ll learn about the cuisine of the country you’re visiting. It’s a fun way to learn about the culture and get excited for what’s ahead.

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts

We’ll talk about etiquette and cultural norms so you know how to be respectful and confident while traveling abroad.

Know What to Expect

You’ll get a clear idea of what the trip will be like — from where you’ll stay to what you’ll do each day — so there are no surprises.

Practice Getting Around

We’ll teach you how to use public transportation in the country you’re visiting, so you feel comfortable navigating on your own or with the group.

Understand the Money

You’ll learn how currency works in the country you’re visiting and how to handle money while abroad.

Get Passport-Ready

We’ll help you make sure your passport is up to date and ready to go, so you’re fully prepared for international travel.

During travel, you’ll: 

Work Toward Personal Goals

Each trip has goals to help you grow — whether it’s trying new foods, speaking a new language, or learning something new about yourself.

Travel with People Who Know You

You won’t be alone. SASS staff members who already know you will be there to support you every step of the way.

Earn Academic Credit

SASS Worldwide will provide you with two experiential academic credits.

Build Friendships That Last

The shared experiences and support on the trip often lead to strong bonds that continue long after you return home.

SASS Worldwide: Frequently Asked Questions

What is SASS Worldwide?

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.  

How is the SASS trip different from other travel courses at McDaniel?

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. 

What kind of support is provided before the trip?

There are three predeparture meetings in the fall semester and then a virtual meeting the week before departure. At the predeparture 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 predeparture meetings facilitate communication and trust between the staff and the students.

Who travels with students on SASS Worldwide trips?

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.

When is the trip?

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

Where has SASS Worldwide traveled in the past?

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

Who is eligible to participate in SASS Worldwide trips?

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

How much do SASS Worldwide trips cost, and is financial aid available?

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.

Do I need to speak the language of the country we’re visiting?

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

What kind of accommodations are provided during the trip?

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. 
 

What happens if I need medical or academic support while abroad?

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

Can I earn academic credit for participating in a SASS Worldwide trip?

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

How do I apply for a SASS Worldwide trip?

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.

Can parents or guardians contact someone during the trip if needed?

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. 
 

Does SASS Worldwide offer domestic travel opportunities?

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