Studying abroad with disability: Johanna’s experience
Johanna’s Big Minnesota Adventure
By Jo Garvin · Originally published 10 June 2015
Original article
Jo Garvin studied Communications and Media and is a 2011 recipient of the Joey Mittaga Award and the Lionel Bowen Scholarship. She hopes to work in film, theatre and social justice.
Hi, my name is Johanna. I have Cerebral Palsy and use a wheelchair for mobility. I am currently studying Media and Communications at the University of Notre Dame.
In 2013, I was given the opportunity to go to a _Leap Young Leaders Conference _at UCLA in Los Angeles for a week. There, I got a real taste of what it would be like at an overseas uni. I got to live in a dorm and go to the cafeteria, explore LA and most importantly make new friends from a variety of different cultures. Having that experience gave me confidence to know that I could manage studying overseas.
When I came home I thought “it’s now or never!” I had thought a lot about going to the College of St Benedict St John’s University in Minnesota. My friend from uni had done a Study Abroad Program there and loved it, so I thought I would follow my friend’s advice and apply to go there. To my complete surprise and delight, I was accepted into the program. But I had to wait to see if the College of St Benedict St John’s was wheelchair accessible. It was! I was officially going to study abroad in 2014.
The months seemed to fly by and to be honest, I was extremely nervous. I kept thinking “can I really do this?” I was also really anxious about getting homesick. To add to this, I also had this enormous fear about doing my own washing and vacuuming and cleaning the toilet. I know this may sound awful, but I had never done those things before. My ever-kind and patient mother did those things for me. Saying this now is just hilarious. Before I went away I would practice doing my washing and cleaning almost obsessively.
The week I left, I was very emotional. I had a farewell party with all my family and friends. I felt sad. I thought even though I was only going for five months I was leaving the people I loved who are my support network. It just made it even more real when I was leaving.
I was incredibly lucky because my mum and her partner came with me to help me set up my room. When we arrived in St Cloud near where I would be staying, my mum and I had a major freak out. It was a small country town. I felt like Melanie in Sweet Home Alabama and experienced major culture shock. I thought, “what have I done!” Thankfully, the next day we drove out to the uni and met a new friend. She showed me her room and was so warm and welcoming, and raved about uni life. I was immediately put at ease.
When Mum and her partner left me, I cried and felt very anxious. I wondered if I could actually do this. As it turned out, I could do it. The only thing I had to fear was fear itself. I took each day at a time.
I did manage to clean my room and do my own washing. I managed to get all my assignments in. I dealt with my homesickness by watching Rake, Offspring, and Packed to the Rafters – just so I could hear Australian accents. I also rang my mum and my family and friends on _Skype _and Viber, and talked to them on Facebook. I joined clubs and loved campus life or, as they say over there, college life. I even developed the ability to fold clothes. Most importantly, I made some very special friends. My biggest challenge was convincing everyone else that I was independent.
My confidence and self-belief has grown enormously. More than anything, I have realised I can do anything that I want in life. And even though it is incredibly frightening at the time, being out of your comfort zone helps you learn some very important life lessons. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to figuratively stand on my own two feet that I realised I was a highly capable, independent adult capable of whatever I set my mind to do. I had some amazing experiences and I feel more like a grown up than I ever have before.
I would encourage anybody to go on exchange because it is such a wonderful life changing experience! Sometimes I feel like I have won a prize in the lottery – I have actually won a prize in life!!!
Clickability editorial update: October 2026
Check the campus, accommodation and daily support together
Ask how you will reach classes, use study facilities, manage personal tasks and get assistance when arrangements change. Confirm current access with the host institution rather than relying on the author’s experience. Think through equipment, medication, communication and emergency contacts with the appropriate people.
If NDIS support is involved, clarify overseas rules and your individual arrangements before booking. Smartraveller’s disability travel information provides a current planning reference. Needing assistance does not make the study experience less yours.
Help prepare without deciding the person must prove independence
Ask which tasks the person wants to practise and which support they want to retain. Agree how you will keep in touch and respond to a problem. Homesickness or a changed plan does not mean the trip has failed. Keep the student involved when discussing access with the host institution.
Questions readers ask
Does the story guarantee access or funding for my exchange?
No. Verify your own current arrangements.
Find help preparing for everyday support needs
Tell Clickability the practical assistance you are seeking before travel. Discuss service coverage and overseas limitations directly; matching does not confirm international availability.
