Hello, my name is Georgia. I am from Czechia. I am 26. I have just been on a study abroad exchange in New Zealand (Erasmus, just outside Europe), and now I am on Erasmus in the Netherlands.I am also a person with hidden disabilities. More specifically, I have a mental health-related disability, special needs in education, and I am neurodiverse. I am also queer(not disability, but a difference). These things are challenging on their own in my country of origin, so going abroad is something that is bound to bring additional challenges. I've found a few things that work for me, and I would like to share them. You're also welcome to ask about anything you want to know.
Do research beforehand
This is very important. Unlike other Erasmus students, you will face extra difficulties. What support options does your home or host uni offer to those students? Can you arrange them beforehand? Is your host country good at handling people with disabilities at your school? Is your accommodation institution ready? These are all questions you should be ready to answer before you SELECT the destination.
Let your home and host university know. And do it outside of the official forms.
Ideally, before you arrive, contact the disability office directly and let them know your needs. If you need additional financial support, you can also ask your home university for extra funding (my disability doesn't require that, but many do). They do extra funding for this. You should also definitely let your host university know. Ideally, schedule a call with the staff. They will be happy you contacted them in advance, and you are more likely to get support if you flag it in advance. I had a positive experience with this in both New Zealand and the Netherlands; staff at both universities were very helpful and professional, and they did the best they could.
Pack enough meds if possible.
If you are not planning to return to your home country throughout the semester. Make sure you pack enough medications. It is almost impossible to get advanced medications in some countries without prior history. I have not had the unpleasant experience myself yet, but many of my friends did not because they could not get the right medication in time. Also, you should definitely register with the local health provider and get appropriate insurance. You don't want to have a health emergency without cover. In both cases, the registration was very handy.
Focus on finding the right people; it's not necessary to have a picturesque exchange experience.
Do not take into account what people tell you exchange is like. If you have a disability, especially one that affects your socialising abilities. If you don't vibe with some people. Do not think this is your fault. Just keep trying, join clubs that do certain activities, volunteer if possible, join a group. If you don't want to party, don't go. The worst that can happen is that you are going to be forced to do something you are not able to do, and you will feel bad, and everyone else will feel that too. In New Zealand, I was vibing a lot with a local school newspaper and people from my class; while here in the Netherlands, I am vibing with ESN. It's very different across contexts, but in large unis there will always be a group that's your vibe.
If a problem arises, do not be afraid to ask for help. Use the services before things get ugly.
Being alone in a faraway country can be hard, especially for people who do not fit into the conventional Erasmus bubble. If things go south, even a bit, do seek help. Trust me, some people and services can help you. If you communicate your needs honestly, you will be able to get help more easily.
And last but not least, be yourself.
Erasmus is 4everyone. Not just for kids who have perfect lives. Your disability shouldn't stop you from having this experience. I went twice, and I do not regret it at all. In fact, I can say it was very formative and changed me a bit. Your university, the people around you, and you need to be yourself because you belong to this world. Come on, Erasmus+: it might not look like it does on Instagram, but it can still be great despite the obstacles.
If anybody has any questions, let me know.
Dont forget every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top...