With my disability, I didn’t think I would be able to travel for long periods abroad. I have traveled abroad before, but only with my support system who were well adjusted to the mobility and other physical issues that came along with my disability. Being a diversity ambassador made me more secure in the fact that I had a disability, but instead of looking at it as a struggle, it reshaped my mindset into looking at it as an opportunity to share my experience. Before traveling to Greece, I had heard that it was not as mobility-friendly as America, which made me nervous, but while that was true, I never felt unsafe or like I was unable to do things. I never felt left behind or discouraged. The entire experience instead made me so much more confident in what I am capable of accomplishing. The locals were extremely friendly and gracious and always took time to try and listen and understand. The guides for historical sights never made me feel like a burden for needing to adjust to my accommodations. It felt like I was in a family the entire time I was abroad. Within our group, there were people from not only America, but also locals and people from different countries, and it was interesting to discuss different topics with them. It gave me a new perspective on life. 

I have a genetic disorder called Ehler’s Danlos syndrome that affects my connective tissue creating unstable joints. Along with that comes chronic pain, subluxing/dislocating joints, and many other symptoms. I have always been extremely cautious to not aggravate my body, but this experience abroad has made me realize I can do so much more than I thought. I was able to walk up the Acropolis with no issues in the heat, I was able to hike up a steep hill on the Greek island of Corfu, plus so many other things that I would have never even attempted. It made me so much more confident. Before this, I struggled to feel comfortable doing anything alone in fear of something happening, but during this trip, I learned how to navigate a foreign country on my own. I also learned how to feel comfortable going up to people and meeting new people. This made me meet a great group of friends who I will continue to keep in contact with.  

"Just because you have a disability does not mean you do not deserve to have the same experiences as everyone else, and no matter what, you will have an unforgettable time abroad, so I encourage anyone and everyone to experience studying abroad!"

I would recommend Greece to anyone interested in studying abroad. The people there were welcoming and extremely friendly. They made me feel right at home within the first couple of days. I had conversations with many locals, from the girls that were in class with us to the workers at the coffee shop around the corner from housing. Each conversation was memorable and taught me so much about Greece that cannot be learned from a book. It allowed me to see the commonalities and differences between my home and theirs. Throughout exploring the cities and talking to locals I never felt unsafe. As a woman abroad, safety was a priority especially since my mobility issues make it hard for me at times. I never was made to feel unsafe even on the packed public transit. 

Overall, studying abroad in Greece was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life. There is just a big difference in how much you can experience and appreciate a culture when traveling versus living abroad. If anyone is debating studying abroad but their disability is keeping them from experiencing it, do it. You will meet such an amazing group of friends who will become an amazing support system for you. I am not saying you won’t experience troubles. I faced my fair share of obstacles, but there are so many people there to help and support you that you will never feel alone. Just because you have a disability does not mean you do not deserve to have the same experiences as everyone else, and no matter what, you will have an unforgettable time abroad, so I encourage anyone and everyone to experience studying abroad! 

Anna Horozewski (psychology major), a Diversity Ambassador Scholarship recipient (now the Global Access Ambassador Scholarship), participated in the American College of Thessaloniki program in summer 2023. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship (formerly Diversity Ambassador) program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.