Testimonials

Raphael: Austria » Finland

Name: Raphael
Study: Law
Home University: University of Linz, Austria
Abroad: University of Helsinki, Finland
Disability: blind

Provisions needed

"Digital lecture material and additional working time during exams."

Encountered difficulties

"I applied for orientation and mobility training which was naturally one of the most important issues to settle before my arrival: The city of Helsinki was not able to pay the training for a foreigner, nor could they provide a trainer."

Solutions found

"Both universities were very helpful. The lecture material was mostly provided by the teachers themselves. Some articles were scanned by the students’ affairs office at the university. We also quickly found a solution concerning the exams: I got some additional working time to write them on my computer. Fortunately, I found an excellent trainer who taught me all the necessary ways: to the university, to different shops etc.
Although my apartment was located near the university, it was not easy to get there for a blind person. Still, after some practice I managed to go to the university by tram.
The payment of the training caused further problems since the Austrian authorities only pay as much extra money to disabled students as they have applied for before their departure. A general solution for this problem has still to be found."

Tips & Tricks

"Contact your host university as soon as possible so that everything necessary can be prepared. Do not be shy about describing exactly what kind of support you need, because you cannot expect the university authorities to know about that.
During your stay, try to get in contact with as many people as you can. You will be astonished by how much you learn through intercultural exchange. And besides, the more people you know, the more possibilities you have to get help in difficult situations.
Going abroad was one of the most important decisions in my life! It was absolutely necessary to increase my self-confidence and brighten my horizon. I hope that many disabled students will have the courage to do the same."