Do you see yourself as having a disability?

Until I was asked to participate in this DVD, I never really considered diabetes as a disability.  Although I am insulin-dependent, I never saw it as something that would merit special attention at the university level.

What sorts of accommodations are usually made at the DRS?

While working at DRS, I saw that other students would come into our office and need extended time or controlled environment.  They might need their test to be read onto cassette or copied onto colored sheets of paper.  Working at DRS, I started to gain an appreciation for students with disabilities and their specific needs.

What kinds of interactions did you have with students with disabilities?

While working at DRS, I saw that the interactions with students were different inside and outside the office.  While inside the office, I saw that some students would only want to talk to the people with whom they were meeting, whereas other students would come in and chit-chat with you about classes you might have together.  However, while outside of the office, because of confidentiality, you were not to acknowledge students outside of the office unless they said something to you.  This was often difficult for me, an outgoing person, because they were just in the office chatting with me and now I cannot say “hi” to them on the street two hours later unless they said something to me first.

What information would it have been helpful for you to know before you left for Argentina ?

Before I left for Argentina , through my parents I was prepared.  However it would have been helpful to know that despite being in a small town with a pharmacy on every block, I was not able to find lancets, which are tiny needles that diabetics use to prick your finger and test your blood sugar.  I’d absentmindedly forgotten a ten-month supply at home, and I’d ended up having to use whatever I had with me until my parents could sent them down to me via post.

What information would it have been helpful to know before leaving for Brazil ?

Before leaving for Brazil to study for six months, I’d already studied there and gotten to know the country and country quite well.  It would have been helpful to know that they do not have alcohol pads.  I ran out of alcohol pads in Brazil and had to wait until my sister came and brought more.  It also would have been helpful to know Latin American views on diabetics before arriving to study.  Their views are that diabetics do not consume sugar, and this greatly surprised me.  I could have been more prepared by knowing local values and customs.

What was the major challenge that you faced while in Latin America ?

While in Latin America , the major challenge that I faced was convincing my host families that I would be alright if I consumed sugar.  I overcame this challenge by educating them.  I wasn’t trying to convince them that the American view on diabetics is the correct view, I just wanted to educate them on the disease, how it affected me, the impact of insulin, and how insulin works with sugar. 

What suggestions do you have for others with diabetes who wish to study abroad?

For others with diabetes who wish to study abroad, I would suggest being as open as possible about your disease. One thing you will soon realize is that you cannot do it by yourself sometimes.  Let your professors know in class if you have to excuse yourself to buy some food. Let your friends know if you need them to buy something for you or need to assist you in any other way.

Also, you should be 100% prepared for a study abroad experience.  As soon as you know you want to study abroad, you should let your doctor know, as well as your family and pharmacist.  In doing this, you can ensure that you will have enough supplies for your entire time abroad, if not for twice as long to prepare for any unforeseen emergencies.  Be sure to take all medications in their original boxes with copies of your prescriptions from your doctor.  This must be taken in your carry-on bag to stay with you at all times.  This eliminates anxieties over not having enough medication or not knowing where it is, but also allows you have an extra suitcase at the end of the experience for all of your souvenirs. 

What was your favorite experience?

I was with my host father one time as we were going across a little stream and everyone had to get out of the car so he could make it across.  I got back in the car after taking my shoes off.  I said, “Soy feliz,” but I used the wrong verb for conjugating with emotions in Spanish.  I corrected myself and said, “Estoy feliz,” and he told me “No, Freya, you were right the first time because you are always happy.”

In Argentina , my host family and friends spray-painted the street in front of my house in red and blue.  It had to be pointed out to me that the street had been painted in my honor.  Later, at my going away party when one of my friends told me that I changed her view on Americans, which is still rewarding because I know of the many negative stereotypes of us abroad.  It makes me feel good about something I did without even realizing it.

In Brazil , one of my favorite moments was when all three host sisters would be on the phone, I would be the “American in the house.”  The day that I changed over to “Freya” with them made me feel more accepted into the family.   

How has study abroad changed you?

It has made the world more tangible for me. I can look at a place on a map and say, “I’ve been there!” and I know the language.  It makes the world seem a lot smaller than it really is.