Study abroad programs brought students to Spain, Italy, and Japan this summer

Gallaudet University proudly launched three transformative global learning journeys for its students this summer.

Sign Language of Spain (LSE) and Spanish Deaf Culture in Madrid Program: Eleven Gallaudet students immersed themselves in Spanish Sign Language (LSE) and the country's Deaf culture by engaging in a transformative journey to Madrid from June 1 to June 30. The students not only deepened their understanding of LSE and Spanish Deaf culture, they broadened their global perspectives through rigorous academic coursework and cultural engagement. Tailored for Deaf students' needs, the Madrid Experience is essential for Gallaudet students in international studies or Spanish, fulfilling their international experience graduation requirement. Another very important aspect of the Madrid study abroad was that it marked the first time that a deaf organization, Hervás y Panduro Center, Soc. Coop. Mad, a cooperative company created by deaf people, provided all logistics for the program - helping contribute to the growth of a global signing ecosystem, as well as providing a critical link between cultural enrichment activities and academic coursework.

Siena, Italy Deaf Studies Program: Gallaudet sent its largest-ever group from OIA's Education Abroad and International Fellowships Office to Siena, Italy. Thirteen students explored Italian Deaf culture, history, and Italian Sign Language (LIS) at the prestigious Siena School for Liberal Arts from June 8 to 28. This immersive experience integrates academic rigor with cultural immersion, enhancing students' global awareness and cross-cultural competence.

Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Planning Program (DEP) Summer Institute, Japan: In collaboration with six deaf-led organizations, five Gallaudet students in the DEP Summer Institute conducted hands-on research and training from July 13 to 26 at sites impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, with the goal of contributing directly to global humanitarian efforts and gaining invaluable field experience. Gallaudet's DEP program is the world's only graduate certificate program that specializes in the roles of deaf people and signed languages in preparing for and recovery from disaster and emergency events. It includes partnerships with the U.S. Embassy in Japan and local organizations to foster cross-cultural exchanges and sustainable practices in inclusive disaster management.

The summer program included visits to the Miyagi Welfare Association of Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Arahama Elementary School disaster memorial in Sendai, highlighting the school's role in saving lives during the tsunami. Students took part in hands-on disaster response training at the Minamisanriku Shopping Village and stayed at Iriyado Lodge. Throughout the program, students attended lectures and discussions with local deaf associations, including the Fukushima Deaf Association, which provided insights into the community's disaster response strategies and ongoing challenges. The group came away from the summer institute with practical skills in disaster planning and a better understanding of inclusive practices, preparing them to effectively contribute to disaster preparedness and response in diverse communities.