Degree Name

MA in International Education

First Advisor

David Shallenberger

Abstract

Food allergies are a life-threatening medical condition that can result in a potentially fatal allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Food allergies affect roughly 15 million United States citizens and this number is growing, currently there is no cure. Young adults are most at risk to experience this life-threatening reaction. As more students with food allergies are entering colleges and universities to pursue a higher education, they are also becoming increasingly interested in studying abroad; however, there are few resources available. This research paper aims to explore the various challenges those with food allergies experience while studying abroad. To understand these challenges, we will first look at various laws surrounding food allergy accommodations and what institutions of higher education are doing in response to the growing number of students with food allergies. We will also explore research that has been done regarding traveling with food allergies and studying abroad with chronic illness. It became apparent that little research has been done specifically on studying abroad with food allergies. In this research, sixteen individuals with life-threatening food allergies participated in a survey where they recounted their experiences managing their food allergies while abroad. Of the sixteen, six participants agreed to a follow-up interview where they recounted in detail their experiences.

Disciplines

Adult and Continuing Education | Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Disability and Equity in Education | Educational Administration and Supervision | Higher Education | Higher Education Administration | International and Comparative Education | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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