An opportunity, a change of scenery, a rite of passage towards autonomy… There is no shortage of words for students from the main schools to describe the period of compulsory internships abroad, provided for in their study plan. But the adventure, expected by most, becomes considerably more complicated for students with disabilities (ESH). “I had some problems”recognizes Gaëlle Vitali-Derrien, 27 years old, former engineering student at CentraleSupélec, doctor in materials physics. The young woman has suffered from myopathy since adolescence, a rare disease whose treatments are still experimental.
By the end of high school, many students say they have “I’m tired of carrying a “disabled” label on my back. “They want to live normally, even if that means abandoning their treatments.”says Bénédicte Kail, national family education advisor for the APF France Handicap association. To carry out her first work internship, Gaëlle does not set any limits: traveling to Kisarazu, in Japan, to work for three months as a domestic worker. “I’m leaving without treatment, I want to leave it behind. But there I have the first withdrawal symptoms, then my immune system goes into overdrive, I have a major allergic reaction and end up in the hospital. Back in France, my doctors clearly tell me not to do it again. »
Gaëlle undertakes a second move closer to Paris, to Luxembourg, but the proximity to France has not put an end to the complications related to her health. “Luxembourg pharmacies did not recognize French prescriptions. I had to travel regularly between the grand duchy and Paris to receive my treatments.”testify. Things as simple as they are essential can become complicated when it comes to mobility.
Financial brake
If schools require foreign experiences for most students, “There is an exemption mechanism for ESHrecalls Laurent Champaney, president of the Conference of Grandes Écoles (CGE). But not achieving mobility is often perceived by students as a penalty.”.
All provisions can be especially onerous depending on the disability. However, there is some help: the CGE has awarded, in 2024, twenty-three scholarships to as many students with disabilities financed by TotalEnergies for a total amount of 40,000 euros. From 2022, the Erasmus+ agency also has a scholarship system worth 250 euros per month. According to the agency, the supplements can be granted to ESH upon return from mobility, upon presentation of supporting documents.
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