Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that allows you to learn about world cultures while simultaneously exploring your own culture. As an LGBTQ+ student, there may be some additional considerations when planning a study abroad experience. For example, there are still a number of countries with legislation that restricts the queer community, cities where acceptance of the queer community is non-existent, and cultural norms that tolerate and reinforce anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. Awareness, research, and thoughtful planning are key to having an impactful experience abroad.
Questions to Consider
What does the host country's culture look like?
What are the cultural attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender identity in my host country?
What do typical male/female gender relations look like?
How is the queer community perceived in my host country? Does a queer community exists in my host city?
What health, safety, and legal measures are in place?
Are there specific safety issues for LGBTQ+ students in my host country?
Is same-sex behavior (relationships and / or sexual relations) legal in my host country?
Are there restrictions on being open about my sexual orientation?
Are there hate crime laws in place to protect me?
Can my program accommodate special requests, such as single rooms, private baths, or certain roommates? If I’m staying with a host family, will they be accepting of me?
How can I connect and should I connect with a community?
Is it important for me to connect with the LGBTQ+ community while abroad? If so, how can I locate them?
What resources / organizations are available to me at my host university?
How open will I be about my sexual orientation and gender identity with my host family, professors, friends?
I am transgender. What do I need to consider?
Do I need access to any medications or medical services while I’m abroad? If so, are they available in my host country? Can I travel with them legally? What does my insurance cover?
Will I have access to the healthcare needs I have as a trans-identifying individual?
Does my host country (or countries I’m transiting through) have any laws regarding gender identity and travel documentation?
Tips for Planning
Do your research before you go. A good place to start is with ILGA World’s map on sexual orientation laws.
Explore your options. Attend a Study Abroad 101 session and/or meet with an advisor.
Meet with the Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Center to discuss any questions, concerns, or thoughts you may have.
Reflect on the questions above as you prepare to travel.
Resources
GlobalGayz. A gay-owned charitable travel and culture website focused on les-bi-gay-trans life in countries around the world.
9 Major Life Lessons I Learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT. A study abroad returnee reflects on her semester abroad.
OutRight Action International. An organization that reports on human rights violations against the LGBTIQ community.
The Trevor Project. A confidential and secure mental health resource available for the LGBTQ+ community.
Nomadic Matt. A travel bloggers who writes about how gay travel is different (and why it matters).
12 Study Abroad Scholarships for LGBT Students. Resources to help you fund your study abroad experience.