Legal rights and cultural attitudes toward sexual identities may differ by country. The following information will help all students understand key considerations and access resources to support each other abroad.
Things to Consider
- Local attitudes in your host country can heavily influence the abroad experience for LGBTQ+ students. It’s helpful to approach expressing your sexual and gender identity as another cross-cultural challenge.
- Before you leave the U.S., learn as much as possible about the culture-specific norms of friendship and dating for relationships between people of any sexual orientation.
- Before you go abroad, find out what kinds of legal rights LGBTQ+ persons have in your host country.
- Once abroad, connect with local support networks and LGBTQ+ communities to help ease your transition and provide a base to explore your sexual identity in the host culture.
Web Resources
- Diversity Abroad – Education abroad tips and resources for all students - including a comprehensive LGBTQ+ Student Guide with country specific information.
- International GLBTI Association – Has a world map with information about laws specific to LGBTI+ communities.
- NAFSA Rainbow SIG – This organization provides a scholarship made possible by a group of international education professionals who are committed to advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ students.
- U.S. Department of State LGBTI Travel Information – Recommendations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association – Provides resources and information to promote equality and safety for LGBTQ+ international travel.
- National Center for Transgender Equality: Airport Security – Information on your rights and what to expect for transgender travelers at airport security.