Studying abroad presents challenges for everyone, but we recognize that members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique adversities. Reflecting on your goals before departure and understanding how your identity will impact your experience abroad is essential.
The following five steps can help you pick the right location for you, ensuring a safe and meaningful experience.
#1: Connect with your program advisor
University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) advisors are available to answer any questions you have, queer-related or anything else. Advisors are familiar with each program and can help you understand the local culture, support systems, and LGBTQIA+ acceptance in each city. If you’d like to speak with an alumni, your advisor can help you connect with them.
If you are transgender or nonbinary and you’re unsure if your passport and ID are still valid for international travel, check the information on Lambda Legal. Your program advisor can also walk you through the page and discuss your federal identification documents.
#2: Research laws and local culture
Make your way to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) world database, where you can find international laws around sexual orientation and sexual identity. Remember, some countries are more supportive of LGBTQIA+ individuals through progressive laws and resources, but legal protections don’t always reflect social attitudes. Research both the laws and local acceptance to get a full understanding of a country’s LGBTQIA+ climate.
Social media is another tool that can provide you with firsthand experiences from queer students overseas. Check out hashtags like #lgbtqtravelers #lgbtq[country].
#3: Work out your comfort level with being out
Ask yourself, “How open do I want to be about my identity with my cohort, international friends, and general local community members?” Some students are out and proud from day one; others adjust based on their surroundings and experiences. There’s no right or wrong answer, so stay true to yourself and do whatever makes you comfortable.
#4: Explore onsite support and LGBTQIA+ communities
Start with the USAC LGBTQIA+ resources page for an overview of queer-friendly communities and support systems you can find across USAC host countries. It’s a great first step to identifying destinations where you can feel welcomed and can guide you in exploring the destinations that interest you. Your program advisor can help you identify resources before and after arrival. Building a network ahead of time can ease the transition and help you feel more grounded once abroad.
#5: Reflect on your academic and personal goals
What do you want from this experience? What do you wish to achieve? It could be building your confidence, academic exploration, or simply having fun in a new setting. Think about how you want to grow as a person. It could be related to your identity as an LGBTQIA+ person, or not. Identify what matters most to you and let those priorities guide your study abroad plans.
No matter how you identify, you deserve a study abroad experience that’s safe, meaningful, and empowering. Reflecting on these questions before you go can help set the stage for a successful journey. USAC is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ students with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to thrive abroad.
If you have questions about choosing the right program, reach out to us at studyabroad@usac.edu
If you are an LGBTQIA+ alumni who would like to help us provide more resources to students, shoot us an email, we’d love to hear from you!
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