Understanding how sexuality and gender expression are understood in your host country is important in preparing for your study abroad journey.
Every country has their norms, laws, and attitudes around gender identity and sexual orientation. While you embark on this journey, it is important to reflect on how your identity may be perceived in different spaces. Furthermore, it is important to take into consideration how comfortable you feel about expressing yourself in said spaces.
Nobody should feel pressured to hide any part of their identity, but safety and well-being are essential. It is important to learn about your destination ahead of time so you can make informed choices about how you express yourself abroad.
SSA has collected resources to help you feel more prepared, empowered, and supported throughout this experience.
Questions to consider
- Is it safe for me to be out in the country where I will be studying?
- Is my sexual orientation or gender identity protected by law in my study abroad country?
- Are there laws/cultural norms that could affect how I express my identity?
- How is gender expression understood and or percieved in said country?
- Are there active LGBTQIA+ communities in the country I will be studying in?
- What kind of support systems can I put in place before leaving the United States?
- Are there trusted people (on-site staff, peers, or faculty) that I can talk to if I need support?
Testimonial From Student - Apart of Community
What SSA is Doing to Support Students
Here is how we support our students
- Our staff are trained in gender and sexuality inclusion – they are prepared to support students from all identities. Please reach out to us confidentially at any time during your study abroad experience.
- We offer resources to help you understand the local laws, cultural norms, and safety considerations related to LGBTQIA+ in your said country. We will help you prepare for various scenarios.
- SSA is here for you if you want to talk privately about identity-related concerns or just check in with our DEI team. We can also help you with connecting to local organizations, student networks, and safe spaces.
- We help students find community through LGBTQIA+ friendly events, organizations, or campus groups. We are here to connect students so that they feel a sense of belonging.
- We know that identity is personal and ever changing. Whether you are out, questioning, exploring, or not out at all, we are here to support you in any manner. Please know that everything mentioned will stay confidential.
