Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences college can offer. For LGBTQ+ students, it raises unique questions: Will I be safe? Can I be myself? What about my medications? How do I find community?
This guide covers everything you need to know to make your international adventure successful, affirming, and safe.
Understanding Your Options
Types of Programs
Semester Programs: Most commonâspend a full semester at a foreign university while earning credits toward your degree.
Summer Programs: Shorter (usually 6-10 weeks) and often more focused academically.
Year-Long Exchanges: Deeper immersion, usually through bilateral exchange agreements between universities.
Faculty-Led Programs: Led by professors from your home university, often focused on specific academic topics.
Internship Abroad: Work placements in other countries, often combining work experience with cultural immersion.
Program Selection Criteria for LGBTQ+ Students
Beyond regular program considerations, LGBTQ+ students should evaluate:
Destination Country:
- Legal status of LGBTQ+ people
- Social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ communities
- LGBTQ+ history and visible community
- Potential risks and precautions
Program Provider Reputation:
- Providerâs LGBTQ+ inclusion policies
- Support available for LGBTQ+ students
- Past participant experiences
Accommodation Options:
- roommate matching based on identity needs
- LGBTQ+-friendly housing options
- Single room availability
Researching Your Destination
Legal and Safety Considerations
Before choosing a country, research:
Legal Status:
- Is homosexuality legal? What about same-sex relationships?
- What about gender identity? Is transitioning legal?
- Are there laws affecting public expression of LGBTQ+ identity?
Social Climate:
- Are LGBTQ+ people visible in daily life?
- Whatâs the general attitude toward foreigners?
- Are there LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods or cities?
Recent Developments:
- Have there been recent changes in law or policy?
- Is the situation improving or deteriorating?
Resources for Research
Government Resources:
- U.S. State Department travel advisories
- Human Rights Country Reports
- LGBTQ+ travel advisories from advocacy organizations
LGBTQ+ Travel Resources:
- Spartacus Travel Guides
- Equaldex (country-by-country legal information)
- Lonely Planetâs LGBTQ+ travel guides
- Local LGBTQ+ organization websites
Ask Around:
- LGBTQ+ students whoâve studied in your target countries
- Program providers with experience placing LGBTQ+ students
- LGBTQ+ study abroad alumni networks
Building Your Support System Abroad
Pre-Departure Connections
LGBTQ+ Organizations:
- Contact LGBTQ+ student groups at your host university
- Join Facebook groups or forums for LGBTQ+ students in your destination
- Connect with alumni of your study abroad program who identify as LGBTQ+
Family and Friends:
- Establish regular check-in schedules
- Share your location and travel plans
- Create backup communication plans
Professional Support:
- Your study abroad office
- LGBTQ+ campus resources
- Mental health providers who understand study abroad challenges
Finding Community Abroad
Host University Resources:
- LGBTQ+ student organizations (research names in local language)
- International student offices
- LGBTQ+-affirming faculty or departments
Local LGBTQ+ Communities:
- Community centers, bars, cafes
- Pride events and celebrations
- Sports leagues and social groups
- Online communities and forums
Other Study Abroad Students:
- Fellow Americans, especially other LGBTQ+ students
- Other international students facing similar adjustments
Practical Considerations
Medications and Healthcare
Research Before You Go:
- Is your medication legal in your destination country?
- Are there equivalent medications available?
- Whatâs the process for importing medications?
Supply Planning:
- Bring enough medication for your entire trip plus extras
- Carry medications in original pharmacy packaging
- Get copies of prescriptions with your doctorâs information
- Research storage requirements (refrigeration, etc.)
Travel Letters:
- Request a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Include generic and brand names
- Note any medical necessity for hormones or other medications
Insurance:
- Does your current insurance cover international care?
- Does your study abroad insurance cover your specific needs?
- Consider travel insurance with LGBTQ+-competent providers
Transitioning and Hormone Therapy
For Students on Hormone Therapy:
- Research availability in your destination country
- Consider whether to continue, pause, or adjust therapy
- Consult with your provider about options
- Plan for potential disruptions
For Students Considering Transitioning:
- Consider timing relative to your study abroad
- Some students delay medical transition; others use the opportunity
- Discuss options with providers who know your history
For Nonbinary and Gender-Nonconforming Students:
- Research local understanding of nonbinary identities
- Consider how youâll navigate documents and records
- Find out about gender-neutral facilities and housing
Safety Strategies
General Safety:
- Stay aware of local customs and norms
- Know emergency numbers and embassy locations
- Keep copies of important documents
- Trust your instincts
Specific Precautions:
- Research which neighborhoods are LGBTQ+-friendly
- Be more cautious in certain situations abroad than at home
- Know where to go if you experience problems
- Connect with locals who can provide guidance
If You Experience Problems:
- Contact your program staff immediately
- Know embassy and consulate locations
- Have emergency contacts saved
- Document incidents if safe to do so
Making the Most of Your Experience
Embracing Local LGBTQ+ Culture
Every country has its own LGBTQ+ communities, history, and culture:
Learn Local History: Understanding LGBTQ+ history in your host country deepens your experience.
Engage Respectfully: Youâre a guest. Learn local norms before assuming familiarity.
Find Common Ground: Despite differences, LGBTQ+ people everywhere share something.
Share Your Perspective: You represent LGBTQ+ America too. Be a good ambassador.
Personal Growth Opportunities
Study abroad challenges you in ways campus doesnât:
Independence: Navigate a foreign system, culture, and language.
Identity Exploration: Being abroad sometimes lets us explore identity differently.
Perspective: Seeing how another society handles LGBTQ+ issues changes your view.
Resilience: Managing challenges builds strength.
Academics Abroad
Credit Transfer: Ensure your credits will transfer before committing.
Course Selection: Research available classes. Some programs offer LGBTQ+-focused courses.
Language Requirements: Consider language of instruction and your proficiency.
Academic Support: Know where to go for help with coursework.
Common Destinations and Considerations
Europe
Generally more LGBTQ+-friendly, with visible communities in most countries:
Western Europe: Extensive LGBTQ+ rights and visible communities
Southern Europe: Varies by country; generally accepting in cities
Northern Europe: Often the most progressive
Eastern Europe: More varied; some countries have challenges
Latin America
Rich LGBTQ+ cultures with significant regional variation:
Urban centers: Generally more visible and accepting LGBTQ+ scenes
Rural areas: More traditional; greater caution warranted
Language: Knowing Spanish or Portuguese helps enormously
Cultural connection: Many Latin American countries have strong LGBTQ+ movements
Asia
Huge diversity in LGBTQ+ experiences:
Japan, Thailand, Taiwan: Generally accepting; visible scenes in major cities
South Korea: Rapidly changing; more acceptance in Seoul
Singapore, Malaysia: Legal restrictions; greater caution needed
China: Complex; no criminalization but censorship and varying acceptance
Africa
Very significant variation across the continent:
South Africa: Constitutional protections; visible community
Other countries: Legal status varies widely; social attitudes vary
Research critical: Donât assume; research your specific destination
Middle East
Generally more restrictive for LGBTQ+ people:
Research essential: Laws and social attitudes vary significantly
Safety concerns: Some countries criminalize homosexuality
Some exceptions: Israel, parts of UAE have more visible communities
Caution advised: Be especially careful about dating apps and public displays
Returning Home
Reverse Culture Shock
Coming home can be harder than leaving:
Things feel different: Your ânormalâ has changed.
Integration challenges: Others may not understand your experience.
Processing time: Allow yourself time to adjust.
Sharing Your Experience
Document: Write, photograph, create to capture your experience.
Share thoughtfully: Your experience was yours; others may have different views.
Integrate: How does your study abroad experience fit into your life now?
Continuing Engagement
Stay connected: Maintain international friendships.
Support others: Share your experience with future study abroad students.
Global perspective: Carry your international awareness forward.
Resources
Pre-Departure Planning
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Institute of International Education
- Your universityâs study abroad office
LGBTQ+-Specific Resources
- Queer Migration Project
- Global Gayz
- ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association)
Safety and Emergency
- U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- LGBTQ+ crisis resources in your destination
Your Adventure Awaits
Studying abroad as an LGBTQ+ student takes extra planning, but the rewards are enormous. Youâll grow, challenge yourself, see the world, and often deepen your connection to your own identity.
With preparation, support, and good judgment, you can have an affirming, transformative, and safe international experience.
Go. Explore. Come back changed.
The world is waiting.
