- International Students & Scholars
Countries around the world may vary in terms of how gender is defined - gender roles may vary, gender expression may look different, and certain gender identities may be more or less prevalent. For people of all gender identities and experiences, traveling abroad may introduce new ways of conceptualizing gender that can be exciting or uncomfortable. It's important to familiarize yourself with the cultural values and attitudes towards gender in your host country both before and during your stay.
Questions to consider:
- What are the societal and cultural perceptions of gender in my host country? How do these views affect people's expected roles in society?
- What laws exist to protect people of my gender identity? If none exist, how can I stay safe abroad?
- Are people in my host country familiar with gender identities that are not within the stereotypical gender binary? If I identify that way, am I comfortable with disclosing my identity if asked?
- If my gender identity does not match the information on my passport or other documents, how might that affect my experience abroad?
- Based on my own gender identity, are there specific societal expectations for how I should behave, express myself, and interact with others?
- For example, are men expected to be protectors? Are women expected to have homemaking skills? What are the expectations for people whose identity does not rest within the gender binary?
- Are there safety and security issues for women traveling alone or in groups? How do these concerns compare to my experiences at home? Could they affect when and where I go out, especially at night or in certain areas?
- What are the cultural norms surrounding friendships and dating, especially between people of different gender identities? What behaviors that seem friendly in a U.S. context might be perceived as flirtatious abroad?
- What housing option would I feel most comfortable living in? Am I comfortable with having a roommate or living in co-ed dorms?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Learn about the host culture: Researching your host country's perceptions of gender in advance can help you to prepare for how to behave abroad.
- Understand differences: Attitudes toward gender in your host country could be very different from the U.S., so it's important to stay open-minded to curiosity and prepare for potential misunderstandings.
- Prioritize your safety: Stay mindful of your surroundings and travel in groups - this goes for all students of all gender identities. If you feel unsafe, report to local authorities.
- Adapt: If people tend to dress a certain way in your host country based on their gender identity, consider adopting a similar style to blend in better.
- Connect with others: Consider connecting with previous education abroad participants who share your gender identity to learn more about their experience. If possible, you might also connect with other students on your program to create community abroad.
Resources:
- ILGA: International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (has country-specific resources)
Countries around the world may vary in terms of how gender is defined - gender roles may vary, gender expression may look different, and certain gender identities may be more or less prevalent. For people of all gender identities and experiences, traveling abroad may introduce new ways of conceptualizing gender that can be exciting or uncomfortable. It's important to familiarize yourself with the cultural values and attitudes towards gender in your host country both before and during your stay.
Questions to consider:
- What are the societal and cultural perceptions of gender in my host country? How do these views affect people's expected roles in society?
- What laws exist to protect people of my gender identity? If none exist, how can I stay safe abroad?
- Are people in my host country familiar with gender identities that are not within the stereotypical gender binary? If I identify that way, am I comfortable with disclosing my identity if asked?
- If my gender identity does not match the information on my passport or other documents, how might that affect my experience abroad?
- Based on my own gender identity, are there specific societal expectations for how I should behave, express myself, and interact with others?
- For example, are men expected to be protectors? Are women expected to have homemaking skills? What are the expectations for people whose identity does not rest within the gender binary?
- Are there safety and security issues for women traveling alone or in groups? How do these concerns compare to my experiences at home? Could they affect when and where I go out, especially at night or in certain areas?
- What are the cultural norms surrounding friendships and dating, especially between people of different gender identities? What behaviors that seem friendly in a U.S. context might be perceived as flirtatious abroad?
- What housing option would I feel most comfortable living in? Am I comfortable with having a roommate or living in co-ed dorms?
Tips from the Education Abroad Office:
- Learn about the host culture: Researching your host country's perceptions of gender in advance can help you to prepare for how to behave abroad.
- Understand differences: Attitudes toward gender in your host country could be very different from the U.S., so it's important to stay open-minded to curiosity and prepare for potential misunderstandings.
- Prioritize your safety: Stay mindful of your surroundings and travel in groups - this goes for all students of all gender identities. If you feel unsafe, report to local authorities.
- Adapt: If people tend to dress a certain way in your host country based on their gender identity, consider adopting a similar style to blend in better.
- Connect with others: Consider connecting with previous education abroad participants who share your gender identity to learn more about their experience. If possible, you might also connect with other students on your program to create community abroad.
Resources:
- ILGA: International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (has country-specific resources)
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