As a student who identifies as LGBTQIA+, there are some additional considerations and issues to consider before and during your time abroad. Aspects of your gender and sexual orientation identities may feel highlighted while you are abroad because of cultural differences in the local community.
After reviewing steps to go abroad, practical considerations, and LGBTQIA+ student abroad stories, meet with your Global Education Advisor for additional questions and support.
LGBTQIA+ students abroad have the opportunity to:
- Understand gender & sexuality in cultural contexts.
- Gain a new perspective on identity.
- Build transnational solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Learn about different social movements advocating for gender and sexual rights.
- Challenge the perceptions of LGBTQIA+ people.
- Confront diversity issues in an unfamiliar culture.
Getting Started
Questions to Consider When Selecting a Program
The Center for Global Education can help you find a program that best aligns with your needs, interests and considerations below:
- What are the cultural attitudes, perceptions, and police attitudes toward sexual orientation and gender identity in my host community? Do local laws protect LGBTQIA+ people?
- What are considered gender-specific social behaviors and customary gender relations in the host country?
- Do I prefer a single or shared room, and/or access to gender-neutral restrooms?
- How open will I be about my sexual orientation and/or gender identity with my in-country staff, professors, peers, host family and others?
- How important is it to me to find other LGBTQIA+ students and friends while abroad? What are my expectations about seeking and finding community?
- Are equipped/supportive doctors and mental health practitioners available in my host country?
- Will I need access to any medications or supplies? Are they available in my host country? If not,
will I need any additional documentation to travel with my medication or supplies?
LGBTQIA+ Friendly Locations 
The way LGBTQIA+ individuals are perceived vary from country to country and also within regions of the same country. Research the safety implications in the host country to help mitigate risks and understand how your LGBTQIA+ identity may affect your experience.
The locations listed below have laws to protect the LGBTQIA+ community, local organizations that provide advocacy and support, multimedia resources about LGBTQIA+ identities in the region, and LGBTQIA+ events.
- Argentina (Buenos Aires)
- Australia
- Belgium
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Spain
- South Africa (Cape Town)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
Visit the Country-specific guide on LGBTQIA+ rights and social attitudes for the most popular countries where Chapman students study abroad.
Please note that you are still subject to your host country’s laws even if you feel they are discriminatory.
