Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students in Study Abroad

Pride Month is a time to celebrate identity, visibility, and belonging. It’s also an important time to recognize the unique considerations that LGBTQIA+ students may face when preparing to study abroad. From navigating different legal landscapes to finding affirming communities and support networks, the experience can vary widely depending on the destination. 

Whether you're an advisor helping students plan their journey or a student preparing to go abroad yourself, being informed is one of the best ways for students to stay safe, empowered, and supported. We’ve curated a list of resources, including allyship toolkits, educator trainings, country guides, and student travel tips, to help make the study abroad experience more inclusive and affirming.

Top LGBTQIA+ Friendly Programs

Studying abroad as an LGBTQIA+ or gender nonconforming student brings an additional set of challenges and options to consider. We sent an in-depth survey to our program partners, and combined with positive feedback from students, created the list of Top LGBTQIA+ Friendly Programs. 

Below are some sample survey questions:

• Does the local community have resources for LGBTQIA+ students? 
• Are there resources on campus for LGBTQIA+ students? 
• Do you have staff or counselors with the ability to address and understand the needs of LGBTQIA+ students? 
• Do you have any LGBTQIA+/ Women & Gender Studies course offerings?
• Do you have a non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Global Access Scholarship

This award supports students who contribute to the diversity of perspectives within education abroad. We aim to broaden participation and foster access to international experiences. All students are welcome to apply. Some examples of diverse perspectives include: LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, first generation students, students with disabilities, neurodiverse students, STEM students, heritage seekers, and religious minorities. Find more information about our scholarships here.

Resources for Students

Guides

• Be Globalii – A Guide for LGBTQIA+ Students Abroad
• Out Traveler offers information on LGBT destinations and events
• GoAbroad's LGBTQ Study Abroad Guide
• GoAbroad's 7 Tips for Coming Out to Your Host Family Abroad 

Human Rights and Government Resources

• The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) offers Lesbian and Gay Rights Maps that detail legal climate
• ILGA Europe-specific Information
• Equaldex – LGBT Rights by Country
• U.S. State Department – LGBTQ Travelers
• National Center for Transgender Equality – Passports
• National Center for Transgender Equality – Travel
• U.S. State Department – LGBTQ Travelers
• The National Center for Transgender Equality provides air travel and airport security tips for transgender individuals who often times face difficulty and discrimination while traveling.
• Outright International – Country Overviews

Resources for Study Abroad Professionals

• CIS Abroad’s LGBTQ+ Allyship Training for International Educators. Note: After watching the recording, email Emily Negard at enegard@cisabroad.com for your completion certificate!
  
• Guide for Homestay Families Hosting LGBTQI+ Students Abroad
• A Systematic Literature Review on LGBT+ U.S. Students Studying Abroad
• NAFSA Rainbow SIG | The Rainbow Special Interest Group (SIG) is comprised of diverse members of NAFSA: Association of International Educators whose goals are to counsel international students and study abroad students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer; to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer professionals in international education; and to combat homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia within NAFSA.
• GLAAD’s Global Voices | GLAAD’s Global Voices initiative aims to build LGBTQ acceptance across the globe by sharing stories of LGBTQ people and their families around the world and helping LGBTQ advocates build capacity for change in their own cities and countries.