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In order to maximize your experience abroad, you should research and get to know your host country before departure. As an LGBT student there are some additional things you may want to consider as you prepare to go abroad. The resources below are designed to help you in that process.
If you’d like to speak with someone about your concerns, all of the professional advisors at the OEA have attended Safe Zone training and are capable of answering your questions. Feel free to stop at the front desk to schedule an appointment with an advisor. You can also call 740.593.4583 or email education.abroad@ohio.edu to set up an appointment. We’d be glad to talk to you!
Points to Consider When Selecting a Program
Selecting a study abroad program is an important decision. Here are a few points designed to help you select the destination that’s best for you.
- What cultural attitudes, culture or context exists towards sexual orientation in the host country?
- What is the social perception of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the host country?
- What is considered typical male and female social behavior – including gender roles and gender relations – in the host country?
- Are there any LGBT-friendly establishments near the program site?
- Can the program accommodate special housing requests such as single rooms, private baths or certain roommates?
- Does the program have any other resources available for LGBT students?
- Is there a LGBT community nearby?
Preparing to Go Abroad
Once you’ve selected a destination, considering the following points prior to departure will help to ease your transition into your host culture.
- How open will I be about my sexual orientation and gender identity with people in my host country? How might this impact my experience abroad?
- How important is it for me to find other LGBT students and friends while I am abroad? How will I connect with them?
- What kinds of LGBT-friendly establishments, organizations or resources are available in my host country? How will I access them?
- What may make the coming out process different in my host country compared with in the U.S?
Compiled from information available on the following websites: http://umabroad.umn.edu/students/glbt/consider.html
http://studyabroad.msu.edu/forms/glbt.html
Ohio University’s LGBT Center:
The LGBT Center at Ohio University has a wealth of resources for LGBT students, as well as friendly staff members who can address your concerns.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center
354 Baker University Center T: (740) 593-0239 E: lgbt@ohio.edu
LGBT Resources from Other Universities:
Michigan State University: Info for LGBT Students
University of Minnesota: LGBT Students Abroad
Colorado State University
Other Places to Gather Information:
NAFSA: The Association for International Education has a website dedicated entirely to LGBT students going abroad.
The International Lesbian and Gay Association: A world-wide federation that campaigns for LGBT rights on a global scale.
For a country-by-country view, visit: http://ilga.org/countries.asp
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: An international human-rights organization.
NYU LGBT Study Abroad Guide: Highlights several popular study abroad locations.
Trip Planning
OutTraveler.com
Damron.com
Gay Scout - worldwide events calendar and listings
Scholarships for LGBT Students
The IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding Search Engine:
A list of funding sources put together by Washburn University
Other Resources
http://www.colorado.edu/ealld/atj/Bridging/ABRD-faq2.html -- an article compiling student stories from abroad.
http://www.augsburg.edu/global/spa/lgbtqsem.html -- LGBT-focused study program through Augsburg College