LGBTQ+ Abroad Resources

Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience. and the study abroad process can be a nerve-wracking experience for many of us, But for some, the process can be daunting especially if you are unsure of how your host country will react to your identity or sexuality. There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re starting to think about where to study abroad:

• Consider which countries tend to be more LGBTQ+ friendly. In general, the Americas, Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan tend to have more open and accepting attitudes when it comes to the LGBTQ+ population. See the map from Equaldex (Collaborative LGBT Knowledge Base) below for a full spectrum of LGBTQ+ rights across the world.
• Keep in mind that just because a country does not have lot of legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community does not mean that the country as a whole is hostile towards LGBTQ+ people. As a general rule, social attitudes change much faster than laws do, and a lot of people will find it acceptable to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community even if there are not a lot of specific protections for it.
• Also consider how comfortable you are being out or not. Are you comfortable being out in anti-LGBTQ+ countries? Will you be able to handle unkind stares or possible rude comments? Will you be safe? These are all things to consider.

                                                         

  When you start thinking about studying abroad, here are some basic steps to follow in how to select your program, apply for it, and prepare for your country of choice.
 

1. Visit LGBTQ+ Programs on campus

Head on over to the HUB (Blackbridge Hall, 111 S. Clarke Street) and talk to our friendly and informed Program Coordinator! This staff member will be able to give some insights on which countries are better than others, as well as strategies to handle hostility and other concerns while abroad.

2. Talk to Study Abroad Advisor

Come to the International Education Center at the Bone House and talk to one of our expert Study Abroad Advisors! Our Study Abroad Advisors can give you all kinds of advice on which programs would be best for you and your major, as well as what countries are more LGBTQ+ friendly. Additionally, many Study Abroad Advisors have completed Safe Space training.

3. Narrow down location options

Do some research on countries you’re interested in and see what their general cultural attitudes are towards LGBTQ+ citizens.

4. Search for the right program

Pick a program that fits you and your major, as well as one that’s in a country where you feel comfortable.

5. Research scholarship opportunities

There are lots of scholarships out there that can help you finance your program, and some are especially for LGBTQ+ students! Georgia College even has the New Horizons Scholarship that is specifically for students of color, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities and students of different socioeconomic backgrounds.

6. Read up on the location of interest

Do some more research in preparation and see if you can find any LGBTQ+ people who have been there before!

7. Apply & finalize the program
8. Talk to the Program Director

The program director will likely know some more nuanced details about the specific areas you will travel in. They may also be able to let you know if there are any other LGBTQ+ students also going on the program.

9. Arrive and adjust

There are a few different ways you can prepare for your study abroad program, and to know what kind of reception you expect from the locals when you get there.

• Are there any LGBTQ+ students on the GC campus or currently abroad that you could talk to? If so, ask how they were received in their host country, and how they reacted if people were hateful.
• Are you comfortable coming out the people you will be around while abroad? How will you respond if they react with hostility?
• What are some strategies you can use if someone is unkind to you based on your LGBTQ+ identity? By planning ahead, you can be prepared if the situation presents itself.
• Research, research, RESEARCH! Take time to research not only cultural attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in the country or city you will be staying in, but also look up if there are any local LGBTQ+ groups where you’ll be. Depending on how long you’re there, a local PRIDE Alliance or similar organization could be a great avenue to make some new friends and feel more comfortable in your host country.

For more information on legal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ members, visit Equaldex or Human Rights Watch.

For some country-specific resources about cultural attitudes or blog posts about being in the LGBTQ+ Community there, visit IES Abroad or Global Gayz.

For tips on being LGBTQ+ preparing to go abroad, visit Go Abroad or the Department of State.