Considerations for Diverse Populations
Student health and safety are of primary importance while abroad and we remind you that attitudes of appropriate gender roles including acceptable attire, expected behavior, friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual harassment vary around the world compared to the US. Research and understand the cultural norms for women in the country of your program and utilize the resources below.
- Women Travelers Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, when it comes to health and security, women travelers are more likely to be affected by religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.
- Women Going Abroad Being a woman abroad can be an eye-opening experience, because every culture has a different attitude towards women. Before and during your trip, find out about your host country’s cultural values and behaviors regarding women. Across many countries, traditional gender roles often inform how women are expected to act, dress, and even speak to others. What might be perceived as common behavior for women in the U.S. may be misinterpreted in other countries. For example, how does religion play a role in how women are expected to dress? Can smiling or making direct eye contact with strangers imply something more than just a friendly gesture? If men stare and catcall while you walk down the street, how do you react?
- Her own way – a woman’s safe-travel guide Women travel for countless reasons, whether to discover new frontiers, pursue business opportunities, or simply to rest and relax – not unlike men. But when it comes to health and security, and how travellers are affected by the religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit, there’s a huge difference between women and men. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Female Students Studying abroad is often associated with excitement, personal growth, and cultural awareness. But students should be aware that in some study abroad destinations, keeping safety in mind is just as important.
If you identify as LGBTQIA+ you may want to consider cultural views and practices of a country particularly in regard to your safety. Transgender and gender non-conforming students with current housing accommodations on campus should consult with their study abroad advisor to ensure similar accommodation abroad. The resources below provide useful information on travel as well as applicable laws and attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ persons around the world.
- LGBTI Travelers Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. More than seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
- LGBTQI Student Guide to Study Abroad Studying abroad can be a defining moment in any student’s educational journey, one filled with opportunities for growth, numerous realizations, and many more meaningful experiences. For LGBTQI students, studying abroad can be not only an incredible powerful educational experience, it can also be an opportunity to expand understanding, awareness, and acceptance of the LGBTQI community globally.
- LGBTQ+ Students Abroad If you are an LGBTQIA+ student, it is important to understand that being out while you are abroad can affect your experiences. Some countries and cultures are open and accepting of LGBTQIA+ people, and same sex marriage is even legal in some countries. However, you may encounter stares or even hostility in other places where homosexuality is against the law.
- NPR Article for LGBTQ Students Thinking About Study Abroad For Ashley Trebisacci, studying abroad was a life-changing experience. Her time at Oxford University expanded her worldview and helped her grow as a person — but more than that, she discovered her queer identity, and met the woman she now plans to marry.
- ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World This map is supported by the data collected in State-Sponsored Homophobia 2020: Global Legislation Overview Update (published in December 2020). This map can be reproduced and printed without permission as long as ILGA World is properly credited and the content is not altered.
- Equaldex LGBTQ Rights and Laws by Country Explore the progress of LGBTQ+ rights across the world.
- Only Once Today: Travel and Gender—Genderqueer And Gender Non Conform Travel One of the first times I took an overseas flight, I accidentally scared the crap out of a young security officer. After the metal detector had signaled me as a potentially dangerous person, he gestured me to let him search me. I went along and watched him while he was searching and patting my body.
Believe it or not, men are an under-represented group in study abroad! You may be the only man, or one of just a few men on your program. How can you be an ally for the other students on your program? While men may be at a lower risk for certain forms of violence abroad, including sexual violence, you might be seen as a target for theft or other crimes. What can you do to blend in with your host culture and be respectful of others? Depending on your background, you may be tempted to respond to threats: how can you do this in a way that prioritizes everyone’s safety and avoids any escalation of violence? Cultural attitudes and norms around masculinity vary widely: use this opportunity to gain new perspectives and reflect on your own identity.
- Letters to America: MPakuris Read About Rollins Student Athlete Michael Pakuris’s Semester in Athens, Greece
- An Open Letter to Men Who Don’t Think Study Abroad is For Them Dear men, You should study abroad. It’s amazing. Sincerely, This All study abroad alum
- Masculine ideal differs across cultures, time periods This past week, Men at Nebraska hosted M@n Week at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with the theme of breaking down stereotypes. On Friday night, I attended a talk titled “G-Male: Global Masculinity and How Manhood Differs Across Cultures.” The definition of masculinity appears to be a very defined circle of behaviors. This talk opened up a floodgate of questions regarding the complex notions of what it means to be masculine and the way we, as a Western society, perceive different people according to how well they perform their assigned role of masculinity.
- U.S. Students AbroadOne of our highest priorities is protecting the lives and interests of U.S. students traveling, studying, and living abroad. Exploring new destinations and experiencing other cultures is both rewarding and exciting, but it is also important to do so safely. Students with special considerations – such as women and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges in other countries.
- Safety and Security for U.S. Students Traveling Abroad
This brochure introduces students to threats they may face and provides tips on avoiding unsafe situations. Following these precautions will reduce their risk of encountering problems.
- Travelers with DisabilitiesEach country has its own standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Before you travel, visit travel.state.gov/destination and enter a country or area to find information for mobility-impaired travelers in the Special Laws & Circumstances section. Unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Even more information can be found here. Including information on:
Student Athletes
American Students Abroad
Race and Ethnicity
First Generation Students
Students with Financial Need
Religious/Spiritual Affliation
Students with Disability/Accessibility Needs
Veterans
Non-Traditional Students
https://www.rollins.edu/international-programs/your-identity-abroad/index.html
Language Learning Resources
- DuoLingo
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