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IMPORTANT!

If you are applying to a 2025–26 Civilizations, September, or British/Irish direct enrollment program, please only open ONE application, to your first-choice program within these groupings, in Via TRM. You will have the ability to rank alternate choices within. Explore programs

LGBTQ Students Abroad

Just as in the U.S., attitudes and understanding of LGBTQ individuals and issues vary by region. Most LGBTQ travelers encounter no problems when overseas, but it helps to prepare before you go. Students who identify as LGBTQ should research their destination and talk with Study Abroad staff about the cultural norms and LGBTQ rights and issues in their location.

In some countries, LGBTQ individuals are protected and have equal rights in their society. There are other places where openly identifying as LGBTQ is punishable by law, or there may be no laws to protect an individual from gender- or sexuality-based hate crimes. While the University affirms those who identify as LGBTQ, the resources and tips below are intended to help navigate spaces that are outside of campus and the U.S. Remember, U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of their host country. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the legal regulations and conditions of your location before you go.

You may find that you can be more open about your identity than in the U.S., or that you would need to hide your sexual or gender identity completely to avoid cultural ostracism or legal consequences. Understanding this will help you decide where you would, or would not, want to study.