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Gender

When you study away, you’ll encounter different ideas about gender identity, expression, equality, and roles than what you’re used to at home. Many cultures still expect people to follow “traditional” gender norms about how men and women should act, dress, and interact. Learning about these norms is important for both your safety and your cultural understanding.

Pay attention to how gender roles, friendships, dating, and relationships work in your host culture. For example, some places discourage friendships between men and women, or view public displays of affection very differently than you might. Observing and adapting to these differences will help you build respect, avoid misunderstandings, and think critically about your own perspectives.

Transgender and Non-Binary Students and Study Away

Transgender and non-binary students may encounter different experiences while studying away, as cultural attitudes, legal protections, and expectations around gender identity and expression vary widely. Some destinations may be more affirming than the U.S., while others may be less familiar with or accepting of transgender and non-binary identities. Housing options, passport gender markers, local laws, and even gendered language may also affect your travel and program experience. As you research your host culture, connect with a study away advisor, who can help you navigate these considerations and connect you with local staff and resources. You can also explore the resources below and the CSA website’s LGBTQIA2S+ resources page.

Women and Study Away

Gender expectations vary across cultures and may influence how women are perceived and treated while studying away. These expectations can affect dress, behavior, mobility, and personal safety, and your experience may also be shaped by the intersection of your other identities. In some locations, street harassment is more common. If you experience harassment, remember that it is never your fault. Prioritize your safety by leaving the situation, seeking support, and following local guidance. Before departure, learn about gender norms in your host culture, connect with program staff for local perspectives, and observe how women in your host community navigate these dynamics. Understanding the local context can help you make informed decisions, increase your confidence, and engage more thoughtfully with your study away experience.

Men and Study Away

Expectations of men and expressions of masculinity vary widely across cultures. In some cultures, men might be expected to take on more “traditional” gender roles–such as doing more hard physical labor or being the only family member to work outside the home–or, it could be socially acceptable to “catcall” women or objectify their bodies in public. In other cultures, it is not uncommon for heterosexual male friends to hold hands in public or greet each other with kisses on the cheek. Researching your host culture before departure and remaining open to different cultural norms can help you better understand these differences and navigate them thoughtfully during your study away experience.

Questions to Ask

  • When choosing and preparing for a program, ask:

      • What are the laws of your host country regarding sexual and gender identity?

      • What is the attitude towards gender in your host society?

      • What are considered typical gender roles in your host society? Do you know how rigid or flexible those roles are?

      • What are the society’s perceptions and expectations for men, women and transgender individuals in my host country?

      • What are the gender stereotypes of Americans in your host society? How do intersecting identities play into those stereotypes?

      • How do your personal values compare with your host country’s attitudes about socially accepted gender roles?

      • How do men treat women in your host society? How do women treat men? How are transgender and nonbinary people treated?

      • In what ways does gender play a role in social, economic, or political power in my host country?

      • Does your host culture have specific expectations about how different genders dress or present themselves?

      • If applicable, does your host university have specific rules regarding gender (for example, separate-gender residence halls, rules about guests of different genders in housing, curfews for female students but not for male students, etc.)?

      • Will you have access to gender-neutral bathrooms, and if not, which bathroom will you feel most comfortable using?

      • What will you do if people get your pronoun wrong or misgender you?

      • What should you do if the gender on your passport and birth certificate are different?

      • Are there local organizations or groups that provide support and services ot the transgender community?

      • Are you likely to experience discrimination in the local community, based on your gender expression and gender identity? Who can you talk to about it if you do?

Additional Resources

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