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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 experience unique challenges while studying away, since expectations around gender expression vary by culture. Some places may be more open and affirming than the U.S., while others may be less familiar—or even unwelcoming—toward non-binary identities. Housing is another factor to think about, since most programs (aside from host families) typically offer only gendered housing based on sex, which could affect your experience and comfort. Travel itself can also present hurdles—for example, airports may be stressful if your gender presentation doesn’t match the marker on your passport. Cultural attitudes and national laws differ widely, and some locations may make it easier than others to find supportive communities. As you research your host culture, connect with a study away advisor, who can link you to local staff for guidance and resources. You can also check out the As you research your host culture, connect with a study away advisor, who can link you to local staff for guidance and resources. In addition, there are resources listed here and on the LGBTQIA2S+ resources page on the CSA website.

Women and Study Away

When studying away, women may encounter different cultural expectations around gender roles, which can affect dress, behavior, mobility, and safety in ways that feel more restrictive than in the U.S. It’s important to remember that what is seen as “appropriate” behavior for women varies by country, and actions may be interpreted differently depending on language and cultural context. Stereotypes about U.S. women shaped by media can also influence how you are perceived, and your experience may be further shaped by the intersection of your other identities. In some places, street harassment such as cat-calling is more common, which can be stressful and draining, but it’s never your fault. Your safety should always come first—often the best response is to ignore, walk away, or remove yourself from the situation. To prepare, take time to research your host culture, ask local staff or program leaders for guidance, and observe how women in your host community navigate these dynamics. These steps can help you stay safe, feel more confident, and engage more thoughtfully with your study away experience.

Men and Study Away

Expectations for men vary greatly from country to country. In some cultures, men might be expected to adopt a more “traditional” attitude in their lives and towards their families. For example, men might be expected to do more hard physical labor, or be the only family member working outside the home to provide financial stability for the family. Or, it could be socially acceptable to “catcall” women or objectify their bodies in public, which may be offensive and alarming to you, but an everyday practice for local men. 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. Because there is such a variance of expectations across countries, as well as within different sectors or geographical spaces in the same country, learning as much as you can about cultural norms will help you be more prepared for your study away semester.

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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