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LGBTQ+ & Study Abroad


Taiwan Pride

Studying abroad is an opportunity for all students to experience a new culture, gain new skills, and expand their world views. For the LGBTQ+ community, studying abroad can be an opportunity to learn more about themselves and their identity within the global context. The Office of International Affairs at UC Merced recognizes that the LGBTQ+ community faces a unique set of challenges and we are committed to providing our students with the best possible study abroad experience.

OIA LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Brochure

10 Reasons Why LGBTQ Students Should Study Abroad

Before You Apply to Study Abroad

Take the time to learn about:

  • Laws of the host country
  • LGBTQ+ media in host country
  • LGBTQ+ organizations and support resources in host country
  • General attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals in host country
  • Norms and behaviors of the host culture
  • LGBTQ+ meeting places in host country/city

Use the following resources to research your country of interest:

UC Merced Testimonials

Bobcats Out in the World

UCEAP Countries and Tolerance Levels

UCEAP urges all participants to obey the laws of the host country, and respect and abide by local cultural norms. Before selecting a country, be well acquainted with host country laws and tolerance levels. Consider how a potential host country defines and views interpersonal relationships and what it views as appropriate behaviors.

2023 LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Destination Country Safety Scores

Below is a series of visualizations of common study abroad destinations for UC Merced students with Asher & Lyric's comprehensive “LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index” country scores. Scores range from a high of 383 for Canada to -200 for Brunei (or -95 for Egypt when we consider only frequent study abroad destinations). Please note that local safety considerations vary widely beyond a single numerical national score.

World Map

Asia Close Up

Europe Close Up

UCEAP Countries by Risk Level

Minimal Risk Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
Argentina Australia Brazil Barbados
Belgium Chile China Botswana
Canada France Cyprus Egypt
Costa Rica Hungary Dominican Republic Ghana
Czech Republic Israel India Indonesia
Denmark Italy Korea, Republic of Jordan
Germany Japan Singapore Morocco
Ireland Mexico Solomon Islands Russia
Netherlands Taiwan South Africa Senegal
New Zealand Thailand Turkey Tanzania
Norway   Vietnam  
Spain      
Sweden      
Switzerland      
United Kingdom      

Minimal Risk Countries for Study Abroad

Argentina
Belgium
Canada
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
Denmark
Germany
Ireland
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom

Low Risk Countries for Study Abroad

Australia
Chile
France
Hungary
Israel
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Thailand
Taiwan

Moderate Risk Countries for Study Abroad

Brazil
China
Cyprus
Dominican Republic
India
Korea, Republic of
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Taiwan
Turkey
Vietnam

High Risk Countries for Study Abroad

Barbados
Botswana
Egypt
Ghana
Indonesia
Jordan
Morocco
Russia
Senegal
Tanzania

*Tolerance levels reflect information as of March, 2019.

Identity and Safety Abroad 

Understanding the implications of expressing an LGBTQ+ identity abroad is important for all students to know. Although coming out may be an empowering experience, it can also be uncomfortable or even unsafe for students and those around them. Concepts of identity and the way in which LGBTQ+ individuals are perceived not only vary from country to country but even between regions within the same country. Researching your host country before going abroad will help mitigate risks. Though once abroad, it is recommended that students reevaluate the local LGBTQ+ tolerance levels before coming out. As part of the study abroad experience, students learn to adapt to their new environment by observing local manners and behaviors of their host culture. LGBTQ+ students should exercise the same caution.

Additional Resources  

TIP: Once abroad, find people you can be open with and seek out local LGBTQ+ communities. 

LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies Abroad

You can use the UCEAP Course Catalog to search for classes that focus on gender and sexuality (try searching UC Subject: Women and Gender Studies or Keyword: sex/sexuality, gender or queer). Past UC students have taken such courses in Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand and the UK. However, please be aware that even though a program in a certain country may offer classes focusing on Gender or LGBTQ+ studies this does not necessarily reflect attitudes of the local community. Make sure you thoroughly research your program before making a choice. 

International Opportunities Program (IOP) options:

Coming Soon!

Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students

Travel Tips

Most LGBTQ+ travelers do not encounter problems while abroad but it helps being prepared and informed about your destination before you go. The following resources provide LGBTQ+ individuals with answers to frequently asked questions, tips on mitigating risk and other useful links.

Passport

For passport information concerning name changes, gender marker changes, and two-year passports visit the National Center for Transgender Equality.  

Students that need a passport and are in the process or have completed gender transition should consult the U.S. Department of State for application information. To apply for a passport, students should use the DS-11 form and should be prepared to provide supporting documentation that includes: 

  • ID that resembles your current appearance.
  • Passport photo that resembles your current appearance .
  • A physician certificate that validates whether your gender transition is either in process or complete (required if you would like your passport issued in your new gender).
  • Proof of legal name change (if applicable).

Air Travel

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) identifies the specific obstacles transgender people might face during air travel and how to get around them. NCTE also offers tips on how to get through TSA with resources like the notification card, which is a standardized card offered by TSA wherein one can discretely disclose a health or medically related circumstance to an agent, as well as requesting assistance from a Passenger Support Specialist during check in by calling TSA Cares 72 hours before checking in. For more information visit the TSA website for Transgender Passengers and Know Your Rights: Airport Security.

Check out IES Abroad's 12 tips for transgender and non-binary students in preparation for air travel.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

International Affairs
Kolligian Library, Room 101
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Phone: 209-228-4722
Email: international@ucmerced.edu

LGBTQ+ Pride Center
Office of Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs
Phone: 209-228-2250
Email: lgbtq@ucmerced.edu
Website: LGBTQ+ Pride Center

Lambda Alliance 
Email: lambdaalliance@ucmerced.edu 
Facebook: Lambda Alliance at UC Merced 

**Material adapted from University of California, Santa Cruz, UC Education Abroad Program, Department of State, National Center for Transgender EqualityRainbow SIG, and ILGA **

 

London Pride Event 2016