LGBTQ+
- Your travel documents: airline reservations require your full name, date of birth and gender to match the information on your passport. Be sure that your identification reflects your gender identity.
- Traveling with medication: If you are traveling with needles or medication, you will need to carry them in their original packaging and bring proof of your prescription.
- Airport security: In airports throughout the United States, you have the right to waive the Advanced Imaging security screen, and can opt for a pat down by an officer of your own gender identity. If you experience harassment or inappropriate behavior, you may file a complaint through the Office of Civil Liberties.
- Prosthetics: You are not required to remove articles of clothing, including prosthetics, in airport screenings in the United States. Keep in mind, however, that prosthetics or bounded chests could raise concern and lead to additional screenings.
- Researching your destination: All students should research their destination(s). It is particularly helpful to inform yourself about the laws, attitudes and culture surrounding gender in your desired destinations. Not all countries accept or lawfully allow citizens to change their gender identity.
- Housing: All faculty-led programs fees are based on multiple occupancy accommodations. Many exchanges are also based on double occupancy. If a single room is requested on these programs, the student will have to pay a single room cost supplement. On faculty-led programs it is important to contact the study abroad office coordinator immediately on acceptance. It is possible to structure gender-neutral rooms so that a single supplement cost is avoided. Know the available housing options and costs. Does the center or university have gender-neutral restrooms?
- Being out abroad: For some traditional cultures non-binary identifications may be an entirely new concept. Be patient with those that have difficulty. Understanding is key to communicating across cultures and building safe spaces.
The Study Abroad office is committed to creating an open and welcoming environment for all students. We advise you to make use of the resources of the campus LGBT Resource Center. Keep yourself informed and understand the risks and challenges that studying abroad may present.