Resources for Being You Abroad

Today, and every day, we celebrate who you are and who you will become. We take pride in simply getting to know you, and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can present unique opportunities and challenges in exploring a new culture, so we have compiled resources on sexual orientation, gender identity, and allyship to help prepare you and support you along the way. 

Browse a collection of IES Abroad and other website's resources specific to the LGBTQIA+ and ally experience.

At IES Abroad, we're here to help. If you have any questions about your identity abroad, please contact our Diversity Relations Department by emailing us at diversity@IESabroad.org or by calling 800.995.2300. Know of another resource we should add? Let us know!

What Students Have to Say

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staff standing and smiling in front of Rainbow SIG step and repeat

Our Commitment in Action

A commitment to the representation and integration of diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas is essential to our mission. That’s why we’re a proud sponsor of Rainbow SIG, an organization of international educators whose goals are to support LGBTQIA+ study abroad students and professionals; to combat homophobia, heterosexism, and transphobia within the field at large; and to increase access for LGBTQIA+ students to study abroad. Learn more about our diversity and equity initiatives, and check out our LGBTQIA+ outside scholarship opportunities (aside from our own $7 million in scholarships and financial aid, of course).

John Luke Hawkins, an IES Abroad Cape Town Student
“I went into study abroad thinking I was a straight male, but I left knowing that I was a gay male. That also was a huge identity change, and was a really big piece of me finding my place in the world.”
John Luke H. • Hope College • Cape Town – University Of Cape Town

Browse More Identity Resources

Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. So we've made sure to compile diversity resources specific to your host city and country. 

All Resources
students attend an LGBT parade