The World is Reopening and So Are Our Hearts this Pride Month

Hey You,

How's your Friday going so far? Here in Chicago we're buzzing with excitement. June truly feels like the turning of a new page: things are opening back up, it's summer in the city and, oh yeah, our first batch of U.S.-based study abroad students in over a year landed in London this week. 🎉

The continued reopening of the world coinciding with Pride Month has us thinking about action, and what we can all open up to moving forward:

Open up to being the truest version of yourself.

Open up to new experiences, opportunities, and people.

Open up your mind, your heart, and (hopefully soon!) your passport.

Open up to the knowledge that someone is proud of you, just for being you. Don't believe us? Just listen to our staff from around the world as a reminder. ⬇️😊

Explore some of our LGBTQ+ and Allyship Resources

Student Voices: Studying Abroad as an LGBTQ+ Student

Tune in to join two alumni, Sam H. (2019 Ambassador of the Year | IES Abroad Tokyo Spring '17) and Kevin R. (Correspondent & Film Fest Semi-Finalist | IES Abroad Paris Fall '18) as they talk about their experiences abroad and answer your questions on our Instagram Live on Monday, June 21st.

On Coming Out While Studying Abroad

When Steve Streich (Vienna | Academic Year 1971-72) left his small Texas town to study in Vienna, the only thing he was sure of was that he was going to a very different place from where he grew up. During his year in Vienna, Steve met his late partner John van Kleeck and they were together for 38 years! Read the interview with Steve.

Resources for Being YOU Abroad

Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQ+ 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 and support you along the way―check them out.

How to Be an Ally

Being a good ally to those in the LGBTQ+ community at home and abroad starts with steps like familiarizing yourself with gender identity terms. Check out our full Ally Resources list for more ways to do your part.

Unfiltered Student Blogs

Hear from IES Abroad student bloggers about how their LGBTQ+ identities intersect with their study abroad and internship experiences, while they navigate a new city, country, and culture. Because, who better to hear from than the students who’ve lived it?

Start picturing your life abroad through the #IESabroad feed.

“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. (IES Abroad Cape Town | Hope College)

This month (and always) we proudly celebrate our LGBTQ+ students, staff, friends, and family. We take pride in simply getting to know you, and look forward to adventuring through this incredible world with you.

Open Up to A New Adventure

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤

Happy Pride from all of us at IES Abroad.

P.S. Speaking of celebrations, next Saturday is Juneteenth. In preparation, all IES Abroad employees in the United States were gifted the book On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed this year, to read and discuss as we continue building inclusivity and awareness around our shared history. We wish you a meaningful Juneteenth, reflecting on the value of freedom from bondage, to fulfill one’s potential, to explore beyond boundaries, to be changed by life’s wonders, and to make a world of difference.

Why Partner With Us

Customized & Faculty-Led Programs

Advisor & Faculty Resources

Stay Connected

Launching Your Career

Alumni Features

Giving