Gender Abroad

Gender roles and perceptions can vary tremendously around the world. In some host countries or regions, expressions of gender will be familiar to you, while in others they may be incredibly different.

As you prepare to travel abroad, it will be important to reflect on how you express your gender through clothing, language, customs and personal traditions and research the community and region of the world you are entering. We all express gender in our own way and the suggestions and safety tips below can help you think about the intersections of gender and study abroad.

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  • Gender: Travel Safety Tips and Suggestions for Study Abroad

    • Explore the culture and become familiar with dress, expectations, language and customs.
    • Understand that what may be acceptable in your community or region of the United States may not be acceptable in your host country or region of the world you are traveling.
    • Identify safe resources and people that you can talk to if you have questions.
    • Connect with local women to learn about gender expression, roles and cultural norms.
    • Research gender relations such as friendships and intimate relationships in your host country. Is it common for men and women to have platonic relationships, in addition to romantic ones? Are there laws in place preventing certain interactions between same sex and heterosexual couples?
    • Remember that safety is important and like the United States harassment and sexual assault are issues around the world. Learn about resources at Miami and in your host country that may be helpful.
    • Familiarize yourself with Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) resources at Miami.
    • Identify resources and/or hotlines that you can access in your host country.

  • Think About

    • What are specific gender norms in my host country, and how do they compare or differ from my community?
    • How do men and women publicly express gender (clothing, appearance, language, etc)? How may I have to adjust my own understandings of gender and gender expression to be culturally appropriate and respectful?
    • How do my personal values compare with my host country’s attitudes about socially accepted gender roles?
    • How do heterosexual, lesbian, gay and queer identified couples display affection in public in my host community?

  • Before You Go

    • Research what kind of rights women have in your host country or region.
    • Connect with previous 'Canes who have studied abroad to talk about how they navigated/experienced gender and gender expression in their host country.

  • Gender Resources

    • Colorado State University provides numerous links within their website for women studying and traveling abroad.
    • Diversity abroad offers IFSA Unpacked offers personal stories from students on their experiences with gender and abroad.
    • Transitions Abroad hosts The Women Travel Guide, featuring tips on safety and traveling alone.

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