Whether you’ve traveled before or this is your first time abroad, it’s important to consider your host country’s cultural attitude towards gender identity. Gender roles abroad may differ from those in the U.S. You may choose not to behave in exactly the same ways as local men and women do; however, it is important that you educate yourself about cultural gender roles within your host community in order to make sensitive choices about how you will behave while abroad and to understand how your personal views and opinions may be interpreted by your host culture.
Behavior and Relationships Abroad:
Your behavior in some situations may be viewed differently abroad than in the U.S. Consider your actions and inform yourself as best as possible about behavioral expectations, dating, and relationships in your host culture. Talk with peers who have studied in your host country before and locals your own age to gauge what’s typical. You may find that what is viewed as acceptable behavior in your host country is Hoffensive to you or makes you uncomfortable. It’s important to check societal expectations with your own personal values.
The "rules" of dating vary from culture to culture. For example, cultural differences can make male-female friendships more challenging. Consider the implicit messages you are communicating, messages that you may not intend to send in your own cultural context. Evaluating societal differences when it comes to these relationships and modifying your behavior accordingly is part of learning and relating to another culture.
Additionally, it’s important to educate yourself on the social norms and local laws regarding same-sex relationships. Read more on the LGBTQ+ page below.
US Department of State - Recommendations for women travelers.
Diversity Abroad: Women Going Abroad - Questions and tips to consider for women going abroad.