From iconic, historic cities to picturesque countryside right out of a postcard, studying abroad gives you a window into another place and its culture. Choosing where to study abroad plays a huge role in the experience you’ll ultimately have.
That’s especially true if you’re an LGBTQIA+ student basing your decision not just on an abstract travel bucket list but also on where you’ll feel safe and welcome. Thankfully, you’ll have lots of options—the best places to study abroad for LGBTQIA+ students aren’t limited to one corner of the world.
Many top places to study feature firsts in LGBTQIA+ rights legislation or big events like Pride that suggest a vibe of public inclusivity. But we know that finding a home away from home, whether you’re studying abroad for a semester or academic year or opting for a short-term program, comes down to a lot more than one-off Pride parades.
What makes these destinations the best?
For LGBTQIA+ students, planning to study abroad often means reading up on local attitudes and relevant laws. Your safety plays an important role in figuring out where to study abroad as an LGBTQIA+ student, so we put together this list with an eye toward places with progressive government policies and public opinion that’s generally supportive of LGBTQIA+ rights.
We also want you to find a place to study abroad no matter what region of the world interests you. We made sure to give you options across the globe, including enough inspiration to make exploring new places the requisite next step on your college transcript.
Where to Study Abroad as an LGBTQIA+ Student
You can find some of the best places to study abroad for LGBTQIA+ students almost anywhere in the world.
This list isn’t ranked—we know the best study abroad destination for one student can be different from another’s favorite place. Instead, we’re offering you a range of LGBTQIA+-friendly countries around the world so you can find an affirming, safe, and enriching experience wherever you want to study.
1. Sweden
There’s so much to love about Sweden, one of the most welcoming and affirming places for LGBTQIA+ students out there. A host of laws protect LGBTQIA+ rights—and the social climate can even outpace official law in terms of acceptance. Whether you find yourself in town for the northern lights or midnight sun, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking nature, tons of travel opportunities, and top-notch academics (without a language barrier).
What you need to know: Sweden delivers a safe, secure experience that still gets you somewhat off a traditional European study abroad path. Choose comfortably from chic, cosmopolitan cities and smaller student towns knowing you’re in one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for study abroad.
- Popular cities: Stockholm, Lund, Vaxjo
- Recommended program: DIS Stockholm – Gender & Sexuality Studies
- Explore all study abroad programs in Sweden
2. Spain
If one of the world’s biggest Pride events (looking at you, MADO) isn’t enough to convince you, maybe the chance to brush up on your language skills in a centuries-old city will. Culturally liberal and welcoming, Spain mixes tradition and open-minded views for an immersive yet secure experience abroad. It’s often touted as one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries in the world and became only the third country to pass a marriage equality law back in 2005.
What you need to know: You might encounter more conservative views in older generations and smaller villages, but in general, LGBTQIA+ folks are culturally and legally accepted in Spain. Popular cities like Madrid and Barcelona are both top LGBTQIA+ friendly study abroad destinations; you’ll have plenty of options throughout the country too.
- Popular cities: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia
- Recommended program: Future-Focused Study Abroad: IFSA in Spain
- Explore all study abroad programs in Spain
3. Thailand
Thailand offers many great and welcoming places for all.
Thailand stands out as a top study abroad destination thanks to its vibrant and friendly culture, affordability, and bucket-list-worthy cuisine and beaches. It’s also a standout destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. One of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly countries for study abroad in Asia, Thailand lets you experience an exhilarating mix of traditional and modern, all within a welcoming environment.
What you need to know: You’ll find thriving gay, lesbian, and transgender communities in a country with a reputation as a regional haven. Intimate public displays of affection (that goes for everyone) are less common compared to Western countries, so keep that in mind while you’re out and about.
- Popular cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai
- Recommended program: TEAN - Thailand - Semester in Thailand, Bangkok
- Explore all study abroad programs in Thailand
4. Argentina
Argentina is a world leader in LGBTQIA+ human rights legislation. A national marriage equality law passed in 2010 (a good five years before the United States codified similar protections), and the 2012 Gender Identity Law (Ley de Identidad de Género) recognizes the right to self-define gender identity. If you’re looking for LGBTQIA+-friendly study abroad destinations in Latin America, you’ll find yourself right at home as you explore grand architecture and natural marvels alike.
What you need to know: Most of Argentina’s cities feature LGBTQIA+ scenes, though some homophobia exists beyond (and sometimes within) the big cities. Still, overall, studying in Argentina situates you in a South American country ideal for LGBTQIA+ study abroad.
- Popular cities: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Cordoba
- Recommended program: CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Explore all study abroad programs in Argentina
5. Australia
Home of one-of-a-kind wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Australia also ranks as one of the best places to study abroad for LGBTQIA+ students. Figuring out how to study abroad in Australia is more about choosing a program and location that fits your academic needs than worrying about safety concerns—“Australian” is often synonymous with “welcoming” and “laid-back.” You won’t want to miss Sydney’s month-long Pride if you’re studying abroad during Australia’s winter, though then again, there’s also Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to look forward to if you’re in town in February.
What you need to know: While you might encounter more conservative attitudes in rural areas, Australians across the country generally tend toward open-minded acceptance. The country’s laws bolster its friendly reputation, with discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status illegal nationwide.
- Popular cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast
- Recommended program: Study Abroad for a Semester at Deakin University Australia
- Explore all study abroad programs in Australia
6. Denmark
Places like Denmark are bright and colorful, and full of exciting activities.
See for yourself what hygge is all about in a country known as one of the world’s happiest. As with other places in Scandinavia, queer-friendly spaces abound in Denmark, which also boasts some of the most extensive rights (and most LGBTQIA+ friendly attitudes) in the world. Cozy neighborhoods, innovative architecture, and a commitment to sustainability mean studying abroad in Denmark is a dream for just about any student.
What you need to know: Danish society as a whole is very accepting of LGBTQIA+ identities. The first country to give same-sex unions almost the same rights as marriage in 1989, Denmark continues to include LGBTQIA+ people in anti-discrimination laws. The country backs up its legislation with its very tolerant social culture.
- Popular cities: Copenhagen, Aalborg
- Recommended program: CIEE Open Campus Block in Copenhagen
- Explore all study abroad programs in Denmark
7. Uruguay
Uruguay deserves a special mention in a round-up of countries that are LGBTQIA+ friendly. This country has some of the most liberal LGBTQIA+ rights legislation, not just in South America but around the world, making it a top choice if safety is a factor when choosing a study abroad program in Latin America. Explore quirky and charming Montevideo for a capital-city vibe on a smaller scale.
What you need to know: Uruguay has long situated itself as a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ rights: Same-sex activity has been legal since 1934, and anti-discrimination laws have been in place since 2004. Adoption is legal for same-sex couples, folks identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual can openly serve in the military, and transgender people over 18 can align their name and legal gender with their gender identity on official documents.
- Popular cities: Montevideo
- Recommended program: USAC Uruguay: Montevideo - Spanish Language & Culture
- Explore all study abroad programs in Uruguay
8. South Africa
South Africa is a top choice and one of the best places for LGBTQIA+ students to study in Africa.
The first country in the world to constitutionally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, South Africa stands as a top choice for LGBTQIA+ students interested in studying abroad in Africa. Big cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have thriving LGBTQIA+ scenes. Whether you’re drawn to the country’s history, opportunities for outdoor adventure (safari, anyone?), or an abundance of subjects you can study, South Africa offers an ideal place to study abroad.
What you need to know: You’ll encounter stark differences in the attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ folks in the major cities compared to smaller towns, rural communities, and townships, where discrimination, homophobia, and even violence can occur. Consider your surroundings, and be prepared to avoid open displays of affection.
- Popular cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg
- Recommended program: IES Abroad - Study Abroad in South Africa
- Explore all study abroad programs in South Africa
9. New Zealand
Sure, you’ll have to travel a long way, but studying abroad in New Zealand is worth it. For the adventure-seekers among us, New Zealand comes through with enough bungee jumping, skydiving, and white water rafting to more than fill an itinerary. You’ll also have plenty of classes to keep you on track for graduation back home while living your best life in a country highly ranked for its LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
What you need to know: New Zealand made history by electing Georgina Beyer first as the world’s first openly transgender mayor and then the world’s first openly transgender member of parliament. Often considered a little more progressive than its larger neighbor, Australia, New Zealand has a strong reputation for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, though less progressive attitudes in smaller towns and rural areas sometimes prevail.
- Popular cities: Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton
- Recommended program: Study in New Zealand with World Endeavors
- Explore all study abroad programs in New Zealand
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10. Iceland
Find connections and community anywhere you go.
Speaking of adventure, Iceland’s ice-and-fire landscapes (volcanoes and geysers, glaciers and hot springs, and black sand beaches, to name a few) make studying abroad an exercise in wonder. If you’re into sustainability and environmental science, you can’t beat Iceland as a destination to study abroad. Fortunately, Iceland also frequently sits close to the top of lists of countries that are LGBTQIA+ friendly, so it’s a great choice if you’re hoping to study off the beaten path.
What you need to know: A range of policies and initiatives continue to improve LGBTQIA+ rights in Iceland, a country that elected Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the world’s first openly LGBTQIA+ head of government, in 2009. Iceland’s open, tolerant atmosphere means you’ll feel welcome during your time abroad.
- Popular cities: Reykjavik
- Recommended program: API: Experience Reykjavik, Iceland (Scholarships Available)
- Explore all study abroad programs in Iceland
11. Taiwan
From night markets to national parks, Taiwan has something for every type of traveler. It’s also a top LGBTQIA+ friendly destination in Asia: Taiwan has never had laws against homosexuality and was the first country in Asia to make marriage equality law. Take your time exploring the small island as you get your fill of mountains, beaches, xiao long bao, and boba tea.
What you need to know: While older, more traditional generations are less understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community, Taiwan is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of both legislation and public opinion. Traditional culture can be conservative, however. Many view relationships as private, so you’ll rarely see public displays of affection (though younger generations are more open in this sense, too).
- Popular cities: Taipei, Kaohsiung
- Recommended program: CIEE Semester in Taipei
- Explore all study abroad programs in Taiwan
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12. Netherlands
Bicycles, tulips, inclusiveness—the Netherlands has plenty to celebrate. And it’s not just famously tolerant Amsterdam that offers an affirming experience. A cultural openness across the country makes just about anywhere in the Netherlands a great choice for LGBTQIA+ study abroad.
What you need to know: The first country to make marriage equality a legal right has one of the most advanced, long-standing track records for LGBTQIA+ rights overall. Capital city Amsterdam is a focal point of the LGBTQIA+ community, but other popular cities (think: Utrecht, Rotterdam, Leiden, and more) have welcoming student populations and storied academic traditions.
- Popular cities: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Leiden
- Recommended program: SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality
- Explore all study abroad programs in the Netherlands
Feel safe and secure as an LGBTQIA+ study-abroad student
There are some great inclusive places and people to find while studying abroad!
Spin the globe and you’ll find a great place to study abroad with every rotation. Your best place will depend on your personal dream destinations, your major, if you’re openly out (or comfortable with being less open with your identity in a less tolerant destination)—there’s no right or wrong way to choose a study abroad destination as an LGBTQIA+ student. Check out our guide if you’re still having trouble though.
Of course, attitudes can vary within a given culture, and national laws don’t always reflect what the general public believes. It’s important to talk to your study abroad advisor and do your research before you go. But you can do it knowing a safe, secure, and fun study abroad experience is waiting for you.
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