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Women Abroad

A page within International Education & Engagement

Participating in an education abroad experience is very exciting and provides the opportunity to explore and learn from other cultures. In order to maximize this experiential learning opportunity and make the most out of this experience, students need to plan and research in advance before choosing a program. If you identify yourself as women, part of this research will need to be focused on the role of gender in a new cultural context.

Expectations about how women should dress, act, or even talk will be influenced differently by gender roles in each country, and you may be frustrated by feeling that you cannot be yourself. One of the most common stereotypes that women from the U.S. face abroad is the preconception that they are “easy” or “loose.” Or an unpleasant situation that women might experience in some countries is catcalling, or a friendly smile and eye contact that would be appropriate in the U.S., may draw unwanted attention from men. Understanding the cultural differences related to gender roles before you go abroad, will help you learn how to behave, and how to react to unexpected situations or unwanted attention triggered by your gender. It is important to always be aware that what might be perceived as common behavior for women in the U.S., may be misunderstood in other cultures, frowned upon, or even prohibited by law.

Quote from Chloe in Italy
Quote from Lizzy in Costa Rica
Quote from Naomi in Germany
Quote from Breanna in Germany

Before you start doing your search, take some time to think about how you feel about gender norms different than those in the U.S. Once you are ready, use these questions and suggestions to guide your research:

  • What are the typical gender roles in that country?
  • Will I be comfortable in a location where gender roles are very different from what I am used to in the U.S.?
  • What are the cultural expectations for both men and women?
  • Are there any stereotypes about women from the U.S.? What are they?
  • How do my personal values compare to that country’s attitudes towards women?
  • If gender inequality is the norm, how will I feel?
  • What are the dating customs and norms? Is it acceptable for women to express their feelings openly?
  • If you are very particular about your feminine hygiene products, will you be able to find them in that country?
  • If you are using any kind of birth control find out if you will be able to get it in that country, or plan on bringing enough to last through your entire stay. 
  • Think about your safety, is it safe for me to go out alone? Are there cities I should avoid? How are the drinking norms there?
  • Review emergency procedures and learn about safety practices such as traveling in pairs or groups, and dressing in a culturally appropriate way.
  • What is considered sexual harassment in that country? Educating yourself about sexual harassment is integral to maintaining your sense of safety. While harassment may be more difficult to understand abroad because of different cultural norms, cultural sensitivity does not mean you should accept behaviors that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Talking with other women who have studied abroad in that location can also be a good place to start your research and learn about what to expect. It is important to remember that your words and actions have a chance to be perceived differently than intended due to cultural differences.

If you are unsure about how to interpret some of the gender norms in a country, you can contact your education abroad advisor. They will be more than happy to help you with your research. Once you are abroad, talking with local women and students can help you bridge the gap, if any, between the information you found in your research and how the local gender roles really are in that country.

Start by doing some research based on the information above. To learn more about the education abroad process and programs offered at UWL, we encourage you to attend an Education Abroad 101 session. We are here for you!

Resources

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Female Students

Women Going Abroad

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement or approval by UW-La Crosse of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation, organization, or individual. UW-La Crosse bears no responsibility for the accuracy,

Student's Testimonials

Chloe
Lizzy
Naomi
Breanna
Hannah

Chole in Italy

"Studying abroad in Rome, Italy was an absolutely exhilarating experience, but as a woman there is always a thought about safety in the back of your head. While going through the process of enrolling to start this journey this was a concern that entered my head more than once, how it was intimidating to travel to all new places where I don't know the language or the culture in depth. Especially that I did not know how it was to be a women in these places. Being a woman in the world today can feel scary but what I realized was that fear should not hold you back. I would not trade my semester abroad for anything, I had the most priceless experience where I gained friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. As I have grown up into the young woman I am today I would say a large part of identifying as woman is understanding that you always have to be vigilant of your surroundings and trust your gut. You have to be smart, but that does not change no matter where you go in the world. I felt very safe the whole time I was abroad, I of course chose to remain with groups, trust my instincts, and stand up for myself and my safety through the entirety of my time abroad only instilling in myself more independence and confidence. I would say to all women identifying students to not let fear hold you back as this is an experience that you will forever think about as some of the best memories of your life!"

Lizzy in Costa Rica

"As a female student studying abroad in San José, Costa Rica, I had an amazing experience. I felt empowered by the other women around me and always took advantage of the many resources available on campus. A dance class was offered each week by a local instructor and even though I’m not much of a dancer, I chose to go because it was such a great way to learn about the culture and make some new friends. Through API, we also had coordinated activities that we’d do with the other students in our program and their host families. I had a great time learning to make empanadas with Greg’s host mom and gaining insight on Costa Rican history by going to see a traditional musical in downtown San José. If I hadn’t been in the API program, I wouldn’t have made the long-lasting connections that I did. I can honestly say that I would sign up for the same program in a heartbeat. I strongly recommend that you head to the Education Abroad office right away! Get started with the process so that you, too, can be well on your way to making memories that will last a lifetime!"

Naomi in Germany

I am a female education student who studied abroad over the summer before going into my senior year at UWL. I have always held a love for traveling and wanted more than anything to do a semester abroad. However, I was anxious to do a study abroad all by myself, especially being a female. You often hear many things about traveling by yourself as a female, and the dangers that it can be extremely discouraging. UWL & my home university abroad, Fulda, were extremely helpful with navigating the country and allowing me to be fully immersed in the culture. I found that even so far away from home that I didn’t miss home or feel unsafe because of the university. I actually extended my trip for an additional two weeks due to the confidence and trips that both of the universities gave me in solo traveling. It can often be scary to go to new places, but I encourage you, if you have an interest, to study abroad. Do it! There is no time like the present to explore how big the world really is!

Breanna in Germany

As a young female student, traveling in a part of the world I have never experienced before was a little scary at first, especially being by myself. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine and I was passionate about stepping out of my comfort zone to make this possible for myself. When I saw this opportunity to study in Germany at an International University with no other students I knew, I was a little nervous but very excited. Traveling alone as a female changed my perspective and helped me gain confidence I did not have before. I studied in Frankfurt which is a much larger city than what I was used to. I took public transportation everywhere I went, including class, which took some adjustment. By the end of my trip I was very comfortable with it. I a ended two different universities with many other international students from all different diverse cultures and backgrounds. I was able to learn so much about these different cultures and made so many friends from around the world. It was a life changing experience that I am incredibly grateful for.

Hannah in Scotland

As a cis white female, I had some concerns traveling alone to another country for the first time. For someone with depression and anxiety this was a feat that I knew was going to be challenging but ultimately very rewarding, and that is exactly how I would describe my experience in Stirling. As far as safety goes, there were only a couple instances where I felt unsafe, but was always with other people so I was never alone. In general, the location of my studying was very welcoming, a wonderful place to go for a first time lone traveler. The culture that I was immersed into felt close to home even though I was around 3,700 miles away. When in Scotland, I really valued the session I went to during our orientation about traveling safe as a woman. The tips and tricks that were discussed in this session were always in the back of my mind on my travels. Traveling can be scary as a woman, but with the help of those around you and the preparations that you put in place, it can be a life positively life changing experience.

Events

Multiple dates (26 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad/away!
5 to 7 p.m. Tue, March 3 International Women's Day Celebration
5 to 6 p.m. Wed, March 4 Japan Education & Culture Panel Presented by visiting students from the University of Teacher Education Fukuoka
5 to 9 p.m. Sat, April 18 61st Annual International Banquet
2 to 3 p.m. Tue, April 28 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session (GPS)

News

Nicole Gullekson uses Fulbright Scholarship to enhance knowledge and expand student opportunities. Living and learning abroad Posted 12:14 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 UWL’s Nicole Gullekson bridges cultures, strengthens partnerships during semester in Slovakia Read more about Living and learning abroad Emily Taylor My travels to Croatia Posted 4:02 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 Student shares summer study abroad experience Read more about My travels to Croatia UWL's International Education & Engagement Office has received the 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award, in recognition of their efforts to create global connections at UWL. A global impact Posted 9:36 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 International Education & Engagement receives 2025 Academic Staff Program Excellence Award Read more about A global impact Lauryn Wiesman is starting her senior year at UWL in the fall. She is majoring in Spanish education and teaching English to speakers of other languages. Building a future with bilingualism Posted 1:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Wiesman prepares to teach and support English learners with heart and fluency Read more about Building a future with bilingualism Kaaviyashri Saraboji is a first-year graduate student from India studying software engineering. She won UWL's Annual 3 Minute Grad Project competition in March for her presentation on AI-Driven System to Prevent Animal-Vehicle Collisions. Nature-inspired innovation Posted 10:56 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 Graduate student uses AI to tackle animal-vehicle collisions Read more about Nature-inspired innovation
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