Women Studying Abroad

Women - whether cis, trans, femme, butch, etc. - across the globe face varying kinds of oppression. Gender varies cross-culturally, so you’ll want to be aware of the possibility for transformed power-dynamics in a new setting. It’s best practice to be prepared before entering your host country. We’ve gathered some resources that you may find helpful as you prepare for your time abroad.

Why Study Abroad?

Study abroad is a great opportunity for students to gain new perspectives and unique experiences. An international education allows students to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures, increase their foreign language skills, and build maturity and self-confidence. Students can satisfy major requirements or earn elective credit while abroad. Experience abroad not only enriches a student's undergraduate education, it can also make them more competitive for jobs after graduation. The benefits of international education are numerous.

Resources

Blogs & Articles

  • This blog is a Guide to Traveling in the Middle East as a woman. Jesse Warner describes solo travels, and remarks upon the beauty of Middle Eastern countries. She says the most important thing for women to do is plan.
  • This article from Lonely Planet offers top tips for solo women travelers, especially in the Arab world. They cover everything from sex to clothing, and state that many travelers argue being a woman in primarily Arab countries is an advantage.
  • In this blog, Rachel Jones offers 14 tips for solo female travel in India. Her advice addresses stereotypes of India as an impossibly dangerous place for women, but shares realities of gendered life there. She is a strong figure to learn from as you prepare for time abroad.
  • Anne Bonefort describes her time travelling alone as a white woman in Ghana. She debunks myths about the dangers of Africa, and describes the beauties of the land and people she met there.
  • This blog addresses what it’s like to travel in Italy as a woman. Leyla Giray Alyanak describes gender discrimination there, pointing to the illegality of violence against women. Most common in Italy are low-levels of harassment, like catcalling and whistling.
  • This article from Diversity Abroad provides must ask questions and tips for women going abroad.

Videos

Scholarships

Students of all backgrounds cite money as an impediment to studying abroad. Geneseo works to help make traveling abroad an affordable and accessible opportunity for all students through numerous scholarships as well as financial advisement. You can check out our extensive list of scholarships on our Scholarship Page.