Address these issues prior to going abroad with the program director or other resource person to minimize potential problems. In addition to the concerns about sexual exploration for all students, women students in particular should be aware of the stereotypes of American women, who are widely viewed throughout the rest of the world as being sexually available. American women should recognize that these stereotypes are applied to them, simply because they are American, no matter how much they may think their own demeanor provides other signals. Changes in self-awareness and identity may arise when the constraints of your own culture are absent in another culture. Or you may find greater limitations about sexual orientation or acceptable behavior in effect in your host country.
Cultures vary significantly in terms of how sexual identities are defined and understood.
You should be aware of your host country's attitudes about LGBT issues and behaviors, and where you may find support within or outside your study abroad program. Sexual Boundaries One of the outcomes of sexual exploration is the creation of healthy boundaries. A sexual boundary is the point between what is right or wrong for an individual. It is most often marked by feelings. While it might sound like a simple process, establishing healthy sexual boundaries is not clear even in our own culture.