I’m Just a Girl Studying Abroad
Women are told their entire lives that the world is a scary place, but we all deserve to feel safe wherever we go.
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When I tell other women that I’m going to France this summer, they’ll often ask me if I’m going alone. When I say I’m going with a study abroad program, they look relieved.
I’ve seen plenty of lists online about the best places to be a solo female traveler. Even though these are meant to keep people safe, I feel like it also sends a clear message: “There are very few safe spaces for women.”
I understand the concerns when it comes to solo traveling. I’ve heard all sorts of stories of other women’s experiences being harassed or stalked abroad.
As someone who is feminine-presenting, I’m often told that the world is a scary place. And many of the dangers are out of my control. But it’s frustrating to hear people discourage me from exploring the world on my own.
Young women are allowed to responsibly pursue their dreams and ambitions. It’s unfair for us to be hypervigilant at all times — solo traveling or not.
Emma Schulman (she/they), is a student journalist majoring in political science at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Edited by shaylyn martos and Amber Ly