Identity & Safety

Overall, many parts of Europe are considered safe for women students, with strong legal protections and support services in place. However, safety can vary by country, city, and neighborhood.

Like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, follow local advice, and take standard personal safety precautions.

Universities often provide resources and support networks specifically for women students. Researching your destination, connecting with current and former female students, and understanding cultural norms can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.

TW: Rape, violence

Across Europe, the standard practice is to permit abortion on request for at least the first trimester of pregnancy. This means that the patient can have an elective abortion during this time without any particular reason or a doctor’s approval to receive abortion services.

The time limit is typically increased to 18 weeks in cases such as rape, sexual violence, incest, medical necessity, fetal diagnosis, or even socio-economic circumstances.

There are no time limits when there is a risk to the pregnant person’s health or life.

However, Poland and Malta, along with a few microstates such as the Vatican City, have very restrictive abortion laws, which create challenges for access. Moreover, some countries, such as the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, have barriers to access for international students. In the Netherlands, the healthcare fund that makes abortion free for most Dutch residents is not open to international students, which means students must pay out of pocket. In the Czech Republic, the law only specifies that EU citizens can access abortion, but leaves out any mention of third-country nationals (non-EU foreigners). As a result, medical practitioners may refuse services to international students, citing the lack of clear legislation.

Read our article about how abortion in the EU compares to the US

Yes, there are legal protections against discrimination and racial harassment in Europe, but laws vary by country. There are overarching laws and guidelines at the EU level that member states must adhere to, ensuring a basic level of protection for individuals against racial discrimination.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is a treaty that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to be free from discrimination. It’s legally binding for the 47 member states of the Council of Europe.

For more information about human rights and legal protections in Europe, consult the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Many European universities have protections in place for LGBTQ+ students as well as organizations, associations, and community support groups for queer students. Unfortunately, this is not the case at every university, and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals varies in each country and city.

Some countries, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain, are known for their large queer nightlife, festivals, and overall progressive societies. However, in certain contexts, LGBTQ+ students may face discrimination and harassment. Consult the Rainbow Map and other resources from ILGA-Europe for more information about legal protections and LGBTQ+ rights across Europe.

In Europe, gender self-determination laws vary greatly, and changing your legal gender marker may depend on a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or another mental health diagnosis.

If the gender on your U.S. passport or ID does not correspond with your gender identity, it may be more difficult to change your legal gender on identity documents in your destination country.

However, many countries in Europe currently allow for self-identification for trans people. You can consult the Trans Rights Map from TGEU for more information about your rights in each country.

If you are already receiving gender-affirming healthcare, talk to your doctor or health provider about what a move abroad might entail. Access to gender affirming hormones, medications, and surgeries varies across Europe and may not be as accessible as in your home state. Make sure you thoroughly research the laws and health insurance options for students in the country in which you are planning to study. You can also consult the Trans Rights Map from TGEU for more information on access to gender affirming healthcare across Europe.

Studying abroad as a student with a hearing impairment is possible, though it may come with additional considerations depending on the country, university, and program. Support services vary, so it's important to research each institution's accessibility options or work with a Skola advisor to find cities and universities that meet your needs.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) offers helpful tips and information for Americans going abroad. And check out these European platforms: Inclusive Mobility and EUni4ALL-Network to explore accessibility at European universities.

When booking with a Skola advisor, please let us know what accommodations we can provide to make our services accessible to you.

Studying in Europe with a visual impairment is possible, though accessibility varies between countries and institutions. Some countries, like the Netherlands and Ireland, as well as the Nordic countries, tend to have stronger infrastructure, including tactile paths and audio guidance systems (source).

The Digital Trust Index has insight into the accessibility of digital environments across Europe. You can also explore support options through organizations like Mobility International USA (MIUSA).

Our advisors are more than happy to make any accommodations to ensure our services are accessible to you.

It’s possible to study in Europe with limited physical mobility, but accessibility varies by country, city, and even campus. Larger or more urban areas often offer better infrastructure—especially in parts of Northern and Western Europe. However, the level of accessibility you’ll encounter can depend heavily on your specific needs.

Research transportation systems in your destination city and campus accessibility in advance.

Our advisors are located across Europe and can visit university campuses and speak to local staff and students to assess accessibility. We are also happy to directly connect you with current and former students who experience similar challenges. Contact us to learn more.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is also a helpful resource for exploring inclusive programs. Research transportation systems and campus accessibility in your destination city ahead of time.

It depends on the type of service animal. In the EU, legally recognized guide dogs might receive more consistent acceptance than other service or emotional support animals (AccessibleEU+1). But rules differ by country, university, and facility. Some may require proof of training or that the animal performs specific tasks. Contact your prospective university and check national regulations in your destination or work with a Skola advisor to help you do so. For more information visit the Assistance Dogs International website.

Yes. The EU has legal protections under the Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA, which requires all member states to criminalize public incitement to violence or hatred based on race, religion, ethnic or national origin, or sexual orientation (European Commission). Enforcement is up to each country, so some may adopt stricter laws than the EU minimum. 

Religious freedom is a fundamental right protected across Europe. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to practice, change, or not follow a religion (ECHR Article 9). The EU and its member states generally respect these rights, but how religious practices are accommodated can vary by country. Some countries have laws protecting religious expression in public life, while others may have restrictions to balance other rights or public order.

Universities may also have specific policies on religious accommodations, so it’s recommended to check your chosen institution.

Think of us as your big sisters/brothers/siblings. We want to see you succeed abroad so whatever we can do to help, we will be there for you.

If you have a disability and are concerned about accessibility we will help you assess your university options. Our advisors are located across Europe and can visit university campuses and speak to local staff and students to assess accessibility.

We have a wide network of current and former students across Europe. We are happy to directly connect you with students who share similar experiences because we want you to have honest and real information about life abroad so that you can make well informed decisions about your future.

Is there’s something else we can do to help you? We encourage you to reach out! We will work with you to make sure your questions are answered.

Contact us to learn more.