While you are living in a foreign culture, you may find that attitudes towards sex and relationships differ from your own culture. Whether you are sexually active or not, it is important to reflect upon your own sexual health and behavior before departing for your semester abroad. While you are abroad, being conscious of the cultural differences and taking proactive safety steps will be of the utmost importance. The ministry of education dedicates a week each year where all school children participate in age-appropriate sex education.
Scandinavian teenagers commonly have their partner sleep over with the approval of their parents. In adulthood, it is common for romantic couples to live together and have children without being married. The concept of consent may also be different. In the U. Consent may be commonly implied when you agree to go home with someone and engage in an act of a sexual nature. Being conscious of these intercultural differences, as well as explicitly communicating your own intentions, is important when navigating sexual relationships abroad.
Legally, the concept of consent in Denmark and Sweden is similar to that of the United States, and sex without explicit consent is criminalized. Be sure to protect your own health as well as others by visiting your doctor, scheduling a sexual health check-up, and filling necessary contraceptive prescriptions.
Find our resource on bringing medication to Scandinavia below. We generally advise that you bring contraception from home to assure you have access to what you are used to. These items are frequently behind the counter, but do not be embarrassed to ask for them. STD testing is available through several drop in clinics or you can contact a general practitioner. Sexual health abroad. Safety tips Try to avoid going out alone. Pairs or small groups can watch out for one another Before you go out, make a plan for how you will get home.
If someone wants to buy you a drink, take it directly from the bartender If you do go home with someone, have an open and direct discussion about your intentions and limits. If you are not sure what they want, you must ask. More resources for your time abroad. Sexual assault resources. Staying safe abroad. Bringing medication to Scandinavia.
