While you are living in a foreign culture, you may find that attitudes towards sex and relationships differ from your own culture.
Therefore, 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. Before traveling abroad, 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. Read more about the rules of taking medicine to Denmark. Denmark is a sex positive culture. Danes generally have a more liberal attitude toward sex than many cultures including the U.
The ministry of education dedicates a week each year where all school children participate in age-appropriate sex education. Danish 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.
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 is similar to that of the United States, and sex without explicit consent is criminalized. DIS recommends that students utilize a few simple safety measures while in Copenhagen, on Study Tour, and while on personal travel in Europe.
