Deciding where to enroll in a gender studies degree program will depend on your interests and ultimately, where you think you want to work. Where you attend school will affect the connections you make, the language you learn, and the foundation of knowledge you gain for your future career.

Europe certainly offers the most options when it comes to feminism, gender, and sexuality studies degree programs, but that’s not the only reason to select this continent for your degree. You’ll have the chance to study pertinent global issues, such as immigration, in the context of gender studies. In the United Kingdom, you can study at some of the oldest universities in the world. The diversity and history of the UK will couple nicely with your curriculum. On the weekends, enjoy the theater district, sift through thrift shops, and explore London’s East End Women’s Museum. Or, immerse yourself in a new language to maximize the experience. In Spain, you’ll be able to unpack the history of machismo by day, and taste tapas by night. In France, you will see how women have been portrayed in art throughout history at the Louvre, and then you can unwind at a bohemian cafe to reflect on what you’ve learned.

In Latin America, where the gender and income gap is huge, gender studies majors will learn about liberationist and postcolonial theories. This will be your opportunity to help build capacity by understanding the unique experiences of women in this region. See how gender plays a role in La Pura Vida, the laid back culture of Costa Rica. Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well. Surf’s up on the weekends for some meditative physical activity. Or, in Argentina, bailar in Buenos Aires and try the tango in between classes.

To learn about gender issues from a non-Western perspective, hightail it to the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates stands out as a fascinating place to study the influence of religion on gender roles, and vice versa. Religion permeates everyday life and culture here, including dress, law, and literature and is best understood by experiencing it. Whether you simply have a strong interest in the region, or you hope to work in the Middle East, pursuing a gender studies degree as a resident of this region will provide an education complete with Middle Eastern cultural context.