As you would on campus, be thoughtful about your decisions about sex while studying away, regardless of your gender and sexual identity. To help yourself make informed decisions, you should be sure to research your host city and culture before traveling. You should also plan ahead for birth control needs, contraception, and preventative measures to help protect against sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs/STDs). For those taking prescription birth control medication, be sure to take an adequate supply with you while on your program, and if applicable, be sure to research any restrictions on bringing this or other forms of medication into your host country.