Building Cultural Immersion, Connections, and Confidence for 2SLGBTQ+ Travelers Aged 18-35
A Collaboration Between International Experience Canada & The IGLTA Foundation
For many young 2SLGBTQ+ travelers, the chance to live, work, and explore abroad is more than just an adventure, it’s an opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and connection. Stepping into a new country offers the freedom to embrace different cultures, build global networks, and gain invaluable life and professional experience. However, despite the excitement of international mobility, concerns about safety, inclusion, and access to resources often hold them back.
Navigating unfamiliar environments can be daunting, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ young adults who may face unique challenges along the way. From finding welcoming workplaces to securing safe housing and community support, the journey requires more than just a passport and a dream, it demands inclusive policies, accessible information, and strong support systems.
Recognizing these needs, International Experience Canada (IEC) and the IGLTA Foundation have come together to better understand and enhance the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ young adults in international work and travel programs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering a world where young 2SLGBTQ+ travelers can move freely, confidently, and without fear wherever their journeys take them.
Why This Matters
International work and travel programs open doors for young people to explore new cultures, build global networks, and gain invaluable professional experience. However, 2SLGBTQ+ young adults face unique challenges that often go unaddressed from safety concerns and workplace inclusion to access to LGBTQ+ friendly resources abroad.
Recognizing these barriers, International Experience Canada (IEC) and the IGLTA Foundation partnered to ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ young adults are not left behind in global mobility opportunities.
Through this collaboration, we sought to answer key questions:
🔎 What motivates 2SLGBTQ+ young adults to participate in international work and travel programs?
🔎 What obstacles prevent them from taking part?
🔎 How can work and travel programs better support 2SLGBTQ+ participants before, during, and after their journeys?
Our Goals
🌎 Empower more 2SLGBTQ+ young adults to take advantage of international travel and work opportunities.
📚 Provide actionable insights for travel and work programs to be more inclusive.
🛠️ Develop practical tools & resources to help 2SLGBTQ+ young travelers navigate work-abroad programs.
🏳️🌈 Foster community connections for 2SLGBTQ+ travelers to feel safe, supported, and welcome.
About the Research & Collaboration
IEC has been facilitating reciprocal work and travel opportunities for young adults in 35+ countries since 1956, brings expertise in international young adults mobility. The IGLTA Foundation, as the philanthropic arm of the world's leading LGBTQ+ travel association, works to make global travel more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming. By combining efforts, we are shaping real solutions to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ young adults have equal opportunities to explore the world safely and confidently.
IEC and the IGLTA Foundation conducted an in-depth research study, led by Peter Jordan as the research author, to better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ young adults in international travel and work programs. The study included ➡️
Who is this research for?
This research is designed for anyone involved in international young adults travel, and work programs, including:
- LGBTQ+ young adults (18-35) who want to understand the opportunities and challenges of working and traveling abroad.
- Government agencies & policymakers seeking to create more inclusive global mobility programs.
- Employers & businesses hiring international young adults and aiming to foster an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace.
- Tourism organizations & destination marketers working to attract and support LGBTQ+ travelers.
How can destinations and employers use these insights?
The research provides data-driven recommendations that can help destinations and employers:
✅ Improve workplace inclusivity – Understand the challenges 2SLGBTQ+ young adults face and implement policies that create safe, welcoming environments.
✅ Enhance travel programs – Adjust marketing, outreach, and support services to better meet the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ participants.
✅ Build stronger community connections – Partner with 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and create networks for incoming travelers.
✅ Increase participation in work and travel programs – Reduce barriers and make these opportunities accessible to a more diverse group of young people.
Download the Insights
Access detailed findings and actionable insights from our research on 2SLGBTQ+ young adults in international work and travel programs. Download the resources below to explore four key themes that address the challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for improving the experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ young travelers:
Full Research Report
Download the full research report to dive deeper into all of our findings, including survey data, focus group insights, and comprehensive recommendations to help create safer, more inclusive travel and work programs for 2SLGBTQ+ young adults.
About International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada is a cultural program operating since 1956. It offers reciprocal work and travel opportunities for Canadian youth and inbound foreign youth from over 35 countries and territories. Valid for up to two years for youth between 18-35, IEC offers both open work permit (working holiday) or employer specific work permit options (international co-op and young professionals).
About the IGLTA Foundation
The IGLTA Foundation supports LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research and education. As the philanthropic arm of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (the world’s leading LGBTQ+ travel business association), the Foundation is able to count on the experience and contacts of 13,000+ tourism professionals in 80 countries.
The IGLTAF scope of work encompasses various initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and understanding travel landscape. Through its leadership programs, the Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses to thrive and flourish in the industry. Additionally, the Foundation actively engages in research endeavors to deepen insights into the unique needs and preferences of LGBTQ+ travellers.
Through its multifaceted approach, the IGLTA Foundation continues to make significant strides in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity within the global travel industry, fostering a more welcoming environment for all travellers.
About Peter Jordan - Founder, Pride Insights (research supervisor and author)
Peter is recognized as one of the world’s leading specialists in LGBTQ+ Travel, Youth Travel and Destination Development. Peter Jordan is a consultant and researcher based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Over the course of more than a decade, he has also become respected as one of the world’s leading specialists on LGBTQ+ travel.
During this time, Peter has authored pioneering reports on diverse aspects of tourism and LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity for the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), European Travel Commission and International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
He has also delivered multiple strategy projects, workshops and keynote presentations on LGBTQ+ travel in English, Spanish and French for national tourism organisations and industry associations in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. In September 2022 Peter was awarded the IGLTA Hans Ebensten Hall of Fame Award for his service and dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ travel research and thought leadership.