This spring, Sexual Health Alliance took the classroom beyond the screen and into the vibrant, cobblestone streets of one of the world’s most sex-positive cities—Amsterdam. For five unforgettable days, participants in SHA’s 2025 Study Abroad program experienced more than just sightseeing. They became immersed in a living, breathing global classroom where sex education, pleasure, and cultural understanding came together in powerful and deeply personal ways.
Whether it was a golden-hour cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals or thought-provoking discussions over wine and stroopwafels, the SHA Study Abroad experience offered both professional growth and personal transformation. Led by renowned researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller and a team of local educators, this program exemplified SHA’s mission: to provide world-class, inclusive, and experiential sexuality education that shapes not just careers—but lives.
What Is the SHA Study Abroad Program?
SHA’s Study Abroad is an immersive, international learning experience designed for sexual health professionals, therapists, educators, and students from around the globe. These curated travel programs combine in-depth academic content with cultural exploration to examine sexuality from global and inclusive perspectives.
More than a conference and more than a vacation, SHA Study Abroad sessions are structured to balance rigorous learning with authentic connection and play. Each program includes expert-led lectures, interactive workshops, site visits, and plenty of opportunities to explore the host city. The result? A deeply embodied education that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
In Spring 2025, Amsterdam served as the perfect backdrop for this immersive experience. The city's openness, rich history, and progressive policies offered a unique lens through which participants explored complex topics such as sex education, pleasure, and cultural variation.
Meet Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Study Abroad Director
At the heart of the Amsterdam program was Dr. Justin Lehmiller, one of the most respected voices in sex research today. A Research Fellow at the Kinsey Institute and author of the bestselling book Tell Me What You Want, Dr. Lehmiller brings decades of experience and a compassionate, science-informed perspective to conversations about desire, relationships, and sexual well-being.
Throughout the program, Dr. Lehmiller guided participants through lectures and discussions that unpacked the latest research in sexual health. He also created space for vulnerability, curiosity, and critical thinking—whether during a formal workshop or a spontaneous conversation while strolling along the canals.
Highlights from SHA Study Abroad in Amsterdam
SHA’s Study Abroad in Amsterdam was designed to activate the senses and the intellect in equal measure. Some of the program’s most memorable experiences included:
Canal Cruise at Sunset: On the first evening, students cruised through the heart of the city, basking in golden hour light while bonding with fellow participants and facilitators. The energy was relaxed, welcoming, and ripe for connection.
Tour of the World’s Oldest Sex Museum: Students visited the famous Venustempel to explore erotic art, historical artifacts, and the evolution of sexual norms. It was a playful yet eye-opening way to understand cultural narratives about sex and pleasure.
Biking Through the City: True to Dutch tradition, students took to the streets on bicycles, experiencing the city’s charm and progressive spirit firsthand. This physical immersion reinforced the importance of accessibility and freedom in sexual well-being.
Lectures from Local Experts: SHA brought in Dutch sex educators and public health experts to explain the Dutch model of sex education—widely regarded as one of the most effective and inclusive in the world. These conversations highlighted the power of early, comprehensive, and shame-free education in fostering healthier attitudes toward sex.
Evening Reflections: Each night, participants gathered for group discussions, sharing how the day’s experiences connected with their personal and professional lives. Many described these sessions as the most profound part of the program.
Why Amsterdam for SHA Study Abroad?
Amsterdam’s global reputation for openness, inclusivity, and progressive policies makes it an ideal setting for a sexuality study abroad program. In many ways, the city embodies the values SHA stands for—sex-positivity, diversity, pleasure, and education without shame.
The Dutch approach to sex education is built on principles of respect, autonomy, and honesty. From a young age, students are taught to discuss bodies, relationships, and desires in ways that are both age-appropriate and empowering. For SHA students and professionals coming from countries where sex education is often stigmatized or absent, this exposure was eye-opening.
This trip was also a chance to reflect on how sexual health professionals can lead cultural shifts in their own communities. By witnessing what’s possible in a city like Amsterdam, participants gained both a model and motivation to push boundaries at home.
Looking Ahead: Join Us This September for SHA Study Abroad
If you missed the Amsterdam trip, don’t worry—SHA’s Study Abroad program continues! We’re thrilled to offer two more immersive experiences this September. We can promise the same blend of travel, education, and connection that made Amsterdam so special.
Study Abroad in Reykjavik, Iceland - We're taking our popular Study Abroad program to Reykjavik, Iceland for the first time! Why Reykjavik? Because it offers a unique blend of progressive sexuality education and an adventurous, travel-friendly environment. Sexual Health Alliance's Study Abroad program provides a cutting-edge, transformational, and engaging sexuality education experience.
Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain - We're excited to announce that our Study Abroad program is heading to Barcelona for the first time! Barcelona's lively culture and openness make it a fantastic place to dive into sexuality education.
Whether you’re a practicing therapist, a public health educator, a student, or simply someone passionate about sexual well-being, this is your invitation to take your learning global. SHA’s Study Abroad is open to learners from all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Ready to Expand Your Worldview?
SHA’s Study Abroad program isn’t just a professional development opportunity—it’s a way to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine what’s possible for your work and life. You’ll return with not only new knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and community.
If you're interested in joining our next cohort in September, visit our website to reserve your spot now!
