The Spring 2025 Study Abroad program in Prague from the Sexual Health Alliance wasn’t just a getaway—it was an immersive, mind-expanding, career-shaping journey. This spring, a group of SHA students joined renowned researcher Dr. Justin Lehmiller for a deep dive into the cultural heart of Prague. Over five days, participants explored the intersections of sex, politics, art, and health in one of Europe’s most historically rich and socially complex cities.
SHA Study Abroad programs are designed to take learning into the real world. In Prague, students weren’t just attending lectures—they were living their education. Through city tours, museum visits, local guest experts, and interactive discussions, the group engaged directly with topics that shape sexuality across borders and generations.
Why Prague for SHA Study Abroad?
Prague was a deliberate choice for this session. With its history as a cultural crossroads and its modern evolution into a hub for adult media, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and progressive politics, the city offered fertile ground for exploring sexuality through diverse lenses.
SHA’s itinerary combined academic rigor with immersive local experiences. Students participated in a Queer History & Art Tour led by a Czech anthropologist, uncovering how LGBTQ+ narratives have been suppressed, hidden, and rediscovered throughout Prague’s complex history. Walking through ancient alleyways and historic neighborhoods, they came face-to-face with a legacy of resilience, activism, and artistic resistance.
The group also gained rare insight into Europe’s adult entertainment industry—an industry with deep roots in the Czech Republic. By understanding the economic, cultural, and technological shifts that shaped this industry post-Communism, students were able to explore the role of media, censorship, and labor in shaping sexual culture.
And, of course, no trip to Prague would be complete without visiting the famous Sex Machines Museum. As the only institution of its kind, it provided a surprisingly educational—and at times hilarious—look into how human sexuality and technology have intertwined throughout history.
A Unique Learning Experience in Prague
One of the standout highlights of this Study Abroad was a special lecture with internationally recognized neuroscientist Dr. Jim Pfaus. In this session, students were introduced to the latest research on the neuroscience of fetishes. By linking brain science to real-world expressions of desire, Dr. Pfaus offered a compelling scientific framework for understanding arousal, kink, and attraction.
Each day in Prague blended movement, conversation, and reflection. E-bike city tours allowed students to explore Prague’s hills, castles, and neighborhoods with ease, while evening dinners gave space for community building and deep professional dialogue.
These kinds of experiences are what make SHA’s Study Abroad programs so powerful. Students don’t just take notes—they share stories, ask hard questions, and form lasting connections with others committed to advancing sex-positive work around the globe.
SHA Study Abroad Programs: Led by Dr. Justin Lehmiller
The program was led by Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute and one of the most cited experts in human sexuality today. Author of the widely-read book Tell Me What You Want, Dr. Lehmiller brings both academic rigor and a deep commitment to accessibility in sex education.
During the Prague trip, Dr. Lehmiller led discussions that helped students link cultural insights to their clinical or educational practice. His guidance made it easy to connect the dots between what students saw on the streets of Prague and the frameworks they use in their professional lives.
Dr. Lehmiller’s presence on these trips adds unmatched depth. His background in global sexual attitudes, desire, and relationship dynamics helped students interpret what they were witnessing in real time and apply it to their work, whether they were therapists, coaches, or researchers.
Preparing Sexual Health Professionals with Global Education
SHA’s mission is to prepare professionals to lead in a global, inclusive, sex-positive future. Study Abroad programs like this are more than a travel opportunity—they are integral to that mission. By learning directly from local experts, experiencing cultural differences firsthand, and connecting with peers from around the world, SHA students gain a unique edge in their training and practice.
The Prague experience left many feeling not just inspired, but changed. For some, it solidified their path as educators or counselors. For others, it challenged long-held assumptions and offered new frameworks for approaching sensitive topics. In all cases, the city—and the SHA community—offered a supportive container for growth.
Where We're Headed Next: September Study Abroad Opportunities
While our time in Prague has come to a close, our Study Abroad adventure is far from over. This September, SHA is taking students to two equally exciting destinations: Iceland and Barcelona.
SHA Study Abroad in Reykjavik, Iceland: September 15–19, 2025
Iceland is known for its gender equity, progressive policies, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This Study Abroad will focus on how Nordic culture integrates pleasure, equality, and health into policy and daily life. Expect powerful discussions on sexual rights, reproductive justice, and the future of inclusive education. Learn more about SHA Study Abroad in Reykjavik, Iceland here.
SHA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain: September 22–26, 2025
Barcelona is more than a city—it’s a living museum of sexuality, activism, and art. As the home of Europe’s ethical porn movement and long-standing LGBTQ+ activism, this Study Abroad is ideal for those interested in media, justice, and cultural change. Students will explore topics ranging from body image and feminism to queer history and public health. Learn more about SHA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain here.
Why Join?
Study alongside world-renowned experts like Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Earn credit toward SHA certifications
Experience immersive, culturally rich education you can’t get anywhere else
Build international professional connections
Come home more inspired, knowledgeable, and connected
Keep Learning, Keep Traveling, and Keep Building Bridges
SHA’s Prague Study Abroad was more than just a trip—it was a reminder of why we do this work. In a world where sexuality is often silenced or stigmatized, it’s essential to keep learning, keep traveling, and keep building bridges. The lessons we brought home from Prague—about history, pleasure, art, and resilience—will stay with us for years to come.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining travel, sexuality studies, and community, this is your chance. Join us in September, and let the world be your classroom.
