Study Abroad Safety
1. USE COMMON SENSE - Think before you act.
2. Learn as much as possible about the country in which you plan to study. Make sure you check the State Department website: http://travel.state.gov/
3. Do not leave your luggage or belongings unattended at any time.
4. Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone. Make sure no one has placed anything in your luggage.
5. When you travel, use a money belt or waist pouch to carry your passport, credit cards, and traveler’s checks. Wear the pouch under your clothes. Keep a separate record of your traveler’s checks, credit cards, passport/visa information in another part of your belongings so that you will have a record if these are lost or stolen. Make several copies of your passport and leave one with your parents or friends. Carry another copy in your luggage. It’s a good idea to scan your passport before you leave and email it to your email address. That way, if you lose your passport, you will have a copy that you can access and print out from any internet café.
6. Use the “buddy system” or in the evening, go out with small groups, especially the first few weeks of your stay.
7. Do not travel alone. Always try to travel with at least one other person.
8. Update yourself on your destination and consider postponing a visit to a place if there have been problems there recently. It is better to be safe than sorry. Knowledge of current events is important. Read the paper and watch some TV to stay informed.
9. Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as train or airline tickets or to fund hospital stays.
10. In case of an emergency, remain in contact with the on-site staff or the American Consulate nearest to you.
11. Let your host family or roommate know of any traveling you plan to do.
12. Downplay those elements of your appearance and manner that broadcast that you are U.S. American like:
• Wearing U.S college or university insignia clothing or heavily patriotic American clothing
• Wearing baseball caps or U.S. sports teams’ shirts or jackets
• Talking loudly with a group of friends.
13. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
14. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages and associating with people who do.
15. Avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-U.S. sentiments may be expressed.
Advice Especially for Women:
What may be appropriate or friendly behavior in the United States may bring you unwanted, even dangerous, attention in another culture. Try not to take offense at whistles and other gestures, regardless of whether they are compliments, invitations or insults. Realize these gestures are as much a part of the culture as its food, history and language, but if your intuition tells you a situation is dangerous, then act as if it is. Be extra careful with giving your trust. This applies generally, but is especially important when traveling alone.