Safety & Security While Traveling

Just like in the United States, it is important that you are vigilant and take common sense precautions to safeguard yourself while on your study away program. Indeed, it may be even more important to be vigilant while studying away, as you may not know all of the nuances of your host location's local laws and cultural norms.

There are proactive steps you can take to make your situation as safe as possible. Here are a few of the best practices to follow while on study away:

Try to fit in

Don’t stand out. While “safety in numbers” is a good rule to follow, traveling as an identifiable group of American students may attract unwanted attention. Try to act like the locals.

Whenever possible, speak in the local language and/or memorize helpful words and phrases in that language. Dress inconspicuously and avoid flashing expensive gadgets (e.g. laptops, iPhones, etc.), clothing with conspicuous American branding, money, jewelry, and other valuables in public. Make sure you understand the basic layout and orientation of your host city and know which areas and neighborhoods to avoid. If you’re not sure, ask program staff or trusted local sources.

Be cautious and alert

Practice heightened situational awareness when out in public. Immediately report any suspicious activities or persons to local authorities. Be wary of strangers. Don’t share information about yourself or other students. Don’t give your own or anyone else’s address, telephone number(s), or other personal information to people you don’t know; and don’t discuss your class or field trip schedule or other plans. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers and keep a watch on your (and your friends’) drink(s).

Watch your valuables

Keep all valuables on your person in a discreet place, preferably stowed away in a money belt or a pouch that hangs around your neck and under clothing. Don’t carry more money than you need for your daily expenses. Deposit excess cash in a bank if possible or in a hotel safe or deposit box. Take good care of bank and credit cards, as well as your passport. Never leave a purse or backpack unattended and keep such bags away from passing traffic when walking down the street. If the item has a shoulder strap, wear it across your body. Do not put valuable items in the exterior pockets of book bags, backpacks, or bags that are open at the top.

Be a wise traveler

Try to avoid arriving late at night in unfamiliar cities and take along a reliable guidebook that lists resources and hotels/hostels. It’s always preferable to travel with another person. It is not advisable to sleep on a train if you are traveling alone. Do not agree to watch the belongings of a person whom you do not know. Do not hitchhike. Let your program director, host family, and friends know your itinerary when traveling.

Use the buddy system and stick with a group

When going out at night, make sure you go with at least one other person. When with a large group, make sure everyone stays together and don’t leave anyone behind.

Be streetwise

Avoid deserted areas and exercise caution in crowds. Avoid impairing your judgment due to excessive consumption of alcohol. Be aware that pickpockets tend to prey on people who look lost or who do not seem to be paying attention. Pickpockets often have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions, or distract you in another way.

Be sure that your program director/support staff know how to contact you and that you know how to contact them if needed.

Political Strife

It may be possible that you will find yourself caught in the midst of political strife while on your study away program, which may take the form of protests, rallies, demonstrations, strikes, etc. While these events will most likely not be directed at you personally, or even at you as an American, they can be very dangerous and should be avoided. If you find yourself in this situation, exit the area as quickly as is safely possible. You should not attempt to watch such events from the sidelines or photograph them.

Terrorism

While terrorist attacks are often indiscriminate in nature and can happen anywhere in the world, there are steps you can take to help increase your personal security.

  • Minimize unnecessary time spent around potential terrorist targets. For example: government/military buildings, transportation services and hubs, Western embassies/consulates, high-profile tourist sites and cultural/religious institutions, large gatherings of people/crowded public areas, busy entertainment venues, religious gatherings and sites, etc.
  • When in public, be cautious, exercise heightened situational awareness, and report any suspicious activity or persons immediately to local authorities. If you see something, say something.
  • Comply with directives from program staff as well as local authorities.
  • Closely monitor local news sources. Be aware of days that may have religious significance.