Although CISabroad runs programs in countries that are considered safe as define by the U.S. Department of State, problems ranging from minor verbal harassment to theft and robbery to serious physical and sexual assault are a danger in these countries just as they are in the US. Some of these incidents are not avoidable, but many are. Below you will find useful information about behaviors that can put you at risk and strategies that can help you reduce the likelihood of these incidents happening to you.
Conditions that Contribute to Risk Whether at Home or Abroad
Situations which place anyone at greatest risk are:
* Being out after midnight
* Being alone at night in an isolated area
* Being in a known high-crime area
* Sleeping in an unlocked place
* Being out after a local curfew
* Being intoxicated
Strategies Used by U.S. Students to Reduce Risk
You have most likely been using a variety of strategies to avoid harm while living in the United States and these will be useful overseas as well. These are:
* Listening for what is being said around you
* Keeping watch for suspicious people and vehicles
* Knowing what hours of the night are more dangerous than others
* Staying in and walking only in those areas that are well lit
* Avoiding being alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods
* Knowing where to get help (stores, phones, fire station, etc.)
Note: It is important to discuss the extent to which these strategies are or are not applicable during your time abroad.
Factors Placing Students at Risk Abroad
Your circumstance as a foreigner places you at some increased risk because you:
* Are new to this country
* May not speak the local language well
* Are traveling to new places and making new friends
* Will generally be traveling by public transportation
* Are curious about your new home and the new culture you are living in
* May stand out in a crowd
* Have not yet learned the best way to say no in this culture
* May not yet pick up the "clues" in this culture that you are in danger
* Have not yet established personal daily routines in your new home
Strategies for Reducing Risk
Safety is ultimately the responsibility of each individual student and you should actively develop your own personal safety strategies. Administrators and/or our CISabroad site directors can assist you in developing personal awareness and personal safety strategies. Some suggestions include:
On site:
* Establishing relationships with hosts, neighbors, and local authorities
* Improving structural security of residence (shuttered/barred window, door locks, sealed walls/ceilings, etc.)
* Ensuring access to emergency medical care
* Developing emergency support/communications network
* Screening visitors
Traveling:
* Notifying the international student office of travel plans
* Wearing prudent attire
* Restricting night travel
* Projecting certainty of route and destination
* Avoiding "high risk" regions
* Traveling with a friend/ trusted other
* Establishing rapport with regular drivers
* Women sitting with other women or middle aged couples
Urban Area:
* Demonstrating vigilance/confidence/"street smarts"
* Being aware of surroundings
* Avoiding "high risk" areas
* Identifying "safe zones"
* Using "buddy system"
* Carrying whistle or other personal safety device
* Locating safe hotels/guest houses
* Moderating alcohol consumption
* Carrying only sufficient cash in safe place (pouch, money belt)
Reporting:
If you are a victim of an assault, reporting this incident to the host university emergency contact is important because:
* You may need medical attention
* You may need to or choose to talk with someone about what has happened
* You may want or need assistance in working with the local authorities
* You should be aware of whether the discussion is confidential
(The above guidelines were adapted from SAFETI's adaptation of Peace Corps resources.)
Top 10 Tips for Students While Overseas
In addition to the guidelines above, below are the "Top Ten Travel Tips for Students" as found in the brochure "State department travel tips for students", provided by the U.S. State Department.
1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
3. Make copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas. Take one set with you and leave a second set with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
5. 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!
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.