Safety Abroad

Your personal safety while you are away from home is very important us. First of all, we should note that travel to another country is not inherently dangerous. Most study abroad professionals believe that living in most foreign countries is no more dangerous than living in the United States. On the other hand, there are risks that are unique to the overseas setting. When an incident occurs, the impact on participants and their families is often more profound because of the unfamiliarity of the surroundings and because of the distance that separates participants from their primary sources of consolation and support.

Safety Guidelines for Study abroad

As in other settings, you can have a major impact on your own health and safety abroad through the decisions you make before and during the program and by your day-to-day choices and behaviors. You should:

• Read and carefully consider all materials given to you that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, and cultural conditions in the host countries.
• Make available to your program director accurate and complete physical and mental health information and any other personal data that is necessary in planning for a safe and healthy study abroad experience.
• Participate fully in orientations.
• Maintain appropriate insurance policies and abide by any conditions imposed by the carriers.
• Provide your family with emergency contact information, and keep them informed on an ongoing basis. Include information on any travel away from the program site.
• Understand and comply with the codes of conduct of the program, and obey host-country laws.
• Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the program or other appropriate individuals.
• Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well being of others, and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.
• Accept responsibility for and consequences of your own decisions and actions.
• Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in the host country.
• Follow the program policies for keeping program staff informed of your whereabouts and wellbeing.
• Maintain contact with “home” so parents/guardians/families are assured of your safety and wellbeing.

Recommendations for Parents, Guardians, and Families

Parents, guardians, and families can play a particularly important role in the health and safety of participants in the study abroad setting by helping them make decisions and by influencing their behavior overseas. When appropriate, parents, guardians, and family members should:

• Obtain and carefully evaluate all health, safety and insurance information related to the program.
• Engage the participant in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues related to the program and encourage the student to keep you and the program sponsor informed of his/her whereabouts while traveling independently.
• Keep in touch with the student without being overbearing.

 Important Tips for Living and Traveling Abroad Safely

As we have said before, travel to another country is not inherently dangerous. However, no matter where you go, you inevitably stand out as a stranger and therefore could be a target of the local criminal. Because you don't yet know enough about the new environment, you cannot always rely on your instinctual knowledge of danger as you do at home. Keeping this in mind, we offer some thoughts and advice. 

• USE COMMON SENSE: Above everything else, use your common sense and your street skills. If you wouldn’t camp out in a city park at home, then don’t consider doing this abroad. Avoid walking alone at night. Stay in well-populated, well-trafficked areas. Avoid arguments. Be streetwise and you’ll encourage thieves to pick another target.    
  
• BE INFORMED: Read current newspapers and listen to TV or radio news; know what is going on in the world. Check with program staff before you travel regarding possible travel advisories and read up on the customs and political situation of every country you plan to visit. Talk to international students and program alumni from the places you intend to visit before you go. Their insights will prove very helpful.
• WATCH AND LEARN FROM THE LOCALS: If they do not go out after 9 p.m. without an escort, then you shouldn’t either. Ask questions of your host family, fellow dormitory residents, or your program director. If they do not make eye contact with strangers, then you shouldn’t either. Talk to hostel or hotel owners, program staff, tour guides, and fellow travelers to find out which scams are in vogue with local thieves.
• BE INCONSPICIOUS: Don’t look too “North American.” Don’t speak loudly and draw attention to yourself. Learn a few basic language phrases for each country where you plan to travel. To avoid looking like an American tourist, don’t wear t-shirts, sweatshirts, or baseball caps with North American logos. Don’t wear your camera around your neck. Remember that your map can give you away. Especially in heavily touristed cities, look at city maps and metro guides before going out.
  
• BE AWARE of your surroundings at all times. Use the precautions that are customary in any major city in the world today. Travel with a friend. Plan your route and walk confidently. If you are being followed, feel threatened, or you are lost, go into a store, restaurant, or other public area. You know what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. If your instincts tell you a situation is “not right,” trust them and move along.
• GUARD PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Don’t carry your passport or money in a pocket, open purse, or in your backpack. Pickpockets can mingle widely in a tourist crowd, especially at airports and near tourist sites, travel agencies, and currency exchange offices. A money belt or neck pouch is essential. If you need to sleep while in transit, use your pack as a pillow. On crowded city subways, always carry your daypack in front of you. Always have a hand or foot in a loop or strap of your luggage when you set it down to avoid having it snatched away while you’re not looking.
• PACKING VALUABLES: Don’t carry valuables in a backpack, never leave bags unattended, and never carry large amounts of cash. Take and use a lock on your backpack and suitcase. Take only as much luggage as you can carry and never let it out of your sight. Do not pack valuables (passports, documents, contact lenses, medications, and electrical equipment) in checked luggage. If it would greatly diminish your experience abroad should you lose a particular item, do NOT take it.
  
• COPY DOCUMENTS: Before leaving, make two copies of all important documents (passport, visa, traveler’s checks, and travel itinerary). Keep these in a safe place, leaving a copy at home in the U.S. When you don’t need your passport, carry the copy. 
  
• AIRPORT SECURITY: At airports, you should be prepared for lengthy check-ins since thorough security check can take time. Carry-on luggage will be X-rayed and possibly hand-searched. Do not carry packages for other travelers.
• TRAFFIC AND THE ROAD: According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), statistics indicate that the single greatest cause of death and serious injury for travelers abroad is road accidents. These far exceed the number of deaths resulting from disease, violence, or terrorism. Avoid car or bus travel at night. Use a seat belt. We strongly recommend that you do not own or operate a motor vehicle of any kind during your time abroad. Driving regulations and habits in many countries are different from those in the U.S. and driving overseas can be potentially dangerous. Your family’s liability insurance may not be valid abroad. Pedestrians are also at risk, so be especially careful in crossing the street. Never assume you have the right of way.
• DO NOT HITCHHIKE
• CAUTION TO WOMEN: Learn quickly those situations where you might be harassed or attacked. In many places, you will have to contend sexism and the notion that as a Western woman, you might be considered promiscuous. Observe the behavior of the local women. Find out about non-verbal messages (eye contact, tone, gestures, and dress) to avoid or adopt. If you are verbally harassed on the street, the best path is to ignore it unless you are touched or your safety is threatened.
• LEARN THE WORD FOR HELP in the language of your host country!
• AVOID DEMONSTRATIONS, especially in politically volatile countries. What appears to be a peaceful situation could suddenly become dangerous and you could become caught in the middle.

Emergencies Abroad

In case you are faced with a life-threatening emergency abroad: Make sure you find out, immediately upon arrival, how you can contact emergency services. This may mean finding phone numbers (for police, fire, rescue), as well as learning how to use a phone. The 911 emergency number is uniquely an American phenomenon, so you will have to learn the different ways of contacting the police and rescue services where you are.

Social Safety

One of the truly wonderful aspects of study abroad is making friends with people who have grown up in a different culture. It can be exhilarating to be able to exchange ideas and find common ground with people who speak a different native language and come from a different background.

Socializing abroad can be risky, however, because of cultural differences and misconceptions about North Americans. Some North American behavior that is acceptable at home may be viewed as provocative overseas. On the other hand, foreign tones of voice, gestures and ways of touching may cause North Americans to feel threatened by people who mean them no harm.

Take time to learn about cultural norms regarding relationship roles and dating. Use discretion and common sense in your behavior and in the clothing that you wear. Strive to blend in and thus avoid becoming a target for harassment. It is usually best to avoid making eye contact with strangers on the street. Above all, be aware of the unconscious message you give out through your posture, gestures, tone of voice, clothing, and eye contact.

If you find yourself in an encounter that makes you nervous, don’t worry about being the ugly American. State your views clearly and get out of the situation.

As for romantic relationships, you may not know enough at first about appropriate behavior. Given the additional handicap of possible language problems or unfair stereotypes, you could unwittingly set yourself up for trouble. Add alcohol to cloud your judgment and you could have a potentially dangerous situation. Talk to locals who you trust to find out more about appropriate behavior.

The bottom line is that you should enjoy your time abroad, but always use your head. If you temper curiosity with good sense, your trip will be a safe and enriching experience.

Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets: http://www.travel.state.gov
U.S. State Department and State Background Notes: http://www.state.gov/r/pe/ei/bgn
Latin American Travel Association: http://www.lata.org
Journeywoman Online Magazine: http://www.journeywoman.com
Global Access, a Network for Disabled Travelers: http://www.enablelink.org
European Road Signs and Conventions: http://www.travelang.com/signs/

Health Abroad

In the midst of deciding where to travel, what to pack, and what to see, many travelers overlook important health concerns. Many fail to realize that without your health you’re not going anywhere. Therefore, it is necessary to give your health all the attention it needs. All it takes is just a little preparation to equip yourself to handle any problems that may occur, with the least amount of inconvenience and expense.

 

The Center for Disease Control’s helpful Web Site:

www.cdc.gov/travel

 

Immunizations

Students are advised to determine whether any immunizations are required of their host country early in the process of preparing to study abroad. Typically, it is developing countries that most likely to require proof of immunization. Information on illnesses and immunizations such as malaria, yellow fever, and cholera may be easily obtained by visiting the Center for Disease Control’s Web site, listed above.  We also recommend you visit the PLNU Wellness Center with any questions about necessary immunizations and medication for your time abroad.

 

It is strongly recommended that you ensure immunization is current for the following (in addition to any other immunizations recommended by the CDC for the country you are visiting:

 

Tetanus:  All students are advised to ensure that their tetanus immunization is current (within the past 10 years) before going abroad.

 

Hepatitis A:  A virus spread through contaminated food and water is recommended when traveling to areas where risk is higher. The Hepatitis A series consists of 2 shots, six months apart. The vaccine is quite effective and usually will give up to 80% immunity after one injection, but the second shot is necessary for compete immunization.

 

Hepatitis B:  A virus spread through body fluids such as saliva and blood and can lead to significant liver failure. The only protection at this time is the immunization. The Hepatitis B shot is a 3-part series in intervals of shots one and six months following the first one. St. Thomas advises students to be immunized for Hepatitis B before going abroad.

 

Meningitis:  The meningitis vaccine is recommended to all college-age students (not just those going abroad). Meningcoccal infections usually have server consequences and may be fatal. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Center for Disease Control encourages college students in close-quartered housing situations or residence halls to consider the immunization. It is also a recommendation by the British government for U.S. students who will live in dorms with British students, and take meals with them, etc.

 

Medical Record:

In the event of an accident or illness, it is wise to have a brief medical record with you, in order to help a physician give the best possible care.

 

A good medical record would include: all drugs you are currently taking (listed by generic name), instructions and dosage concerning the medication, any chronic ailments, allergies or hypersensitivities, immunization history, blood type, eyeglass prescription, name of your personal physician (with address and phone number), health insurance policy, and if pertinent, your religion.

 

*Note. For purposes of recognition/translation by foreign medical personnel, all information should be listed in appropriate and accurate medical terminology for example, the chemical or generic name of a prescription drug instead of its brand name. Another excellent idea is to wear a bracelet or dog tag identifying any physical condition that may require emergency care. 

 

Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs

If you currently take any prescription medication and will continue to do so while abroad, contact your physical to receive a sufficient supply for your entire stay. Also, as noted above, be sure to take along a written, signed prescription from your physician including the reason for taking the drug, the generic name, and the instructions and dosage.

 

If you wear glasses, or contact lenses, consider taking along an extra pair, as well as your prescription.

 

You will probably be able to locate most American-made non-prescription items in major foreign countries; however, if there is any doubt in your mind or a substitute brand will not do, be sure to take along an adequate supply (i.e. vitamins, contact solution).

 

Here’s a list of a few over-the-counter items you may wish to take:

Aspirin and Tylenol – for headaches, fever, etc.

Vitamins -  in case you are not eating a regular diet

Medications for diarrhea and constipation

Antacid, antihistamine, motion sickness tablets

Decongestant, hydrocortisone cream

Water-purification tablets

*Keep all drugs in original containers, as not to cause problems when going through customs, and have them in your carry-on bag to avoid losing important medications.

 

Health Hints

Water – Most likely safe in large cities and hotels frequented by international travelers, but if it is at all questionable, stick to bottle water, canned/bottled carbonated drinks, tea, or coffee. Also, beware of ice in places with questionable water supply.

Food – Changes in diet can cause stomach or other health problems, so look out for this. In areas with poor sanitation and hygiene avoid street vendors, milk and milk products, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and raw fish and meat.

Respiratory Sickness – While traveling, you will probably be more susceptible to colds, coughs, etc., so remember that the best safeguard is a balanced diet, liquids, rest and common sense.

Other – If you happen to pick up an infection while you’re abroad, whether it be a virus, a bacterium, or a parasite, you may not get sick right away, for weeks after your return. Some diseases can take up to six months to show up. If you get sick, tell your physician what countries you have visited and when. This information might prove to be helpful in make a diagnosis.

 

Medical Care

1)      The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) is a non-profit, worldwide organization that helps travelers find competent medical aid abroad. Members are given pocket-size directory listing IAMAT centers in 450 cities. Contact IAMAT at 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 or at www.iamat.org

2)      Medic Alert is an organization for those persons having a particular illness or life threatening allergies. Membership is lifelong and costs $35. Among other things, members receive an identification bracelet or medallion describing the medical problem(s) and a 24 hr. phone number that can be called from anywhere in the world to obtain up-to-date information about your medical history. The address is: MedicAlert Foundation, 2323 Colorado Ave., Turlock, CA 95382, or you can call toll-free at 888-633-4298, or you can visit the Web site at www.medicalert.com