Staying Safe While Studying Abroad

A semester or year spent studying overseas can an exciting and personally enriching experience. It challenges you on a personal level and helps develop a greater self-confidence, independence, and self-reliance. It also gives students the opportunity to increase language skills, gain a new perspective on the world, make new contacts and form lasting connections. While this isn't always easy, most students agree that the benefits far outweigh the reasons to stay at home.

As much as study abroad is a fun experience, it's also one that requires a lot of planning. Making preparations before leaving for a foreign destination, and knowing how to stay safe once on the ground, will benefit you and give your parent a peace of mind. When heading into unfamiliar territory, safety is a main priority.

Some countries that student’s may choose to travel to may require immunization shots. You should get a physical and any necessary immunizations before you leave. Your doctor should be able to tell you about health risks abroad. Or, consider seeing a doctor who specializes in travel medicine; they will be able to discuss with you in depth the risks in your host country. If you live in northern New Jersey you could visit the Travel Medicine Program at Morristown Medical Center or Overlook Medical Center In addition, you may want to see your other doctors, including your dentist. If you have any health conditions (e.g. allergies, diabetes, asthma), discuss with your doctor how to manage them while abroad. If you take prescription medicine, take enough supply for your entire time abroad, plus some extra in case your return is delayed. To avoid problems, ensure that the medicine is in its original container. Bring a large enough supply of medicine and medical materials, because your host country may not have the medicine or medical devices you need. Pack your essential medicine or medical devices in your carry-on luggage.

You should familiarize yourself with your host country’s environment by reading the traveler's advisories and other safety information posted at the State Department’s Background Notes/Country Fact Sheets. Look for Travel Warnings about certain countries and register with the U.S. State Department to let them know your location, which is extremely important in case of a natural disaster or other emergencies.

No matter how safe your campus and community appear to be, the best time to familiarize yourself with your neighborhood and campus is by walking around in the daylight. You can ask fellow students and staff members about areas you should avoid at night. Here are some basic security tips to follow:

• Never walk alone at night.
• Note the address and the telephone number of the nearest embassy or consulate.
• Locate the police station that serves your neighborhood.
• Locate the nearest fire alarm box and learn how to report a fire.
• Identify the hospital emergency room nearest to your home and know what to do in case of an accident.
• Keep "emergency" numbers near your phone at home.  Check to see if your host country has a similar "911" system.

You will probably be doing a fair amount of traveling while you are abroad. Here are a number of safety issues you should keep in mind, especially in urban settings.

• Do not display money, jewelry, or other valuable items.
• Don’t carry too much cash
• Choose a car or compartment in a train or metro in which others are riding.
• Do not fall asleep on short rides.
• Mind the gap--In other words, do not stand on the edge of train or metro platforms.
• Keep your wallet in your side pocket, keep your purse closed and close to your body.
• Keep your passport in a safe place. If you carry it with you, keep it in your front pocket (or another safe place on your person).
• Never leave luggage, bags or backpacks unattended.
• If someone is bothering you, inform the driver or train operator.
• Avoid unwanted attention and confrontations.
• Beware of pickpockets and purse-snatchers

• If you travel independently, notify someone from your school where you’re going.
• Use only official taxis.
• Avoid political or social demonstrations. Such events can become dangerous, and you can be hurt or even arrested.

In terms of using credit cards you may want to look at TeenHealthFX’s piece on More Than One Credit Card Traveling Abroad. Many merchants are using the updated technology of micro chips while most US credit cards still use magnetic strip.

Spending time abroad can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. The International Education of Students (IES) study found that 97% of respondents said study abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity; 96% reported increased self-confidence; and 73% said study abroad continues to influence the decisions they make in their family life.