Risk and Safety Preparations

The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us. It is our chief concern. Unfortunately, there are no guaranties when it comes to safety - not at home, as 9/11 so tragically demonstrated, and not abroad. Nonetheless, risk can be limited. To that end, we strongly encourage our students to read thoroughly and to take seriously the risk and safety information provided below and to keep appraised of current events in the countries in which they will be studying.

Four Principles of Personal Risk Preparedness While Studying Abroad

Awareness: Students should be aware of local hotspots and events. Read local newspapers and magazines, also keep up with international newspapers (e.g. Herald Tribune, Newsweek, Economist, Financial Times, etc.) Learn from local residents which areas of town are safe or dangerous and when to avoid certain locations. For example, normally safe areas may become more risky late at night, during soccer games, or political rallies. Determine which means of transportation are safe and secure, and at what time of day. Which is safer late at night, public transportation (buses, subways, etc.) or taxis. This varies from country to country. When traveling from a familiar city to an unfamiliar area, ask for advice and research safe areas before departing. We would like to add however, that participating in a demonstration is not a good way to raise awareness!

Communication: Uncertainty causes a great deal of anxiety. Students are asked to check-in regularly with their family, by phone or e-mail. Cell phones are quite inexpensive in many countries; many plans do not charge to receive calls. Students should inquire with their program provider which cell phone plans are best. For many parents, simply knowing that they can reach their student at anytime day or night, reduces anxiety considerably. The Study Abroad Office also asks that you check-in with us regularly by e-mail or phone. Notify us if you have a concern about your safety, or just to say that things are fine. We appreciate hearing from students.

Cultural Common Sense: Cross-cultural learning and understanding are among the most important and profound learning experiences students gain while studying abroad. The lessons can also be applied to help preserve oneÍs own safety. The first point is to recognize that cultures are different, even if they appear similar. While all cultures value safety and stability, the ways they achieve it may vary considerably. Students can enhance their experience and personal safety by learning the answers to the following Cultural Questions:

What do people in this culture value most?
How are reputations made or ruined?
What behaviors, manners or clothing blend-in and which demand attention?
How do people respond to uncertainty or difference? Are they open or do they feel threatened?
What are the cultural norms for alcohol in the host country?
What reputation do American students have? Do my actions, behavior and dress reinforce the negative or the positive?

Personal Responsibility: Many people are concerned about study abroad studentsÍ safety and security; including parents and friends, SAO staff and the University, the hosting institution and people responsible for accommodation abroad. However, no one will be as involved or concerned as you, the student. Personal safety and security begins with the multitude of decisions each student makes on a daily basis; which includes the transportation methods you choose, whom you associate with, when and where you go out, etc. By being aware, employing cultural common sense and making responsible, intelligent choices, students can greatly narrow the risks to their own safety. By far, the greatest threat to student safety involves alcohol. That alcohol impairs oneÍs judgment is well known, but too often ignored. Drinking across cultures is not necessarily as dangerous as drinking and driving, overindulgence can lead to poor decisions that can be equally as dangerous.

Additional Tips on Reducing Student Risk:

1 Stay Informed, by local news and people
2 Have Documents and Cash Available, including passport and air tickets
3 Don't Dress Like an American, e.g. leave the Texas cap at home.
4 Don't Discuss Politics, and certainly don't feel compelled to defend any US policy in a bar
5 Avoid American hangouts.

Information on Affiliated Programs' Policies Regarding Safety

SIT| Syracuse| ISA| IES| DIS| CIEE| IFSA-Butler| Arcadia| API|

"I think this was a chance of a lifetime. It was great to live in another country while going to school. I made many friends, especially Koreans."

-Justin Doh
Mechanical Engineering
Hanyang University
Korea