Living abroad can be an exciting, rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Most of our alumni say that studying abroad greatly influenced their views of the world as well as their own countries, and helped them grow as people, students and future professionals.
While living in a different country it is important to remember that you are subject to the laws, customs and norms of that country. Using common sense and following basic rules about safety can greatly enhance your experience and help avoid potential problems. While we do everything we can to provide health and safety information, ultimately it is the student's responsibility to follow our suggestions and guidelines.
Below is a list of safety and health tips that we recommend students should follow.
Be Informed and Be Alert
It is always smart -- no matter where you are (at home or abroad) -- to take note of what is going on around you, including out-of-the-ordinary people and events. Be sensible. Make changes to your daily routines to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Be especially alert at night; stay on well-lit streets, avoid subways, buses, and train stations, do not walk in empty parks or areas, and travel with a friend or in a group!!
Travel Wisely
Whenever possible, travel with a friend(s). There is always safety in numbers. Make sure to tell someone where you are going, preferably the KEI On-Site Coordinator. Review maps to determine the route you will take before you go out. Looking lost or confused, or fumbling with a map or guidebook can make you vulnerable. Plan where you are going before you leave.
Keep a Low Profile
Learn the customs of the host country, especially norms that dictate fashion, acceptable clothing, and proper behavior (which may be gender specific).
Some questions to ask yourself:
Do people in this culture dress formally or informally?
What is considered appropriate clothing for this culture for a person of my gender and my age?
What are the general colors/style of clothing that are appropriate/typical?
On what occasions do people in this culture dress differently?
You should also be aware of differences in manners and actions that would make you stand out unnecessarily as a foreigner. Endeavor to learn some words in the native language as much as possible; most everyone appreciates it when foreigners do so. If you feel anti-American sentiment, avoid wearing clothing that identifies you as an American. This includes t-shirts with U.S. flags, college sweatshirts, baseball caps, etc. Try to stay away from U.S. establishments, including companies and food franchises. In general, keep a low profile.
Be Aware of Pickpockets and Scam Artists
Pickpockets tend to work in crowded places as a group. While one person distracts you, the other goes after your valuables. Be alert in public places, tourist locations and public transportation - a favorite with many pickpockets. Beware of strangers who approach you, are overly friendly, very loud, offer bargains, or offer to be your guide. If in a confined area, be assertive and elbow your way out. Protect your valuables by using a money belt and wearing your backpack in front of you rather than on your back.
Use a Money Belt
We cannot stress this enough. Wallets and purses are easy to steal for professional pickpockets. You will not even know it is gone until you need it. But a money belt worn around the waist underneath your clothes is virtually impossible to pickpocket without alerting you to the action. Most money belts have a pocket for your passport, documents and money. Use a money belt, and avoid unnecessary worries!
Keep Important Information with You
You should have the following information on your person at all times, preferably kept in your money belt.
On-Site Coordinator contact information, including mobile telephone.
Address and direction card for the host university and your residence.
Address and contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate.
Personal identification, preferably not your passport (unless required by the laws of the host country). A student identification card usually works well.
KEI Emergency Contact information.
Health insurance card and information.
Say No to Drugs In most countries, possession or transportation of drugs is a very serious offense (just as it is in the U.S.), often resulting in jail (and even execution). Do not, under any circumstances, use illegal drugs! You should also take care that you don't leave your baggage unattended under any circumstances, lest someone put something in it; don't allow others to use you as a scapegoat.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Scan and save a copy of your passport, airplane tickets, health insurance card, student ID and other important documents.
Make sure to keep the copies in a safe place, preferably not with the original documents.
Do not keep them with you. Email a copy to the KEI New York office before your departure and a copy to yourself.
If your wallet or backpack is lost or stolen, you will need this information, and you can simply print out a new copy.
Remember, having copies of important documents will make their replacement much, much easier.
Keep Up with Current Events
Be aware of current events in your host and home countries.
Political and international events may influence how people view and act towards you.
Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
Keep in Contact
Make sure to check in regularly with your On-Site Coordinator and your family and friends at home. Establish a way to contact your parents in case of an emergency.
Tips for Female Students
Many countries have very traditional customs and norms that govern how men and women interact. One common assumption is that American women are "easy." Men in these countries will treat American women in ways that they would not dream of treating "their own" women.
While you may not agree with local customs, you should learn to respect and follow the laws and social norms of the host country.
In addition, you should...
Research the norms governing social behavior in the host country before the program.
Ask local women what the line between harassment and regular "machismo" action is, and how they usually handle catcalls or touching.
Unless you are particularly looking for an encounter, do not look males directly in the eye in certain countries.
Dress in clothes that blend in with the locals.
Don't ask strangers for help. If you need help, ask an authority figure, a woman or a couple.
Look confident.
Avoid unsafe neighborhoods and places. Trust your gut about what is safe and unsafe.
Leave immediately if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Do not carry mace with you unless you are absolutely certain that it is necessary, and that carrying it is not in violation of the laws of the country in which you are traveling.
Practice Safe Sex
Although sex is not necessarily planned, safe sex should be. You should always be prepared for any eventuality. Therefore, even if you are not expecting to experience intimacy with anyone while overseas, bring a supply of condoms with you anyway. Keep in mind that American-made condoms are in general safer and more reliable than many of the ones you may purchase abroad.
If you are a woman do not be afraid of being perceived as promiscuous if you carry condoms, and do not expect male partners to always have their own. Most importantly, understand that this is not a joking matter: even one apparently insignificant episode could ruin and shorten the rest of your life--and often someone else's.
All this said -- be aware that in some countries, especially outside of Europe, males and females may be virgins until they get married. Likewise, sex may not be talked about publicly.
We encourage parents to take an active role in helping their children prepare for study abroad.
Being involved in your child's program will not only better prepare you in the event of an emergency, it will also alleviate some anxiety for both yourself and your child.
Below are some helpful tips to get you started.
Become Familiar
Become familiar with the program by reviewing program literature and KEI web site. Most of the literature can be downloaded from the web site or mailed to your home address. Contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.
Research the host location. The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control web sites contain reliable information about each country, and general information about travel and safety.
Stay Informed
Keep current on world events, especially as they relate to the program location. Watch the news. Read foreign press releases. Many foreign news organizations have an English web site.
Keep in mind, though, that the American and worldwide press often tend to inflate danger by focusing reports on "things that go wrong" instead of the overall picture. In addition, many foreign newspapers are owned by the government or by a certain political figure, and can be terribly skewed in perspective.
Discuss Health & Safety
You should discuss the following with your son or daughter.
Safety, health, insurance and emergency procedures
Behavior issues. Review and understand KEI policies regarding behavior and suspensions. Keep in mind that your child will be living under a different set of cultural norms, laws and social expectations.
Independent travel plans and activities
Sexual activity and alcohol use while abroad
Finances and spending habits
Be Prepared
There are several things you can do to be prepared for the expected and unexpected.
Make sure you have a valid passport (in case of emergency requiring travel to the site, it will speed your travel abroad).
Make a copy of your child's passport and legal documents. Keep them in a safe place.
Have your child's flight itinerary handy.
Make sure you have the following contact information:
KEI New York office phone number and email.
Phone number for the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest the host university.
Your child's email address.
Local contact information, including your child's mobile telephone number, other local numbers and mailing address. Make sure your child provides you with this information when he/she arrives at the host location.
Make sure you are prepared to do any of the following on your child's behalf: file taxes, request absentee ballot, renew license, pay bills, register for the following semester at school, register for housing, financial aid, etc.
Keep your child enrolled in your insurance policy. Insure any valuables (laptops, video camera, etc.) that your child is taking along, and try to encourage him or her to leave irreplaceable items at home.
Stay Connected
Make sure KEI and your child has your contact information, including office and home phone numbers and email.
You may also want to provide contact information for a neighbor, close relative, and/or good friend that will be able to reach you in case of emergency.
Stay in touch with your child and KEI on a regular basis. Given the cost of international phone calls, it might be wise to set up a regular schedule of emailing or instant messaging.
Give Your Child Room to Grow
Your child is studying abroad in part to expand horizons, grow as an individual and gain independence. As a parent, it is a natural tendency to want to protect your child, but ultimately, this is your child's experience.
Before your child leaves, your support and encouragement are essential. You can participate by searching out materials for them to read and initiating discussions on the host country and culture. However, maintaining a certain distance is essential to your child's growth. While abroad, this may be the first time your child will be on his or her own, and it's important for them to fully understand this and take responsibility for their actions.
If you decide to visit your child while abroad, we strongly encourage you to go after the end of the term. If you visit while classes are in session, your child's attention will be divided between visiting with you and their academic obligations. By the end of the term, your child will be more comfortable with the local language and transportation and will have free time to devote to showing you around.
When your child returns home after the program, expect a fair amount of return culture shock as he or she tries to internalize all the new experiences with life at home. Negative statements such as "Americans are so fat!" usually subside after a few weeks, giving way to a more permanent and mature understanding of the world's realities. Again, your support is essential - even when your child says no one can understand what they've been through.
