Precautions to Take
A note to women
A note to minorities
Handling luggage and purses
Safety on the street
Public transportation safety
Alcohol
Drugs
Sex
Protection against terrorism
Anti-Americanism
Avian Flu
A note to women
In some study abroad locations, students will find significant cultural differences in attitudes towards women. Women may not be viewed as equals to men and may experience different treatment than in the U.S. Men in other cultures may demonstrate their appraisal of a female student by staring, making verbal comments, following a woman on the street, or honking a car horn, for example. At first, some women feel flattered, but for many women, the attention comes to be annoying. Ignoring such attentions helps discourage them, and there are other ways students can reduce them.
In a different area, there are different social rules for women’s behavior. Be careful not to send signals you don’t mean to send! In the U.S., acting friendly towards a man is frequently a part of common courtesy, but may be misinterpreted abroad. Be aware of the fact that in many countries, American women have the reputation of being “loose” or “easy.” While Americans usually smile and make eye contact with strangers on the street and in other public settings, such behavior may bring unwanted invitations in other countries. Accepting a drink in a bar could also mean something different than what you think it does. In addition, you may want to dress more conservatively than you would in the U.S. – the tank tops you frequently wear in Manhattan may bring you increased attention. In general, watch the behavior of local women and take your cues from them.
Women should also practice the safety precautions they frequently take at home. It is wise in both the U.S. and abroad to avoid walking alone late at night, or in certain neighborhoods. It may be a good idea to team up with a friend when going to a party or bar where you may be consuming alcohol. As in Manhattan, avoid drinking beverages that you haven’t opened yourself or gotten directly from a bartender or waiter. If you put your drink down and leave it unattended, do not drink from it again! If meeting someone you do not know well, always meet in a public place.
If an incident should occur, go to the hospital for medical attention and call the police. If you chose not to go to the police you can still receive help from the Women’s Center at K-State and Counseling Services. We encourage you to seek help through all avenues.
For more detailed information see the article enclosed in your packet: Sexual Harassment and Prevention In College Students Studying Abroad by Nancy Newport. When you arrive in your host country ask the study abroad staff for tips on ways to minimize risk.
Women’s Center http://www.k-state.edu/womenscenter/
phone: 785-532-6444
fax: 785-532-6457 email: womenscenter@ksu.edu
Counseling Services http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/
phone: 785-532-6927
fax: 785-532-3932 e-mail: counsel@ksu.edu
A note to minority students
Students who are members of minority groups (ethnic minorities, participants with disabilities, participants who are overweight, religious minorities, gay and lesbian students) may face particular challenges in the study-abroad setting. For example, African-American students in St. Petersburg and white students in the Dominican Republic may experience similar feelings of discomfort and may learn that host country nationals hold misconceptions about ethnic groups.
Non-visible minority groups, such as gay students in China or Japanese-American students in Japan may face different challenges. The gay student, who could be openly gay on the home campus, may feel pressure to modify his behavior in a culture where homosexuality is not accepted or is against the law. For support, GLBT students can head to the NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group, particularly designed for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students abroad. http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/lesbigay/
Students with physical disabilities can find support and tips through Mobility International found on the web at http://www.miusa.org. Students with learning disabilities should let their program know before they arrive so that arrangements can be made to accommodate special needs.
For some students, the culture shock may be double: students can be in the minority in their own group of study abroad students as well as in the host culture. Study abroad advisors and resident staffs are sensitive to these issues and will provide as much information and support as possible.
Handling luggage and purses
You must be cautious with money and valuables overseas just as you would be in any American city. A wallet or passport poking out of a pocket or a purse left open or unattended is an invitation to theft. Use purses that can be securely closed and never leave a wallet exposed in a back pocket. Hold on to purses, preferably using a strap that can be placed around the neck and over the shoulder. Never carry your wallet or passport in the zippered pocket of a backpack. Neck safes or waist belts are best for carrying valuables. It is especially dangerous to wear your backpack on your back in crowded places.
Safety on the street
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide. Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you, ask you for direction or the time, point to something, spill on your clothing or distract you by creating a disturbance. A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction while picking your pocket. Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions from individuals in authority. Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand. If you are confronted, don’t fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced. You cannot.
Be particularly careful in bars and nightclubs. Don't leave your purse or jacket unattended while you dance, or your drinks out on the table. Rule: if you put your drink down and it is not in your sight all the time, you should not pick it up again. If you ever find yourself in a place where there are drugs, leave. You do not want to end up in jail in a foreign country.
Public transportation safety
Just like you would in the United States, you need to use common sense while traveling. Taxis: Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs. Check to see if the picture on the license matches the driver. Trains: Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a serious problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains. If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor on the train or on the platform or station. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage, strap your valuables to you and sleep on top of them as much as possible. Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Buses: The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations.
Alcohol
Be careful of overindulging. It is very tempting in a country where the beer may be stronger and cheaper and there are no barriers to drinking under the age of 21. However, no matter your age and experience with alcohol, there are some serious dangers. Buy your own drinks and keep them in your hand. Keep control of yourself and don't be seen visibly drunk in the street. Never go home with a stranger. Go out with at least one friend and return home with that friend.
If you have an existing problem with alcohol please discuss how to manage your drinking with your doctor before leaving. If you are a member of Alcoholics Anonymous at home many countries have AA Chapters that you may be able to join. Check http://www.aa.org for more information.
Drugs
Using illegal drugs in a foreign country is a very bad idea. If you get caught with them, you could be thrown into a jail unlike anything you have ever imagined. The fact that you are American may not make a difference at all, or it could even make it worse! Don’t put yourself at risk. Again, if you have a preexisting drug problem please talk to your doctor before leaving about how to remain safe and drug-free while abroad.
Sex
Although sex is not necessarily planned, safe sex should be. So men, pack your condoms. Women, do you know what kinds of contraceptives are available where you are going? Have you considered purchasing emergency contraception at Lafene to take along with you? 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.
Protection against terrorism
Terrorist acts are random and unpredictable, making it impossible to protect oneself absolutely. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to unsafe areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings. The vast majority of foreign states where students study abroad have good records of maintaining public order and protecting residents and visitors within their borders from terrorism. Most terrorist attacks are the result of long and careful planning. Just as a car thief will first be attracted to an unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorist are looking for defenseless, easily accessible targets who follow predictable patterns. The chances that a study abroad student would be the victim of terrorism are slight. However, we do advise that you avoid luggage tags, dress and behavior that may identify you as an American. Also, be aware of what you discuss with strangers and watch out for anyone who may be eavesdropping.
Anti-Americanism
Much more likely than terrorism or massive political change is the possibility of a student being exposed to anti-American sentiment. At the beginning of the Iraq war and during the 2004 election, students experienced increased levels of anti-Americanism. The best approach in dealing with anti-Americanism is simply to ignore it. Try not to up-hold American stereotypes and be a good ambassador for the United States. If you feel the need to respond, it might work best to differentiate America- Americans- and you as an individual. Also remember that this person is expressing an individual opinion, not the views of every person in that city, country, or region.
Avian Flu
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is concerned about avian flu, however, the CDC website does not currently discourage travel to infected countries. They offer the following tips for those traveling in areas where avian influenza cases have been reported:
- At this time, CDC recommends that travelers to countries experiencing outbreaks of this disease in poultry should avoid areas with live poultry, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Large amounts of the virus are known to be excreted in the droppings from infected birds.
- As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important and appropriate preventive practices is careful and frequent hand hygiene. Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizers removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.
- Influenza viruses are destroyed by heat; therefore, as a precaution, all foods from poultry, including eggs, should be thoroughly cooked.
- If you develop respiratory symptoms or any illness that requires prompt medical attention, a U.S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. See this website for more information about what to do if you become ill while abroad: Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Travelers' Health. It is advisable that you defer further travel until you are free of symptoms.