Participation in a study abroad program may involve risks not found with study at Kansas State University. In part, this is because travel to, from and within a foreign country involves risks.
Many of the health and safety problems students find abroad are similar to those they find on U.S. university campuses. When students do not prepare themselves properly, ignore the advice of campus and overseas personnel, or act naively or as if they are invulnerable, they can get into trouble. This is especially true when they engage in dangerous social behavior, such as binge drinking or hanging out in unsavory local nightspots. It is much less likely that a study abroad student will be the victim of a natural catastrophe, social violence, or disease than be victimized by his or her own poor judgment.
There are health and safety risks that could arise on a study abroad program which are not the direct responsibility of the students themselves. While it is never possible to completely eliminate risks, there are ways to minimize potential dangers. The study abroad handbook, given to students during orientation, outlines precautions students can take to help protect themselves from theft, political unrest, and other potential risks. There are many variations between countries, regions and problems, and in order to meet the challenges specific to particular programs and locations, it is important for students to learn from information provided by the program sponsors.
Rest assured that established overseas study programs fully recognize the responsibility to provide a secure and safe environment. Program administrators frequently conduct evaluations of program safety, and in those few locations where remote danger might exist, program directors work with local police, U.S. consular personnel, and local university officials to set up whatever practical security measures are deemed prudent. Protecting the student’s well-being is a top priority in study abroad programs.
Safety Information for International Travelers
See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html for travel alerts from the U.S. government.
The U.S. Department of State has put together a list of tips for students studying or traveling abroad. This includes a discussion of safety issues. See http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html