Safety Abroad

By now, you've likely received countless lectures on the dangers of alcohol and how to stay safe if you choose to drink. It is important not to forget these safety lessons anywhere you are in the world, especially when traveling in a new and unfamiliar location.

Different cultures will view alcohol and consuming alcohol in different ways. Depending upon the culture in question, alcohol may be seen as a normal complement to a meal, a privileged drink, an element of a sacred rite, a socially acceptable way of unwinding, or even morally questionable. No matter the culture you should never feel pressured to drink or to continue drinking, a polite no is always an option. 

The legal drinking age abroad is frequently lower than it is in the United States. Even so, while the drinking age may be lower, the drinking laws seemingly more lenient, or the cost of alcohol cheaper, it is important to remember the risks involved. Even in countries where social drinking is the norm on a daily basis, it is never safe or acceptable to binge drink. While a fun night out sounds exciting to many students, you should always consider your safety.

In many countries, people who become drunk are considered rude and are looked upon with disdain. While you may find locals drink, you'll likely notice that they stop before they get to the point of sloppiness or inability to control their actions. Please do not contribute to the "bad American" stereotypes due to bad behavior. 

Of more importance, remember that your inhibitions and defenses are down when you have been drinking. This combined with being in an unfamiliar place, new culture, and perhaps not knowing the language well - already sets you up for potentially dangerous situations. You may do things you would be absolutely mortified to find out the next day, or put yourself in a situation you never would have wanted to be in.

Staying safe with alcohol, drinking in moderation, knowing your limits, and making smart (not buzzed) decisions will help keep you safe. You should know that the vast majority of reported safety incidents while studying abroad involve alcohol. It can happen to you.

• You do not have to drink. Period. If people try to convince you to drink or give you a hard time, you're hanging out with the wrong crowd.
• Alcohol content may be higher in drinks than you realize, even ones that seem familiar to you - know your limits and pace yourself so that you do not exceed them.
• It is always culturally appropriate to politely decline an alcoholic beverage whether it's an initial drink or additional drinks - just say no if you do not want it. 
• If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and safely.
• Do not drink like there's no tomorrow, because there will be. 
• Do not drink and drive, not only is this a safety issue but the laws for this in other countries are often much stricter and penalties more severe than in the U.S.
• Use the buddy or group system - do not drink alone, and do not leave friends behind.
• If you go out drinking, go with a group and agree in advance to look out for each other.
• Keep an eye on your drinks, spiking drinks is a common occurrence especially in nightclubs - if you left your drink unattended, throw it out. 
• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spaces.
• Avoid walking home alone or taking public transportation alone while intoxicated.
• Make a plan to get home safely before you start your night out.
• If a situation feels "off" or someone is making you uncomfortable, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.

If you are going to be sexually active overseas, or think you could be, it is important to be prepared. Take responsibility for your own health and use preventative measures to prevent yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.

• Account for ways in which your host country may differ from your home country. This can include anything from STI rates and the availability of preventative or emergency contraceptives to behavioral practices and cultural attitudes towards sexuality and gender identity. Do your research ahead of time so you have a plan for managing your sexual health, and feel free to speak frankly with your healthcare provider, study abroad advisor or program leader if you have questions.
• Know your program's policy towards overnight guests, as many housing options overseas do not allow this. You should always be respectful to your roommates or host family as well. 
• Remember that respect and communication are key in any culture. No sexual activity should take place in the absence of clear, active, and mutual consent. Consent can be withdrawn at any point.
• Incidents of sexual misconduct, harassment, and violence are never the victim's fault, and resources are available to support any student abroad student in need.

Sexual harassment can be defined as any unwanted sexual advances from anyone, including those with power over any aspect of your stay overseas, including your living arrangements, your educational or work environment, tour guides, or leaders of any program activity. You should always report any instances of harassment, so that you can receive the help, guidance, information, and support that you may need. Remember that people cannot help you if they do not know what has happened. 

Sometimes it may be difficult to evaluate whether or not you are being harassed or if it is just a matter of cultural differences and students may be uncertain if they should report something. For example:

• Americans sometimes react with discomfort to the normal conversational distance between people and you should be aware of your own feeling within that context - is it a sexual advance or is the person just standing closer than you are used to?
• Female students who studied in places like Spain, Italy, and Latin American countries have also reported receiving catcalls from males in the streets. While things like this, for the most part, are harmless, they can be disconcerting or feel uncomfortable. 

If it doubt, observe what is happening around you. Does everyone seem to be experiencing this? Do locals approach others in the same way? Do you seem to be a target? You may have been uncomfortable even if it was not harassment, and your feelings are valid. If you are unsure, feel free to speak with a trusted on-site staff member, host family, or local student to discuss your experience and get their cultural insight.

No one, male or female, should have to suffer from unwanted sexual pressure. Should you be the object of unwanted overt sexual advances, say "NO!" firmly. Should the situation persist, do your best to remove yourself from the situation and inform the appropriate officials, university or onsite program staff, or police right away. If the situation involves a homestay or someone who shares your living arrangements, immediately report it to the housing coordinator for your program. 

Do not be afraid to report any kind of harassment, assault or concerns to study abroad staff or local authorities. Even if the situation occurred somewhere you weren't supposed to be or you were participating in activities you probably should not have been, you should still report it.

In many cases, alcohol use is related to incidents of sexual harassment - removing alcohol from the picture can help you keep a clear head, make safe choices, and recognize when something has gone too far.

Each year, thousands of Americans are arrested overseas. Generally one-third of these arrests are on drug-related charges. Many of those arrested assumed mistakenly that as U.S. citizens, they could not be arrested. 

Many U.S. citizens find out the hard way that drug possession or trafficking means jail time in most foreign countries. If you choose to use illegal drugs abroad, commit a crime, or violate other laws, there is very little that anyone can do to help you if you get caught. While abroad, you are operating under the laws of the host country and the regulations of the local institution, not the laws of the United States. Neither the U.S. government nor Purdue University will be able to secure your release should you be detained or arrested. 

You are still subject to Purdue's Student Code of Conduct while abroad, which includes prohibiting the Use, possession, providing, selling, manufacturing, or distribution of any illegal drug, controlled substance, narcotic or prescription drug, except as expressly permitted by law. Intentionally or recklessly inhaling or ingesting any substance (e.g., nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) for the purpose or effect of altering a student’s mental state is also prohibited. In addition, the partner university or program where you are studying will certainly have their own student regulations in place.

Therefore, violations of this will not only get you in trouble with your program overseas and local law enforcement, but with Purdue as well. 

It is your responsibility to know the laws (including drug laws) of a foreign country before you go, because "I didn't know it was illegal", "It is legal at home", or "I am a student from the U.S." will not get you out of jail. Some laws may be applied more strictly to foreigners than to local citizens, and drug-related offenses overseas may carry harsh and strict penalties. Don't assume that just because you see locals doing it, that it is legal or acceptable for you. 

You may say "it won't happen to me" but the fact is that it could happen to you if you choose to break the law. Hopefully, you won't find yourself learning the justice system of a foreign country the hard way.

Once you leave the United States, U.S. laws and constitutional rights no longer cover you. Instead, you will be subject to the laws of your host country, or the country where you are having legal trouble. Keep in mind the following:

• Bail is not granted in many countries when drugs are involved
• The burden of proof in many countries is on the accused to prove their own innocence
• Evidence obtained illegally by authorities may be admissible in court
• Few countries offer drug offenders jury trials or even require the prisoner's presence at their own trial
• Prisoners in many countries may not be treated well
• Police and customs officers often have full rights to search your luggage 
• Drug offenders can go to jail for years without the possibility of parole, early release or transfer to the U.S. and can be subject to the death penalty in some locations.

Street crime is alive and well across the world, and will always be something to consider. The good news is that violent crime is very rare, because unlike in the United States, guns are banned in many countries of the world. However, this does not mean that students shouldn't stay alert, be prepared, and take responsibility for their own safety. Crime can occur to anyone, in any place. 

The most common crime incidents involving study abroad students include:

• Theft (including pickpocketing, card skimming, and cell phone theft)
• Sexual Harassment or Unwanted Touching
• Alcohol-related incidents

Students should take time to understand the risks, take preventative measures, and ensure they know what to do if they are the victim of a crime. 

Should you find yourself a victim of crime, report it immediately to local authorities and your program staff so you can receive the assistance you need. 

• Know the local emergency and non-emergency phone numbers
• Keep your program staff emergency contact and non-emergency contact information handy (and not just in your phone if you are separated from this)
• Take preventative measures to prevent pickpockets
• Do not leave personal items unattended 
• Know how to contact your bank and/or credit card company to freeze or replace stolen cards
• Know how to replace a stolen cell phone, and keep important information backed-up
• Do not keep all forms of payment on you, if one form is lost or stolen you will still have access to another form while you work to replace it
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

• Use the same common sense that you would at home
• Be cautious in busy areas where you are in close contact with other people (crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, markets, festivals)
• Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets
• Do not carry your passport on you unless you need it for a particular reason (always have it when crossing borders, but you likely don't need it in day-to-day life)
• Do not carry ATM cards, credit cards and all of your cash together - keep on you what you need for the day only. That way, if you are pickpocketed or even just lose your wallet, you haven't lost all your sources of accessing your money in one go.
• Try not to travel alone at night
• Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around. Do not withdraw money from an ATM located in a deserted area at night by yourself.
• When possible, use ATMs located within a bank
• Keep your money in a safe place, and don't keep it all in the same place. Keep a small bill easily accessible, if you find yourself in a situation where you're being mugged offer the small bill and claim it's all you have. Likewise, if you need to pay for a bottle of water or snack you won't tip thieves off to where your main money stash is located.
• Avoid public demonstrations and civil disturbances
• Keep a low profile, avoid loud conversations or arguments.
• Do not discuss travel plans or personal matters with strangers
• Try to seem purposeful when moving about, even if you're not sure where you're going
• Ask for directions from individuals in authority when possible
• Beware of pickpockets, pack your bag smartly
• Keep hands free when possible and put your phone away when not in use
• If wearing a backpack, move it to the front of your body when in crowds or on public transport
• If using a purse or daypack, cross-body straps are most secure and keep the bag close to your body
• Loop bag straps around chair or table leg or your own leg when at restaurants or on public transport to prevent someone from grabbing and dashing
• Do not keep anything valuable in easily accessible outside pockets, or daypacks that are zipped onto a larger bag - thieves can access things easier than you think.
• Walk with your bags away from the curb and keep phones put away while waiting to cross streets to avoid drive-by snatchers
• Do not put your wallet in an outside pocket of your backpack, your back pocket, or in a bag that does not close securely.
• If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables, and then file a police report. Your money and passport can be replaced, but not you. Students have been injured trying to resist.

• Before booking a hostel, AirBnB, or any accommodation, read the reviews and pay attention to the location - deals too good to be true often are.
• Pay attention to where you board transportation, and where you get off as well as what time of day it will be. That super cheap bus ticket may not look so appealing when you realize you'll be dropped off far from the city center at a dimly lit bus stop at 2am with limited transportation options. Many low-cost airlines actually fly into airports somewhat far from the city they're named after - which catches many students by surprise. 
• Know your transportation options in advance - how are you getting from the airport to your hostel? How will you get back to the airport later? This helps you avoid scams and save money as well as keeps you safer.
• Keep track of your accommodation keys, especially if they clearly display a room number or hotel name, if you lose it thieves can easily see which room to rob.
• Avoid telling strangers where you are staying or that you are alone (if you are).
• Keep your accommodation door locked at all times (as well as patio or balcony doors). Do not leave valuables in plain sight in your room while you are out, use the safe if provided.
• Your money and passport should never leave your body if staying in a hostel - keep it safe and close. Do not trust someone won't go through your bag under the bed while you're sleeping or showering.
• If you leave your luggage at a hotel, lock your bags and keep valuables with you, do not leave your passport in a hotel's luggage storage room as they often are not the most secure.
• Let someone know when you expect to return.
• If you are alone, avoid getting in an elevator alone or with someone inside who looks threatening to you. Follow your gut feeling.
• Read the fire safety instructions in accommodations and where the nearest emergency exits are located.
• If you get lost, duck into a cafe, take a breath and sit down and consult your map or Google to help figure it out, this way you avoid being a target for pickpockets or scammers who can clearly tell you are lost.
• If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close behind you, move away and change directions, they may have intentions of robbing or assaulting you. 
• Pay attention to your surroundings and what it going on around you at all times.
• Do not leave belongings unattended. While it's often a hassle to lug everything into the restroom with you, it's better than coming out to find your belongings are gone.
• Read reviews for tours before signing up for them, and know what you are signing up for.

• Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings, beware of unmarked or unofficial taxis. Look up in advance how to recognize official taxis in your location.
• Know the safest way of securing taxis - many cities now have apps you can use to order a taxi, similar to Uber. In other places, you need to find a taxi stand rather than flagging down a taxi on the street. In some places, the hotel or restaurant can call a taxi for you. 
• Pay attention to your surroundings, crowded public transport is a pickpocket's playground
• Avoid renting cars, as many programs prohibit this. If allowed on your program, choose basic and simple over flashy and don't leave valuables unattended in cars.
• Uber, Lyft and other apps may seem "safer" but are not always regulated the same everywhere, a regular taxi may be more regulated and safer in some locations.
• Don't get out of the car or bus if it doesn't seem safe to exit, ask to be dropped off at the next block or ride the bus to the next stop instead.
• Avoid sleeping on public transport, your belongings may not be there when you awake. If sleeping unprotected is unavoidable, strap your valuables to you and sleep on top of them if possible. Take turns sleeping if you are traveling with others. 
• Keep valuables with you while on busses or trains - while larger bags you may have no choice but to put under the bus or on luggage racks at the back of the train car, you should never have your passport, money, or crucial items like medications in unattended baggage. Keep these with you just in case something happens to your larger bag. If you have only a small bag, keep it with you in your seat and avoid placing in the overhead storage unless you would be OK to lose it. 
• Avoid being fully absorbed in your phone or listening to music with headphones, a distracted target is a good target for thieves. Make sure you're still aware of what is going on around you.

While all travelers should plan carefully to ensure their safety, female travelers often have additional concerns especially when traveling alone. While these tips are also useful for males, females should especially take note. 

• Be extra cautious traveling alone and do not tell others you are alone.
• If someone notices you are alone or asks questions keep it simple and do not give them much information. Feel free to make up a story "I'm meeting friends for dinner but we wanted to do different things today", "my boyfriend is meeting me in an hour", etc... small white lies do no harm.
• Sit with other female passengers or join other female students traveling to the same destination.
• Take extra precautions at night, and avoid walking alone especially in dimly lit areas.
• Avoid drinking too much.
• Take a doorstop in your luggage and jam it under your closed hotel room door for extra security.
• Avoid ground level hotel rooms when possible and try to stay in hotels with 24 hour front desk or security.
• Walk with purpose as if you know where you're going, even if you don't.
• Be cautious of who you ask for directions - instead of just anyone on the street consider looking for someone in authority, duck into a cafe to regroup and consult a map, or go into a hotel or local business to ask for directions.
• Never leave your drink or food unattended.
• Take cues from women around you, as many countries have different ideas about how women should dress and behave. Even if you don't agree with particular customs, it will make your trip more enjoyable and you will stand out less if you respect local expectations.
• Catcalls are unfortunately common in many areas of the world, typically the safest thing to do is ignore this and keep on going. It is best not to engage or call out the person (even if you want to). 

Unfortunately, tourists have historically been the target of scams and pick-pockets. Especially in your first weeks while you are learning your new city, you may not know what to look out for. Pick-pockets are creative and very skilled, and can often grab your wallet or valuables without you noticing a thing. Tourist scams or traps can be common in heavily touristed areas, and you're likely to see one or two during your time abroad. Here's some common ones to look out for:

• Splash or splat: one thief spills or throws something at you. An accomplice distracts you by helping clean up, causing just enough of a commotion for the thief to make off with your belongings.
• Rigged ATM: a machine is rigged so your card gets stuck inside. A kind observer offers to help and gets close enough to see you enter your PIN or asks for your PIN to "fix" the machine. Your card remains stuck and you give up. Once you leave, the person removes your card, enters your PIN, and withdraws a large amount. If your card gets stuck, enter a false PIN three times. If the ATM has not been tampered with, it will retain your card and you can notify the bank to get it back. If the machine has been rigged, the thief will not have your PIN and you can notify your bank to cancel the card ASAP.
• Mock street fight: a group (often boys) make a show of beating each other up, which causes enough of a distraction for an accomplice to lift your wallet.
• Sympathy scam: a crying child approaches you asking for help, while it seems harsh - ignore the kid. They've been trained to be pickpockets or distractions and are often working with an adult nearby. 
• Baby toss: a woman hands you a baby or tosses you a doll with the intention of startling you so you drop your bag to "save" the baby. 
• Whirlwind: a group rushes in, bustling and fussing, and in all the commotion you don't notice your phone/wallet/bag is gone. This may happen in a crowded street or on public transport. If you notice a group doing this that gets on and then leaves the train or bus before it departs, someone on the train likely is missing something - check your bags! 
• Photo-op gone wrong: someone volunteers to take your photo and then won't return your camera until you've paid a ransom - yell POLICE in the local language loudly and make a commotion if this happens.
• Free gift: someone offers you a free small gift, such as a bracelet, scarf, or flower - but then tries to demand payment when you walk away. Their aim is to confuse and upset you while an accomplice pickpockets you. Say no firmly and walk away, do not take the offered item. It's ok to be rude. 
• Flashy toys: a group will have fun light-up, flying, or whirring toys to catch your attention. In some cases, they might simply be trying to sell these, but more often they're also hoping the flashy toys cause enough distraction that they can pick-pocket you. 

It is important to know that some personal safety devices that are common in the United States may be illegal abroad, and/or prohibited in luggage by the airline.

Items such as pepper spray or small personal defense items (brass knuckles, keychain knives, etc...) are illegal in many countries.

Personal safety alarms (sound only) are typically OK, but you should always check before packing any personal safety device to take abroad.

Make sure to pay close attention during orientations, safety briefings, and anytime someone is giving you safety advice. In addition, pay attention to your surroundings, especially when in crowds or on public transportation - staying alert is a great way to avoid many safety issues.

Local advice is one of the most valuable tools you have at your disposable, they know their country and city well and can help you avoid common issues. Ask questions - What areas are best avoided at night? Are there common scams you can look out for? Is a certain bus station known for being a pickpocket hot spot?

Even if you don't speak the language, observing locals can help you pick up on safety cues.

Observe how locals dress and act, and if it's quite different from how you do, consider making some small changes. If people tend to be a bit more conservative in how they dress - you may want to try to match this to avoid unwanted attention. In many places, you may always obviously be a foreigner, but understanding cultural norms can help make you less of a target. Of course, never compromise your personal safety. 

Learn the stereotypes about American students and avoid behaviors that may be frequently misunderstood - especially those related to sexual advances.

For example, some students have reported that continued "small talk" with members of the other gender was seen as interest - when they thought they were just passing some time while waiting for the bus. 

Do not assume that laws or resources in your host country are the same as in the United States, take some time to learn the laws to be sure you understand!

In the same way, do not assume that your way of doing things is better (or worse) than others - it is likely just different. Sometimes different things make us feel uncomfortable, which can translate to feelings of being unsafe. Take some time to take a breath and evaluate your feelings - what is making you feel unsafe? Is it truly unsafe or just different that what you are used to? In some cases, your gut instinct may be spot on - in others you may realize you are safe, just uncomfortable or unused to something. 

While politeness goes a long way in many situations, do not sacrifice your safety for the sake of being polite. A firm "no" or abruptly leaving a situation that makes you uncomfortable is necessary in some cases.

If you feel you are sacrificing your safety for sake of politeness, forget about being polite.

While solo exploring can be lots of fun (and can absolutely be done safely with planning) - if you will be out at night, drinking, or in another situation where your safety is at risk by being alone, avoid this and stay with a group.

Never leave anyone behind alone, especially if they are inebriated.

Always know your available transport options and make a plan for how to get home safely, especially after dark. Does the bus run all night? What time is the last train to your station? Will you be in an area that is close to well-lit and safe transportation options, or will it be better to take a taxi? Ask locals what they use after dark and what is most recommended.

This advice extends to not only while out at night but when traveling on the weekends to new cities - what time will you arrive? What is the best way to get from the airport to your accommodation? 

Remember - cheapest doesn't always mean safest. Always consider your safety.

Always carry a charged cell phone, or have a battery pack in case you need it.

However, avoid talking on the phone while walking to feel safe. While this is a common tactic for many, the sense of safety it provides is false - you are actually more distracted by talking on the phone than by carefully paying attention to your surroundings. The person on the other end of the phone, even if they know where you are, cannot get to you quickly in the event help is needed - and anyone on the lookout for a target will know this. 

In addition, the latest smart phones can be prime targets for thieves - when not in use put your phone away in a secure pocket. Don't carry your phone in your back pocket or in a bag where someone could easily reach out and grab it. When crossing intersections or waiting for the walk signal, do not stand right at the curb with your phone in your hand (even if you're following directions on it) - people on mopeds or bikes have been know to try to snatch phones from unsuspecting pedestrians. 

Use your phone when needed, but don't just play around on it when walking out of boredom or get so engrossed in scrolling social media that you don't pay any attention to what is going on around you. 

Don't leave your phone or other belongings sitting on the table at restaurants, cafes, or other places - or put your purse or backpack on the floor or back of your chair where you can't keep an eye on it. If you turn your back, you may realize your belongings have disappeared. Please don't leave belongings unattended to go to the restroom - it may not be there when you come back. While these kind of things can happen anywhere in the world, it's a bit more inconvenient to get things like a stolen phone replaced when you're not at home and top tourist destinations like many of the cities you may visit while abroad, are prime targets for thieves. 

Knowing who to call in an emergency situation and having these numbers handy can make getting help in an emergency situation much easier - always know what the local emergency numbers are (not always 911!) and your program emergency contact.

These are the people who can come to your aid the fastest when you need them.

Always tell someone (preferably your program staff or leader, but if not a roommate, friend, etc...) where you are going and when you expect to be back.

While no one is going to track your every move, this simple step can help people identify if you haven't returned as planned and prompt them to check on you.

You are safest when you are sober. Full-stop.

Yes, of course safety incidents can and do still happen to people who are completely sober, but a safety incident is much more likely to occur when you are not.

U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart traveler Enrollment Program, also known as STEP. This is a free service that sends you email updates and alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

When you subscribe to STEP, you get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate for the destination you are visiting or living in. It also helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in the event of an emergency.

Learn more and sign up at the U.S. Department of State website. 

As part of the Purdue insurance plan, students have access to Crisis24 Horizon. This is designed to help you assess travel risk, access real-time travel intelligence, and contact experts in the event of a travel emergency. 

The app will send you 24/7 alerts about things happening in the countries you choose to receive alerts from. While not every alert will be critical, it is a great way to stay informed and keep up-to-date. 

For more information or to download, click here.