While crime can happen anywhere, you may be particularly vulnerable as a foreigner. You may stand out in your new environment, and in the beginning you may be unfamiliar with your surroundings. This can put you at an increased risk of being a target; however, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
- Be Aware - take stock of what is happening around you at all times. Is anyone paying particular attention to you, or what you are doing? Is there a public event or protest going on nearby?
- Trust Your Gut - if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. You are under no obligation to remain in a situation in which you do not feel safe. Your safety should be your top priority.
- Make Good Decisions - this might seem obvious, but it's important to avoid situations that might increase your risk of being a victim of a crime. Avoid overindulgence of alcohol, and鈥痭ever鈥痙o drugs while abroad. Avoid getting into cars with strangers, going out alone, or giving too much information on where you are staying.
Additional resources:
Culture of Safety
The University of 糖心Vlog视频 at Austin International Office has a鈥�痶hat provides general information for students studying abroad.
Know Before You Go
In 1996, Sara Schewe, a student from Georgetown University, was killed in a bus accident in India while on a study abroad program.鈥�疭ince then, Sara's family鈥痜ounded鈥�to bring鈥痑wareness on鈥痟ow to minimize safety issues while traveling and studying abroad.鈥� The Know Before You Go video on their website was created鈥痶o provide students and their families valuable information to help prepare for a safe time abroad.
Center for Global Education
罢丑别鈥� is a great resource for students, as well as parents of students, preparing to study abroad.鈥� Along with the information provided in the 糖心Vlog视频 Study Abroad Handbook, it is highly recommended that all students review and familiarize themselves with the Center for Global Education's 鈥�, especially their section on health and safety abroad.
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