International Travel And Student Safety Tips
Read these 10 International Travel And Student Safety Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about College Safety tips and hundreds of other topics.
Alcohol and Drugs in a Foreign Land
While alcohol is fairly common in most parts of the world, there are areas where it is not permitted to anyone, including that country's citizens. For example, alcohol is not permitted in many countries in the Middle East. The U.S. State Department is familiar with the rules and customs in each country so you can check with them to determine the laws.
Just like in the United States, many countries have stiff penalties for drug offenses. Unlike the United States, many countries require you to prove your innocence rather than assume that you are innocent until proven guilty. There are a number of other differences as well including:
- there may not be a jury trial;
- you may have to remain in jail until a trial;
- there may not be English speaking guards or court officials available;
- you could be subject to physical abuse; and,
- you may not have bathroom facilities or other comforts in your cell.
Stay With Your Group
When traveling in a group in a foreign country it's safest to always stay with your group. When you are with others, stay alert and be aware of what is going on around you. If you are prepared for anything that may happen, you may be able to fight off or escape a bad situation before anything happens.
In a foreign country where you are not familiar with the culture or language, staying with the group can also assist you in communicating with the people in the local area. As you get to know the area and language, you can make friends with the people in the area -- this provides you with another layer of security and keeps you from becoming a victim.
Know the Crime Rate Stats
Do you know what kinds of crime are common in the country you're visiting? You can find this out by contacting the State Department before you leave or visiting the U.S. Embassy when you arrive in the country. Knowing the crime rates can help you take precautionary methods to keep you from becoming a victim while visiting. As a student visiting in a foreign country, you need to be very cautious and take the necessary steps to keep you safe. If you are staying with a host family, rely on them to take you to those areas that are safest and keep you out of trouble. Keep in mind that even in a foreign country when alcohol or drugs are involved, your risk of becoming a victim increases. Anytime you compromise your senses and inhibitions, you put yourself in a vulnerable position. This is especially bad in a foreign country where you do not know the people or how to get around.
Your Rights in a Foreign Country
Just because you are a citizen of another country does not mean you have the same rights as those living in the country. For example, in the United States you may have the right to an attorney and one phone call when arrested, but that does not necessarily apply in other countries. Each country establishes it's own judicial system that you are subject to when you break the law in that country. In most cases, you do have the right to contact your embassy.
The rights you have in a foreign country are typically similar to those established for natural citizens of that country, although there are some limitations. For example, you may need a work visa in order to be allowed to work in the country. Students with paperwork that allows them to study in the country can attend school and often do sightseeing throughout the country while they are there. However, this may not allow them to work in the country and they need to return home before it expires.
Local Laws Can Land You in Jail
When you visit a foreign country, not knowing the local laws can land you in jail. Count on the U.S. Embassy in the country you visit to give you information on the culture and laws to keep you safe. The Embassy is a good resource for you to consult when you first arrive. Don't wait until you are in trouble and need help to contact them. They can provide you with the information you need to safely and legally visit the country. It is the job of the U.S. Embassy to represent the U.S. and support U.S. citizens who are living or visiting abroad, but they may not be able to help if you break the law.
Know The Language
An understanding of the local language can help you avoid becoming a victim while in a foreign country. When you don't know the language, you open yourself up to being taken advantage of by local merchants or others. It is also a serious disadvantage when you are unable to read signs or interpret symbols. It may be difficult to learn the language of every country you plan to visit, but it doesn't hurt to learn some of the basics…at least enough to get by or ask for help.
If you can't learn the language before arriving, find someone you can trust to act as an interpreter. You may be able to check with the U.S. Embassy in that country for help finding an interpreter. Don't assume that many people around the world speak English. In many rural communities in other countries, you may find it more difficult to find someone who knows English.
As a student in a study abroad program, you may be in a program where your lessons are taught by instructors who speak English. If possible, you may want to arrange your activities so you can sightsee with other students or your host family. This will ensure you're always with someone who can help you communicate with others.
Don't Look Like a Tourist
Do you look like a tourist? It's OK to be a tourist and explore a new country, but don't let your tourist status be too obvious. When you can blend in with others, you reduce your risk of becoming a victim. If you are a student participating a foreign exchange, you will have the benefit of depending on your host family to help you adapt to the culture and fit in better. They can help you learn the area, the language, and the customs to make you more like a native.
Participating in a foreign exchange program can be a great experience for any student and greatly enhance your college education. Keep this opportunity safe by learning how to fit in to the community and follow local laws. You can prepare in advance by getting information from the foreign exchange program or the U.S. State Department on the country you will be visiting. With a little advance planning, you can quickly and easily be like any other local resident.
Be Alert
In a foreign country, it is important that you are more vigilant than you might be in your home town. Even as a student visiting another country, you should always be alert. Since you don't know the area, you don't want to put yourself in a situation where you could be the target of a crime. You need to start by finding out what areas to avoid in that country, and what areas are considered safe for travelers. You should always be aware of your surroundings -- this includes people, places and things. It's important to have an "escape plan" -- where will you go if you need to quickly escape a dangerous situation. Pay attention to anyone around you who looks suspicious or if you notice that someone is following you.
If you find yourself in trouble or being followed by a potential criminal, try to get to an area with a lot of people. A crowded or public place is always the best location to track down help. Of course, get in touch with the American Embassy in the country you're visiting to have the situation documented.
Know The Rules
When traveling to a foreign country, know the rules before you arrive. It may seem trivial but something as simple as chewing gum can be considered a violation and land you in a foreign prison. If you have questions when you arrive, check with the U.S. Embassy. Those people who work in the foreign service receive training on local laws and customs. They should be able to help you get all the information you need before you get into trouble.
If you do violate the law you can be subject to the laws, penalties and punishments in the country. A few other tips that can help you when traveling abroad include:
- Register with the U.S. Embassy.
- Your passport should be signed and completely filled out. Also, make sure it is valid before you leave.
- Give copies of your travel arrangements including your itinerary to friends and family.
- Know what kind of medical insurance you have available overseas.
State Department Watch
Traveling to another country? Before you do, check with the State Department to see if they have issued any warnings about the country or its neighbors. They have people carefully monitoring any potentially volatile situations in order to protect U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It is important for you to know what is going on so you don't get caught off guard when you arrive and are prepared for any crisis. However, if the situation is serious, you may not be allowed to enter the country. Typically, if you are traveling in some type of group through your school or other international travel educational program, they stay aware of any crisis to keep you safe. When you do arrive in a foreign country, register with the U.S. Embassy. They need to know where you are in case of an emergency.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Phyllis Serbes |
