Personal Safety Precautions
(from the Office of Tufts Programs Abroad booklet, Essentials for Study Abroad, March 2003, pp.21-22)

 

Tufts Philosophy on Safety

Tufts Office of Programs Abroad believes that the more you integrate into the host culture, the safer and more successful your experience will be.  You play a crucial role in your own safety.  One instance of poor judgment could spoil your entire year or semester.  Making the right decisions and exercising common sense will help you have an enriching time abroad.  As a young adult in a new country, greet your new independence with a responsible, adventurous spirit.   

Passports, Money, Credit Cards  

  • Xerox two copies of your passport ID page, airline ticket, and credit cards.  Leave one copy of each with your traveler’s check serial numbers at home with your parents.  Bring the second copy with you.  
  • As a foreigner, you are highly visible and will be vulnerable to pickpockets and petty thieves.  The more you assimilate into the culture, the less obvious you are as a foreigner (except in the case of Ghana, China and Hong Kong where you will usually stand out).  Be sure to carry your valuables (passport, airline tickets, credit cards, traveler’s checks and cash you won’t use immediately) close to your body in a money belt or hidden pouch when traveling, or leave them in a hotel safe.  Once you arrive in your host country, never leave such items in a dorm or hotel room or in your handbag/carry-on.  There are places for you to leave such items (i.e. hotel safe, resident director).  

Behavior  

  • As a foreigner, generally, and especially as an American, your natural behavior and appearance will make you conspicuous nearly everywhere.  As much as you can, keep a low profile.  Dress and behave conservatively.  Speak in a softer voice.  Avoid dress, jewelry, luggage, or behavior that will draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner.
  • Do not socialize in large groups of foreigners or patronize expatriate establishments.
  • Be respectful with those you meet.  Avoid loud conversations and arguments in public, and any behavior that might appear overbearing or antagonistic.
  • Avoid all demonstrations!  No matter how peaceful, all demonstrations have the potential to turn violent.  If you encounter a demonstration, find an alternative route.  

 Dangerous Areas  

  • At all times, try to avoid dangerous areas, including short cuts, narrow alleys, poorly-lit areas, and streets with limited exits.  Be especially cautious in crowded places, such as subways, trains, station platforms, airports, markets, and festivals.  Try not to travel alone at night.
  • Let someone know of your plans and when you expect to return, especially if you go out at night.  Don’t agree to meet people at unfamiliar or remote locations.  

 Anti-American Sentiment

The Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University offers this perspective on anti-American sentiment::

Anti-Americanism has existed since the beginning of the Cold War.  It flared up during the Vietnam War era and again during talks on nuclear weapons proliferation in the 1980s.  University communities worldwide traditionally provide the opportunity for the free exchange of ideas.  In this spirit of open debate, campus organizations or individuals may express anti-American views through campus newspapers, the debate forum, and in some cases in the context of academic courses.  The vast majority of these sentiments are verbal or written. 

It is important for American students to remember that different opinions are not by themselves a threat to their personal safety.  While it may be natural for students to feel hurt or offended by criticisms of the U.S., it is important for students not to take these criticisms personally.  Brushing up on American foreign policies and learning the reasons behind them is a good way for students to take an active part in these debates without feeling helpless or personally attacked. 

   

Local Laws & Customs  

  • When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are not protected by U.S. laws or judicial procedures.  Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations, and adhere to them.  If you flout them, remember that most countries don’t allow bail, most don’t have bondsmen, and many don’t have jury trials.
  • According to the U.S. Department of State, each year more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad – about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances.  In many countries, conduct that would not result in an arrest here in the U.S. constitutes a violation of local law.
  • Drug laws in most foreign countries are rigorously enforced, and penalties for drug violations, including possession of small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are ordinarily severe.  Drug convictions often carry a minimum two-year prison sentence overseas, and in some countries they carry the death penalty.  Don’t get involved with illegal drugs overseas.  It can ruin more than your time abroad.  IT CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE!
  • Deal only with official agents to exchange money, buy travel tickets, or purchase souvenirs.
  • Avoid black market transactions at all times.
  • Do not photograph police and military personnel or installations, border areas, and transportation facilities.
  • Women should be particularly careful to dress in ways that do not violate local norms for modesty, or they will certainly face unpleasant sexual harassment.  In many Muslim countries, for example, pants, short skirts, short sleeves, and low necklines are unacceptable.  

   

Emergency Telephone Numbers  

  • Write down or memorize essential emergency numbers, and know whom to call in a given emergency.  

   

Robbery or Violent Assault  

  • If you are threatened with robbery or assault, don’t put up a struggle, especially if your assailant is armed.  Survival is your first concern.  
  • Rape, including acquaintance rape, occurs abroad as it does in the U.S.  Be cautious.  Not everyone is your friend.  
  • Report any such incidents immediately to your resident director, and, if you choose, the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Failure to do so will preclude you from pressing charges against your assailant.  

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Updated 9/2002