CSU Pre-departure guide - Study Abroad - Colorado State University

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BE SAfE, NOT SORRY Security and Safety in Your Host Country “Get a map. The best thing to do your first week is to carry your map around with you and note every so often where you are, how you got there, how much time it took, and how the distances translate to the map. We actually had an entire map of the city up on our wall the entire year and would mark down good/bad places so we always knew where to go/avoid.” Sean, Spain 14 www.studyabroad.colostate.edu Colorado State University Study Abroad
Travel to another country is not inherently dangerous; in fact, United States citizens will encounter few countries that are as dangerous as is home, if one looks simply at the crime rate and particularly the rate of violent crime. However, no matter where you go, you inevitably stand out as a stranger, a “tourist,” and therefore as a target to the local criminal. You cannot rely on your seemingly instinctual knowledge of danger or of what is or is not permissible as you do at home. The best advice – inform yourself! Pre-Departure Planning When traveling overseas, there are a number of precautions that you should follow in order to travel safely. Consult the United States Department of State “Travel Safety Information for Students” (www.studentsabroad. state.gov) and country information (www.travel.state.gov) for up-to-date information on travel precautions for the country in which you will be studying or traveling. Also, refer to your program specific handbook or sponsoring institution for more detailed information on health and safety issues as they pertain to your particular program, city, and destination. In addition to reading information provided by the United States Department of State and your program, it is important for you to spend time learning as much as possible about the country to which you will be traveling. Make use of as many different sources as possible – online, books from the library, television and radio news programs, and newspapers. Do not limit yourself to just United States sources. Instead, contrast the information provided by United States sources with that provided by other countries. Most of the time you’re ok, but I had friends that were mugged so always be smart. Always travel with other people, know the emergency numbers and have them in your phone, and always make a plan of how you’re getting home before you leave. – Julia, Austria General Safety Tips While Abroad • Keep all important documents such as your passport, travel documents, money or credit cards in a money belt or neck wallet under your clothing to keep them out of reach of a pickpocket. If your money belt is difficult for you to access, it will also be difficult for a thief to find. Keep small amounts of money in a more accessible place for easy access. • Dress conservatively and in accordance with local norms so you cannot be identified on sight as a tourist or a United States citizen. • Be cautious with how you display valuables (does it look like you are flaunting wealth?) Leave expensive jewelry and valuable electronics at home. • Find out which areas of the city are less safe than others, what forms of public transportation you should/should not utilize, and which hours of night are considered more dangerous. Avoid being alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods or known high crime areas. • Do not hitchhike, even if it is common in the country in which you are studying. • Know where to get help if you should need it (police station, fire station, phones, stores, etc.) • Always leave your itinerary and your approximate time of return with a friend or your host family. • Be cautious about accepting food or drinks (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) from a stranger or someone you have just recently met. Use the same caution you would exercise when accepting a drink from a stranger in the United States while you are overseas. • Remember that non-verbal communication (like body language and hand gestures) considered harmless in the United States may be offensive to people in other countries. • If a situation feels uncomfortable, stay calm and think of ways you can get out and away from the area. Your safety is worth far more than anything you own. Did You Know? The United States Department of State provides the “iPhone App Smart Traveler”, a tool designed to provide easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, and United States embassy locations. Colorado State University Study Abroad www.studyabroad.colostate.edu 15
Page 1 and 2: explore - engage - discover • exp
Page 3 and 4: What’s INSIDE? Preparing to Study
Page 5 and 6: 10 TO-DOs as You Prepare to Depart
Page 7 and 8: What is Culture? What is culture? T
Page 9 and 10: Signs of Cultural Shock • Constan
Page 11 and 12: The Czechs were really shocked by t
Page 13 and 14: There are many things to consider a
Page 15: Your Role in Ensuring Your Health a
Page 19 and 20: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assaul
Page 21 and 22: Academic Expectations and Study Abr
Page 23 and 24: Students may check on the transfer
Page 25 and 26: Financial Aid and Scholarships for
Page 27 and 28: Documents Passport If you do not ha
Page 29 and 30: Communication While Abroad E-mail i
Page 31 and 32: Below is an example of a checklist
Page 33 and 34: Preparing to Depart Your Study Abro
Page 35 and 36: Good Luck on Your jOURNEY! Visit th

CSU Pre-departure guide - Study Abroad - Colorado State University

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