What Can You Do To Avoid Dangerous Situations When Using A Lock?

Safety & Security While Traveling

Just similar in the Usa, it is of import that you are vigilant and take commonsense precautions to safeguard yourself while on your report away programme. Indeed, it may be even more important to be vigilant while studying away, as you may not know all of the nuances of your host location's local laws and cultural norms.

There are proactive steps you tin take to make your situation as safe as possible. Here are a few of the best practices to follow while on study abroad:

Try to fit in. Don't stand up out. While "rubber in numbers" is a good dominion to follow, traveling equally an identifiable group of American students may attract unwanted attending. Endeavor to fit in with the surroundings and be "invisible," as much as possible. Try to act like the locals. Whenever possible, speak in the local linguistic communication and/or memorize helpful words and phrases in that language. Dress inconspicuously and avoid flashing expensive gadgets (e.1000. laptops, iPhones, etc.), wear with conspicuous American branding, money, jewelry, and other valuables in public. Avoid displaying conspicuous American logos/branding on your belongings and/or vesture, particularly athletic wear. Make sure you understand the bones layout and orientation of your host urban center and know which areas and neighborhoods to avoid. If you're not certain, enquire program staff or trusted local sources.

Exist cautious and alert. Practice heightened situational awareness when out in public. Immediately report any suspicious activities or persons to local authorities. Be wary of strangers. Don't share data most yourself or other students. Don't requite your own or anyone else'due south accost, phone number(due south), or other personal information to people you don't know; and don't discuss your class or field trip schedule or other plans. Don't accept nutrient or drinks from strangers and keep a sentry on your (and your friends') potable(s).

Watch your valuables. Keep all valuables on your person in a unimposing place, preferably stowed away in a coin chugalug or a pouch that hangs around your neck and under clothing. Don't behave more money than yous demand for your daily expenses. Deposit excess cash in a bank if possible or in a hotel safe or deposit box. Have expert care of bank, credit, and calling cards, besides equally your passport. Never leave a handbag or backpack unattended and keep such bags away from passing traffic when walking down the street. If the particular has a shoulder strap, clothing information technology crossing the strap over your body. Do not put valuable items in the exterior pockets of book bags, backpacks, or bags that are open up at the elevation.

Be a wise traveler. Try to avoid arriving late at night in unfamiliar cities and take along a reliable guidebook that lists resources and hotels/hostels. It'south always preferable to travel with another person. Information technology is not advisable to sleep on a railroad train if you are traveling alone. Do not agree to watch the belongings of a person whom you practice not know. Do not infringe suitcases and ensure that zilch is inserted into your baggage. Practise not hitchhike. Allow your plan director, host family, and friends know your itinerary when traveling.

Use the buddy system and stick with a group. When going out at night, make sure you get with at least 1 other person. When with a large group, brand sure everyone stays together and don't leave anyone behind.

Be streetwise. Avoid deserted areas and practice caution in crowds. Avoid impairing your judgment due to excessive consumption of booze. Exist aware that pickpockets tend to prey on people who look lost or who practise not seem to exist paying attention. Pickpockets often have an accomplice who will jostle you lot, ask you for directions, or distract you in some other mode.

Exist sure that your plan director/support staff know how to contact you and that you lot know how to contact them if needed.

Political Strife. It may be possible that you will observe yourself caught in the midst of political strife while on your study away programme, which may take the form of protests, rallies, demonstrations, strikes, etc. While these events will well-nigh likely not be directed at you lot personally, or even at yous as an American, still they tin be very dangerous equally an incidental risk, and thus should be avoided. If you find yourself in a situation where such an upshot is forming around you lot, you should exit the expanse as quickly equally is safely possible. Y'all should not attempt to watch such events from the sidelines or photo them.

Terrorism. While terrorist attacks are often indiscriminate in nature and tin can happen anywhere in the globe, at that place are steps you can have to assist increase your personal security. Be sure to follow the personal security best practices mentioned higher up, only too:

Minimize unnecessary time spent around potential terrorist targets. For example: government/military buildings, transportation services and hubs, Western embassies/consulates, loftier-profile tourist sites and cultural/religious institutions, large gatherings of people/crowded public areas, busy entertainment venues, religious gatherings and sites, etc.

When in public, exist cautious, exercise heightened situational awareness, and study any suspicious activity or persons immediately to local authorities. As the saying goes: If you see something, say something.

Comply with directives from program staff also as local authorities.

Closely monitor local news sources. Be aware of days that may have religious significance.

Dress inconspicuously and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Try to blend in with the local population.

Unfortunately, there is always the risk of a sudden or random attack, but following these guidelines should assist yous amend increase your personal security. In the event of a terrorist attack in your host city, your program director, working closely with Duke/GEO personnel, local police, U.S. government personnel, and local support staff, will develop and establish all necessary security measures. As indicated above, y'all must follow all directives from local authorities and program staff during or after such events.

U.S. Authorities Travel Advisories: The U.South. Section of Country routinely publishes official travel Warnings and Alerts to warn U.S. citizens almost areas of danger or unrest around the globe. These travel advisories, besides as other announcements and country-specific travel information, tin can be plant at travel.state.gov/.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.Southward. citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.South. embassy or consulate in their host country. One time enrolled, the U.Due south. diplomatic services in your host country will be able to push out alerts and other information to you, especially in emergency situations, such every bit during or following a natural disaster, civil unrest, or other such events. Additionally, you will receive important safety and security information from the Land Section via email. GEO strongly recommends that you enroll in STEP at this website: pace.land.gov/step. It will only take a few minutes. Non-U.Southward. citizens should check with their home country'south embassy/consulate to see if they offer similar services for their citizens abroad.