Health & Safety

Selecting a study abroad setting should start with an eye on safety. By Josh Irons

It's human nature to have some anxiety before beginning a study abroad experience. Topping the list of primary concerns among those who study abroad is typically housing, money and extracurricular activities. There is one consideration, however, that should receive increased attention: safety.

Safety should be a key consideration even before a study abroad destination is selected. While colleges, universities and study abroad providers typically arm program participants with safety information pertinent to the destinations under consideration, it is advisable to conduct extensive, independent research to make the most informed decision possible.

Social, cultural and political customs

Prior to selecting a study abroad destination, carefully consider a country's social codes. A fundamental contributor to personal safety in a foreign land is demonstrating thorough understanding of and respect for its unique tenets. Some societal expectations are explicitly mandated by law, while others are unspoken. In Argentina, resting feet on anything that people may sit on is offensive, and although locals make kissing noises to attract a waiter, it is unwelcome behavior when it stems from foreigners. As for those expectations mandated by law, bear in mind that bungee jumping is illegal and the sale of gum is prohibited in Singapore, while taking photos of police officers or police vehicles (even if they are simply in the background) is illegal in France.

Investigating appropriate dress in a study abroad destination is also of particular importance to safety while studying abroad. Dressing in clothes that are consistent with the norms shows respect for the local culture and will positively influence the perception among natives. Consider India, a country that tends to be highly conservative. Female students should avoid wearing halter tops, bikinis, shorts and mini-skirts, as failing to cover their shoulders and legs will either offend or attract negative attention from locals. Likewise, wearing shorts in public is frowned upon in Spain and both sexes should refrain from wearing clothing that reveals an excessive amount of skin if visiting a church.

Political unrest in a country may also affect the safety of foreigners and how they are viewed by locals. If political or military unrest exists between two countries, the citizens of those countries will sometimes view each other unfavorably, creating a tension that can often escalate to violence and pose a direct risk to visitors. Be sure to monitor recent current events in each country through reputable online news outlets, including the present relationship between an intended host country and home country.

Knowing the current political environment of a country helps to better gauge the safety risk present in a destination and provides an opportunity to take proactive steps to guard against safety risks before stepping foot on foreign soil. Another valuable resource to assess the risks associated with various travel destinations are the travel precautions issued to those who are studying internationally through various organizational and governmental websites, such as AGlobalWorld.com and the U.S. Department of State.

Online and local resources

Beyond offering vast information about the social, cultural and political customs of a country, the Internet facilitates yet another valuable resource to determine the relative safety of a study abroad destination - conversation with study abroad program alumni via online communities.

   Social networks like Facebook and BlogAbroad.com, as well as many university-sponsored proprietary online communities, allow study abroad participants to connect with others who have studied in the destinations under consideration to obtain a first-hand, experiential account of the level of safety a country affords its visitors. Subjective recommendations from alumni, combined with the objective reporting of news outlets and governmental agencies, can provide the necessary knowledge to choose a safe study abroad destination.

Before traveling internationally to study abroad, be sure to research the local resources available and create a contact list. This compilation should include nearby police stations, medical facilities and the nearest embassy.  While this information is often provided upon arrival in a foreign country, become familiar with these references before the excitement of arriving in a new country overshadows the necessary precautions to create a safe study abroad experience.

Remember to check for Travel Health Notices prior to departure as well. The World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control routinely post country-specific travel notices and warnings online. Also consider researching the weather before leaving. Some areas may be prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis or earthquakes, at certain times of the year. If natural disasters do pose a potential threat, be proactive in learning what to do to prepare in the event one occurs and what to do after one happens.  

Role of health in safety

Decisions made before a program commences can have a profound impact on health and safety.

Cultural and environmental differences, such as climate extremes, insects and inadequate sanitation, can pose an increased risk of illness and injury. In addition, take stock of any physical, mental and other personal circumstances when identifying a program and/or country that is compatible with any existing health constraints.

Learn about the health risks specific to a particular country and how to prevent or avoid those risks. For example, diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness among travelers in Italy, while measles outbreaks have occurred in several other European countries in recent years. Obtain proper vaccinations prior to departure and, as a rule, avoid unpasteurized dairy products and use hand sanitizer often, especially before eating.

Diet and nutrition also plays a large role when studying abroad. Research the regional diet, eating habits and meal schedules of your host country. Should dietary restrictions conflict with cultural norms, discover a culturally appropriate way to convey dietary conditions. Be informed about food and water precautions as well and prepare accordingly. Bottled water is a simple solution when stomachs don't respond well to the local water supply, but keep in mind that ice in restaurants will be made from that same water.  

Tips to ensure a safe experience

Every travel experience is unique and no one can guarantee what a study abroad experience will be like. A little bit of prep time however, can help ensure a positive international experience. Adhere to the following tips to help ensure safe travels:

• Provide parents/guardians/family members with emergency contact info and inform them of travel itinerary changes.
  
• Consider purchasing a calling card or pay-as-you-go mobile phone as a convenient way to remain in touch with family and friends back home.
  
• Become familiar with and obey host-country laws.
  
• Bring little cash and instead rely on traveler's checks and one or two major credit cards (check to see whether fees are associated with overseas purchases).
  
• Photo copy credit cards, driver's license or identification and passport information pages to make replacing these items easier should they become lost or stolen.
  
• Check with a medical professional to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date (e.g. measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, etc.).
  
• Prepare a travel health kit that includes an ample supply of prescription medications, insect repellent, alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel, extra eyeglasses or contact lenses and saline solution, and the contact information of a primary health-care provider.
  

Choosing to study abroad is an important choice with profound implications for gaining a global perspective and understanding of cross-cultural cooperation. Without the proper research, however, the adventure can pose crucial health and safety risks.

Settling on a secure destination, as well as making responsible choices pertaining to personal well-being abroad, will make for a more meaningful, enjoyable study abroad experience.

Josh Irons is the product operations manager of StudyAbroad.com, a Web resource of EducationDynamics and the Internet's leading directory of study abroad and intensive language programs organized by subject and destination.

To learn more, visit www.StudyAbroad.com

 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

Study Abroad

StudyAbroad.com Handbook (Outlines reasons to study abroad, considerations when living abroad and advice on how to readjust upon return home) www.studyabroad.com/guides/handbook/

Health and Wellness

World Health Organization (Monitors disease outbreaks worldwide) www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html 

Center for Disease Control (Provides information about travel related illnesses, and immunizations and vaccinations) www.cdc.gov 

General Travel Information

International Travel Warnings (Lists travel warnings) www.aglobalworld.com/international-travel-warnings/travel-warnings.php 

U.S. Department of State (Provides international travel information) http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html

Embassies Worldwide

www.embassyworld.com/