Note for Students

Study abroad can be an exciting experience but it is also important to remember that you are a guest in the country of your program. Being aware of your surroundings and being respectful to the local culture is an important part of having a good experience and staying safe. The following list includes a few pointers to help you accomplish these goals.

• Be Aware of your surroundings, you can better avoid potentially dangerous situations if you are paying attention to the circumstances around you.
• Blend in, avoid extreme styles of dress, loud speaking, and cultural taboos. Try not to draw attention to yourself in loud and inappropriate ways. Speaking as much of the native language as possible can also help you appear competent.
• Travel in groups whenever possible, it is one of the best and most easy ways to increase your safety in a foreign country. This especially pertains to high school students and women. If you do have to travel alone, make sure someone else knows where you are going and when they should expect you to return.
• Carry the Emergency Contact Card that Jembatan provides with you at all times, it has the location and contact information for places like the American consulates and embassies as well as local hospitals and law enforcement officials.
• Photocopy important documents like your passport, plane tickets, student ID, and insurance card in case the originals are lost or stolen. You should leave a copy of them with your parents or guardian as well.
• Don't flash money. If you need to pull money out from a pocket, wallet or purse, try to be very discrete. You may even want to retire to a less public place to access your money. If possible, don't carry large amounts of cash on your person.
• Check maps before you go out. Looking lost and confused makes you look more vulnerable. Referring to a map can also save you from getting lost and wasting a lot of time and energy. By the same token, asking the locals for directions is a great way to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
• Be extra cautious of traveling at night. Try to stay in well-lit and well-traveled streets.
• Stay away from purchasing or using illegal drugs. In most Southeast Asian countries drug possession and/or transportation is accompanied with stiff prison time or even capital punishment!
• Beware of pickpockets and scam artists. Scam artists are often overly-friendly and generally have a swan-song to tell you about some recent bad luck etc. Pickpockets often work in teams to create diversions for their work.
• Keep on top of current events in your host country and the U.S.

Special Advice for Women

Unfortunately, women do need to be more careful during their travels than the men because they are more often targeted for scams and crimes. Consequently, we have included a short list of things that women can do to decrease their risk in a foreign country.

• Don't wear provocative clothing or flashy jewelry. Find out what is considered risqué clothing and avoid wearing it.
• Look and walk with confidence and assertiveness without appearing conceited.
• Familiarize yourself with the attitudes and perceptions of women in your host country. Every country has thousands of years of cultural beliefs and practices regarding gender. Familiarize yourself with them.

Final Word

These safety tips shouldn't deter you from studying abroad. After all, they are mostly common sense rules that apply to personal conduct in any country including the United States. We merely list them to remind you to be wise during your adventure abroad.