When studying abroad, you open a door to the world of incredible opportunities. You become independent, manage your own finances, meet new people and explore new countries. At the same time, this period can be pretty challenging. When you face some issues with your tasks at a college campus, you can just send a “Do My Assignment” message even if your deadline is in several hours. Online help with Spanish homework or any other project is a piece of cake these days. But when you’re on the move, you need to think not only about your grades, but about your safety as well. So, what are the most valuable tips that can come in handy?
Do Your Research
We know that you’re ready to start an amazing journey as soon as you find out about a study abroad program. However, it is important to stay safe and to develop a clear action plan. For example, start with researching your destination. Whatever country you’re traveling to, you can find some travel advisories about safe regions, public transportation, common risks, and so on. Along with official information, you can check YouTube channels, blogs, student forums, etc. The more you find about the country and its cultural customs, the safer you will feel.
Besides, it is really vital to learn local laws, especially when you’re traveling to countries with different religions and traditions. People in China, Turkey, Israel, etc. have their rules that are applied to foreigners as well. For example, you can’t chew gum in Singapore. Sounds weird but when in Rome do as the Romans do.
Knowing what is and isn’t acceptable in the culture you are visiting is an important part of a successful trip.
Tips for Maintaining a Low Profile
• Being aware of your surroundings, as well as being conscious of yourself and your behavior in a public area, is the first step toward safety.
• Maintain vigilance – create boundaries, watch your surroundings, be aware of persons in your immediate vicinity, and trust your intuition.
• Be extra vigilant in tourist areas because they can be a more attractive target for petty theft, frauds, and other types of criminal activity.
• Avoid high-risk situations at all costs. Make a concerted attempt to blend in as much as possible with the people around you.
• Stay away from public protests (particularly political demonstrations or human rights marches), where there may be a significant number of people and the mood may become hostile or potentially violent.
• Dress in a way that blends in. When it comes to traveling, wearing the wrong clothes shouts “TOURIST” and makes you a target for scammers, burglars, and worse. The less obvious you appear to be a tourist, the less attention you will receive from the wrong kind of people.
• Reduce the amount of time you spend talking out loud in public places.
• Avoid wearing or carrying dazzling jewelry or pricey technological devices.
• Don’t go out alone at night, and don’t leave your friends alone at night either.
• Cultural sensitivity – be aware of what is suitable in the culture you will be traveling to.
Learn the Language
If you don’t speak any foreign languages, the chances are you’ll find someone who understands English even in the middle of nowhere. However, it would be better for you to be prepared, especially when you’re going to study or travel far aways from capitals and big cities. Learn the basics of the language, for example, how to ask for help. This is a list of the simplest exclamations that are very useful when something goes wrong:
- Italian — Aiuto!
- German — Hilfe!
- Icelandic — Hjálp!
- Spanish — ¡Ayuda!
- Turkish — Yardım!
- Japanese — Tasukete!
- French — Au secours!
- Russian — Pomogite!
- Greek — Voithia!
Use Google Translate to find out how to pronounce these words correctly. It would also be a good idea to learn some more expressions like “I’m a student”, “I’m looking for my campus”, “Where can I find the doctor?”, etc. Install some offline dictionaries and buy a paper version to find necessary words when the Internet connection is not stable.
Find Friends in Advance
Get the most out of social media — when reading different forums and groups, feel free to ask people for advice or help. They can be locals or students from your native country who have been already studying in a country of destination. In any case, you need to have the contacts of someone who can support you.
Be Prepared For Emergencies
- Make copies of all documents (passport, visa, tickets, etc.) and put them separate from the originals. Make the digital copy as well.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you — store money on the bank card and ensure you know how to block it quickly.
- Ensure you have a bag with all the necessary stuff — documents, water, change clothes, etc. If your luggage is lost or stolen, you’ll be fine.
- Store the phone numbers for emergencies in your smartphone and write them down in a paper notebook. Make a list of necessary meds and store receipts if necessary.
