What can I do to identify and prepare for common safety risks before I study abroad?
Start by learning which risks you are likely to face at your destination, such as theft, traffic safety problems or political and social instability. Then understand local safety norms and note your nearest embassy, emergency services, campus security and international student association before you travel.
Before you travel, learn which safety risks are likely at your destination and how they should shape your daily routine and travel choices. Safety norms vary across cultures, so a habit that feels safe at home may be risky elsewhere.
Steps to Identify Safety Risks
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Learn likely risks | Find out about issues such as theft, traffic safety problems and political or social instability |
| Understand local norms | Safety practices differ by culture, and public social etiquette in Asian countries is very different from European and Western countries |
| Know your safety resources | Note the nearest embassy or consulate, local emergency services, campus security offices and international student associations |
How to Prepare
- Use what you learn to guide your daily activities and travel choices.
- Save the contact details of the embassy or consulate and local emergency services in your phone.
- Find the campus security office and the international student association early after arrival.
My Advice
Make a one-page safety sheet before you fly, with the risks you identified and every contact number you may need. Share it with a family member so someone at home knows where to look in an emergency.
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