Top Tips:
- Research your destination, including local laws, customs, transportation, common scams, emergency numbers, and areas to avoid before arrival
- Save contact information for on-site coordinators and local emergency services
- Share your itinerary, accommodations, transportation details, and expected check-in times with someone you trust
- Tell your program or a trusted contact before taking independent weekend trips away from your study-abroad location
- Download maps, translation tools, tickets, and essential information for offline access
- Arrange transportation in advance when arriving late at night or somewhere unfamiliar
- Avoid announcing to strangers that you are traveling or living alone
- Keep your room number and student housing address private
- Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance information, and other important documents
- Learn how and where to get medical care
- Divide cash and payment methods between secure locations so losing one item does not leave you without access to money
- Use live location sharing selectively with trusted contacts
- Before going out at night, learn when public transportation stops running and learn how licensed taxis and rideshare services are identified locally; only use official pickup areas and reputable apps
- Go out with people you trust and remain connected throughout the night, agreeing in advance on a meeting point if the group becomes separated or phone service is unavailable
- Do not assume a new acquaintance is trustworthy simply because they are another student, traveler, or participant in your program
- If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, consider enrolling in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can send relevant safety updates and contact you during an emergency