Crime Prevention Tips

Students who study abroad may assume that they will be less likely to be a victim of crime overseas because some countries have a lower rate of violent crimes than the United States. However, as a visitor to a new country, you are likely to stand out because of your clothes, the way you walk, your speech, and other factors. Unfortunately, that makes you more likely to be targeted by petty criminals or others with ill intentions.

Here are a few tips to help students have a safe experience abroad:

(Disclaimer: Please note that these tips are not intended to place blame on victims but to heighten students’ awareness of the different cultural contexts they may find abroad.)

• Try to wear clothing that doesn't make you too conspicuous, and walk with a confident air. Remember that in many countries visitors from the U.S., from East Asia, and from other western countries are perceived to be quite wealthy and pickpockets won't distinguish between a "poor" college student and a "wealthy" tourist.
• Don’t accept drinks or food from strangers and don’t leave drinks unattended in bars or on trains. Incidents have been reported in which students have been drugged in clubs and elsewhere.
• Consider using a money belt or passport pouch to keep valuables hidden under clothing and away from view. Be aware that pickpockets often ride buses and subways looking for wallets within easy access.
• Don’t leave your wallet, backpack or luggage in a place where a passerby could walk off with it, and keep your hands on your bags in public spaces.
• Find out from program staff when you first arrive if there are any parts of town that should be avoided and the safest forms of local transportation.
• Avoid walking alone or taking an uber or taxi alone, especially at night.
• Be aware that while it is sometimes safer to travel with a group of friends, people sometimes let down their guard or do not notice their surroundings as much when they are with others.
• Use locks on your luggage and backpacks.