Staying Safe While Studying Abroad

Rule #1: Know Your Surroundings 
 Staying alert and trusting your instincts is one of the best ways to ensure your safety. If you feel the situation around you is unsafe or if you see a suspicious person, turn and go the other way or put some distance between yourself and the situation. Do not get on the elevator with a person who gives you the heebie jeebies. Feel free to be cautious - do not worry about other people's feelings, worry about yourself.

Rule #2: Do Not Drink Too Much
You'll likely want to check out the bars and clubs in your host city, but remember that staying sober is much safer than drinking too much. If you get intoxicated, you will not have the same capability to recognize what's going on around you. Staying sober means staying safer.

Rule #3: Do Not Stand Out
Blend in with the crowd. Americans are easy to spot in a crowd. No joke. They are usually dressed like tourists, with fanny packs, t-shirts with names or artwork of American cities, like New York, and cameras dangling around their necks. Of course, this is just a generalization, but the point is you do not want to stand out in the crowd. When you are overseas, try your best to be inconspicuous: Do not be loud and obnoxious, dress or act like a tourist. Tourists are often the target of scam artists and pickpockets. By blending in, you will protect yourself and your wallet. Instead of hanging out at the local McDonalds or Burger King, head to local restaurants for dinner. You will not only blend in, but you will also get to experience the real culture of your host country.

Rule #4: Do Not Flash Your Cash
Do not carry large sums of money. Do not open your wallet so people can see, and flash your money. If you do, you are just inviting trouble. A good thing to keep in mind is to only carry as much money as you can afford to lose, should your wallet be stolen. 

Rule #5: Do Not Trust Strangers
Be careful when you meet people. Do not give your trust away too soon. Of course, you want to make friends but just be cautious about it. Keep in mind that not everyone is always as genuine as they may seem. Do not give away your address or phone number to people that you just met.

Rule #6: Be Prepared for Emergencies
Know where the hospital and police station are. This will prove to be helpful if you run into an emergency and need help. Make sure you know what the local equivalent of 911 is.

Rule #7: Stay Away from the Crowd
Avoid crowds when possible. The more people around you, the greater the chances of having your wallet pickpocketed. However, there are times when you cannot avoid crowds, such as on public transportation and local events, so just stay alert and keep your belongings (purse, backpack, etc.) close to you to prevent pickpockets.

Rule #8: Buddy Up
Safety in numbers. If you are going out, go with friends, especially at night. Never leave with somebody you do not know. At night, stay in well-lit places. If you must go somewhere by yourself, be sure you tell a friend where you'll be and when you expect to return. 

Rule #9: Do Not Do Drugs 
Have you ever watched Locked Up Abroad??! Every country has drug laws; do you know the laws of your host country? Some countries have harsh penalties for being caught with drugs, ranging from lengthy imprisonment to death. Seriously. Just because you're an American does not mean you do not have to abide by their laws.

Rule #10: Keep Your Stuff Nearby
Never leave your bags, your purse or any of your belongings unattended. If you must have someone watch your bags, make sure you know the person well. Do not trust someone you do not know, or have just met, to watch your things. 

By following these ten rules you can greatly increase your chances of staying safe in your host country. Keep them in mind, but above all, remember to have fun!