While on your educational program in Mexico . . .

Do the Following . . .

• Listen carefully to all safety information during your in-country orientation.

• Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times. Only carry your passport with you when changing money, going to the U.S. Embassy, or if otherwise instructed by CGEE staff.

• Stay close together as a group when you are out in public, and always travel in groups of two or more.

• Always ask permission of a person before videotaping or photographing.

• Be cautious about what you say in public (including airplanes, airports, restaurants, and hotel lobbies). There will most likely be people around you who will understand English. Also, North Americans tend to speak in louder voices, so keep your voice at a low level-- even when in your hotel room.

• Be respectful of resource people, even those with whom your views differ. This does not mean that you have to avoid asking the “hard” questions, just ask them in a nonconfrontational way.

• Be respectful of other group members. Before asking multiple questions of resource people, look around to see if other people have questions. People have varied learning styles. Some may need more time than others before asking questions. Remember that you are part of a learning community and not simply an independent traveler.

• Drink a lot of water to maintain good health. When at a high altitude or when the weather is hot, you will dehydrate much more quickly! CGEE staff will help you find sources of safe water.

Don't . . .

• Leave suitcases, bags, or purses unattended, even for a minute!

• Handle large amounts of money in public. Know how much you have and where it is.

• Flush toilet paper down the toilet. It will stop up the septic system. Throw it in the wastebasket next to the toilet.

• Give anybody any reason to rob you. That means do not wear flashy (or any) jewelry, watches, bulging pockets, or expensive-looking sunglasses.

• Disclose the tentative schedule or names of resource persons and groups of which you may be aware. This information should not be given either to "friendly strangers," to other resource persons on the program, or to anyone outside of your group. If you want to ask someone about information provided by another resource person/organization, find a way to do this without mentioning the other person/organization (e.g. "I read before I came that . . .").

• Photograph military personnel or military installations. In many countries, airports and bridges are included in this prohibition. This is true for U.S. immigration and customs areas as well.

Your group will have an orientation session upon arrival in Mexico. You will receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask questions at that time. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the information above, contact the Customized Programs Staff at CGEE.