Protect your valuable documents. Never keep all your documents and money in one place. Keep copies of important documents with you, but seperate from the originals. 

Never leave your baggage unattended: everything you own is in it. Thieves know this and will take advantage of even a few seconds of your inattention. This is true no matter where you are – hotels, train stations, restaurants, or parks.

Never agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone. Make sure no one puts anything in your luggage. 

Be aware at all times of your surroundings and the people with whom you  have contact. This is not paranoia – it is common sense. IF you find yourself in  uncomfortable surroundings, act as if you know what you are doing and get out of there. TRUST YOUR GUT. 

Never travel alone. Women especially should not walk alone at night – plan ahead, find an escort and stay in populated, well-trafficked areas. 

Keep the on-site program director,  your host family, and/or your faculty leader informed of any traveling  you plan to do. 

Avoid all illegal drugs. You are subject to the laws of the country in which you are traveling. Hundreds of Americans end up in foreign jails each year as a result of carrying, using, or being suspected of using drugs. There is little the American embassy can do on your behalf in these cases and the laws in many countries are more severe than in the U.S.  

News Media Fear and Worry

Watch "News Media Fear and Worry" by the Gift of Fear Masterclass 

Find out if the country you are about to visit is in a high-risk area. Call the State Department’s Citizen Emergency Center, 202.632.5225. If you are traveling in an area experiencing political conflict, especially involving the United States: 

Keep in touch with the current political situations. Listen daily to the television or radio. In case of an emergency, remain in contact with the on-site program staff.  Obey announced curfews. 

When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid or spend as  little time as possible in potential target areas for terrorist activities. This includes places frequented by Americans, such as clubs, fast food restaurants associated with the U.S., branches of American banks, American churches, and American Consulates or Embassies. 

Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Wear moderate colors and conservative clothing. Avoid American logos (especially College/University logos) on your belongings and clothing.

Avoid large and loud groups. 

Do not flash money or documents in public places. Keep small bills in your pocket and use them whenever possible to pay for things.  

Be discreet in displaying your passport. 

Keep away from demonstrations of all kinds. If you see a situation developing,  resist the temptation to satisfy your curiosity. Walk the other way. 

Do not agree to newspaper or other media interviews regarding political conflicts. It is important to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Do not make reference to  your program. In such cases, always say “no comment” and walk away. 

Do not take photographs of members of the military, military installations, or  police. 

Avoid places generally frequented by people from the U.S. (i.e. Hard Rock Cafe). 

Dating is full of misread signals and confusion when you’re at home in the U.S. In foreign countries with different cultural and social values, expectations, and languages, the uncertainty is heightened. You should expect differences, observe before you act, communicate your boundaries clearly, and move away from situations that make you uncomfortable. Before you go, find a native of the host country to discuss dating issues such as group vs. individual dates, flirting, sexual expectations, taboos, etc.  

In some locations women may have a difficult time adjusting to attitudes they encounter abroad, both in public and private interactions between men and women. Some men openly demonstrate their appraisal of women in ways that many women find offensive, such as being honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly approved of, and being actively noticed simply for being a woman, and in particular, being an American woman. At first, the attention may be flattering, but it can become annoying, or angering. Local women have learned through their culture how to ignore the attention, which can be difficult for foreign students. 

In many countries and cultures, American women are seen as morally/sexually loose. If you wear clothing inappropriate to the culture, move too quickly in a relationship, or flirt overzealously, you will contribute to the perception. Be careful about the implicit messages you are communicating, which may not be intended in your own cultural context. Try to maintain the perspective that these challenges are part of understanding a culture, one of the reasons you are studying abroad. 

Uncomfortable situations may be avoided by taking the following precautions:

• Educate yourself beforehand about gender roles in the country you will  be visiting.  

• Dress conservatively. Clothing that is acceptable in the U.S. may be  perceived as provocative in another country or disrespectful in  other cultures.  

• Do not overreact to stares, whistles, or other forms of attention, as they  may be intended to be compliments rather than harassment. 

• Ask a trustworthy local about any confusion in how to handle certain situations.

• Avoid walking alone at night or in questionable neighborhoods. 

• Be aware that men from other cultures tend to mistake the friendliness  of the U.S. American women for romantic interest.

For more information, check “Tips for Women Traveling Alone” from the U.S.  Department of State. 

Bethel University and Bethel Foundation Sexual Misconduct Policy: https://www.bethel.edu/offices/human-resources/policies/sexual misconduct 

Country specific assistance through The Office for Victims of Crime: http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/findvictimservices/ 

US Department of State: 202.647.4444 or look up the emergency number for US citizens at the US embassy in your country. Someone at each US embassy will answer 24 hours a day and advise regarding local laws and customs. 

Travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html 

Although there is no perfect way to protect yourself, you can minimize your risk by adopting an assertive attitude. The ideas listed below will provide a solid basis from which you can take charge of your own personal safety. 

• Think and act confidently. Do not look like a victim. Walk with your head up and your eyes open. Walk at a steady pace with a self-assured stride.

• Remain aware of your surroundings. Watch ahead to determine the safest route.

• Don’t be paranoid, but plan ahead by thinking of what you would do if you were confronted by a criminal act. Be prepared to take action. 

• If confronted, attract attention. Scream, blow a whistle, or sound an alarm and run to a public place or open business.

• Trust your feelings. If you feel uneasy or scared, there is a reason for that. Go to a place of safety and call for help.

Protect yourself and others in your group by following these suggestions when traveling. 

• Do not travel alone, especially after dark. Never be afraid to ask someone to go with you. 

• Dress conservatively. Travel lightly. 

• Plan your outings in advance and let someone know the details of your plans. 

• When you walk, take the most public, well-lit, direct route available. Do not walk down alleys or other secluded areas that restrict your sight or escape route. 

• If you use public transportation, make sure you know your route and the names and locations of your stops. 

• Learn traffic signals and signs (even if you are not driving). 

• A few countries drive on the opposite side of the road than the U.S. Be aware of your natural instinct to look to the left first, then the right. 

• Never take an unmarked cab. 

• Do not accept food or drink from strangers. 

• Know that there is risk in operating a motor vehicle (i.e. car, motor  scooter) and that Bethel strongly discourages this while abroad. 

Airport Safety

• Keep your luggage with you at all times. Never leave bags unattended.

• Keep all baggage claim checks. 

• Do not joke or comment about terrorism. 

• Do not accept packages from strangers. 

• Do not pack anything that may be used as/mistaken for a weapon

Protect Your Property 

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not leave cash in jackets, backpacks, or purses. Instead, put it in your front pocket, a sock, or under your clothes. 

• Do not leave purses, backpacks, or jackets unattended. 

• Avoid leaving cash or jewelry or other valuables in plain view in your room/residence. Put them in a drawer or other location out of sight. 

• Be wary of minor disturbances such as being bumped or shoved, having your foot stepped on, extra noise, etc. Be aware of who and what is around you. Would-be thieves often use distraction as a tactic. 

• If someone tries to take your backpack or other property by force, let him or her have it. Your personal safety is far more important than any property. 

• Pickpockets generally work in pairs or groups (with one creating a  distraction while the other makes the steal). 

• Report stolen goods to local authorities immediately (within 24 hours).