Arrival Safety

1. If your flight is minimally delayed (a few hours), you should remain calm, inform the appropriate parties (faculty director/host institution, homestay hosts, program partners, etc. as applicable), and wait for the delay to end. 

2. However, if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed (12 hours or more), you should work with the airline to reschedule your flight closer to the time you were scheduled to arrive. 

3. You should still inform the appropriate parties as applicable and provide any new relevant arrival details.

Remember to exercise due caution since you may be tired or distracted by your new surroundings. 

Pickpockets and con artists are known to operate at the transportation centers and elsewhere. The first 24 to 48 hours in a new location is a vulnerable time – slow down, and think carefully about the decisions you will make.

Tips

• Review the basic safety tips in the Personal Safety section. 

• See First-time Flyer Tips

• Print out the Emergency Contacts to keep with you in case your phone is lost, stolen, or has a dead battery.

• Check your airline’s policies on lost or damaged luggage as they may replace items. 

• If either of these happens to you, go to the airline kiosk to report your lost or damaged luggage.

• If they don’t have it available to you right away, contact your faculty director or see the information on Personal Property Insurance (Gateway). 

• You may also contact program partners or the staff at the Guarini Institute to help you submit an insurance claim.

• Exchange students should contact their personal property insurance provider, if applicable.

• Remember when traveling to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewelry or electronics. 

• Keep money and valuables (passport, credit cards, cell phone, etc.) on your person (but not your back pocket) rather than leaving them on a seat or in your backpack. 

• Cooperate with the authorities in answering security-related questions by opening your bags for inspection. 

• Be sure not to carry packages for anyone without knowing what is inside.

The nearest US Embassy or Consulate is listed on the first page of your Program Guide for faculty-directed programs. 

Know where the nearest Embassy or Consulate that you will use is located and make note of this location and phone number in your emergency contact list in Appendix D. 

Registering with STEP will also let the nearest Embassy/Consulate know you are on location.