• Student safety is Trinity’s highest priority. Trinity has an International Emergency Response Team on campus dedicated to addressing health, safety, and risk management issues abroad from a preparation and prevention approach to reduce risks. This office also partners with International SOS to provide all students on Trinity programs abroad comprehensive medical and travel security assistance. The Office of Study Away responds to incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• The Office of Study Away and staff in-country monitors both U.S. and foreign government advisories, considering those issued both by in-country embassies and consulates and by the State Department in Washington, DC. Trinity On-Site Directors continuously gather information from a variety of sources to evaluate safety and security conditions. Both the OSA and the On-Site Director also consult with local academic and non-governmental organizations as well as other study abroad programs and professionals around the world using academic, personal, and online networks.

• Key elements of the Trinity model that help to maximize in-country safety, include:

  • • Pre-departure orientation when students are advised about safety risks, resources and strategies.

    • Safety video that all students must watch prior to departure

    • Enrollment of all students in comprehensive medical and travel security assistance policy

    • Requirement of all students to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or be aware of consular services available for international students

    • On-Site orientation reviewing all safety advice and resources

    • Further safety and security briefings at key junctures throughout the semester

• Total safety cannot, of course, be guaranteed abroad just as it cannot be guaranteed in the United States. Trinity is committed to taking the necessary steps to maximize student safety at each and every program site.

• Trinity Rome Campus has an emergency response plan which students will be told about when they arrive at the program. It is important to pay close attention to all information provided by the program staff during on-site orientation, especially all health and safety information.

• In the event of an emergency the first contact should always be with the program staff on-site and/or your international medical insurance.

• The Office of Study Away is also available 24/7 in the event of an emergency but should not be your first point of contact.

• By the time you read this you will probably have heard it several times, but you must be vigilant of your phone, wallet and other essentials while you are out in public. If you are eating lunch or dinner out, for example, you should not leave your valuables out on the table somewhere you can not see them. All it takes is a few moments of distraction and things that were in front of you can disappear. This also goes for holding valuables in your back pockets or handbags while in a crowded area.

• Individuals who pick-pocket know exactly what they are doing and can get your wallet out of your backpack or purse if its not secure. In order to prevent this, make sure to keep your items securely on you, where you can see them and if it can be helped, locked. This is entirely precautionary because it is not guaranteed that someone will try to grab your phone while you are not looking but it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

• Most importantly, at all times, look out for each other, and never leave your friends alone, particularly at night, and especially if the person is intoxicated. Also, do not stay out at night when your friends have all decided to head back home. Your best form of safety while abroad is to help each other make good decisions.

When in Public:

• Be aware of your surroundings and your belongings at all times.

• Try to fit in and to dress like the locals as much as possible.

• Travel with a companion at night and stay in populated, well-lit areas.

• Avoid arguments and confrontations, and avoid demonstrations, especially in politically volatile countries.

• Act conservatively and keep a low profile.

• Always watch when bartenders are pouring your drink and never leave your drink alone.

• Men – If you carry a wallet, carry it in your front pocket.

• Women – Make sure your purse has a zipper and you carry it across your shoulder/chest. Keep your purse on the sidewalk side of your body and not on the road side.

While Traveling:

• Be careful when riding in vehicles and always wear a safety belt.

• On buses and trains, put your arm through the strap of your bags. If you decide to sleep on public transportation, make sure your bag is secure.

Hotels & Hostels:

• If staying in a youth hostel, try to carry your valuables with you if there is not a safe. Lock your suitcase and, if possible, strap it to your bed when you go out. You may want to sleep with your valuables under your pillow.

• Do not leave your valuables in your hotel room. Use a safe, safety deposit box or consider storing some items in a locker at a train station or airport.

• Rome, like most metropolitan cities, has safe areas and areas that are not safe. Unfortunately, even areas that may be considered safe, may pose dangers for particular populations. As a student from an American college, you may be targeted by criminals who will seek to victimize you because of your foreign status. Although this can happen anywhere in Rome, the risk of being targeted increases in certain locations that are (such as some bars/pubs, restaurants, hang outs, etc.) that are typically frequented by American students and tourists. For example, American students in Rome have been mugged, pick-pocketed, raped, and killed. So the danger is real.

• You are particularly warned about the dangers associated with the establishments located in the nearby Campo dei Fiori and Trastevere areas, as well as the area along the Tiber embankment. Certain bars in those areas that are known to host extended “happy hours” during which students may be served alcohol beyond the state of intoxication, thereby placing them in danger. In addition, we have received reports of American students being drugged and assaulted at the Campo dei Fiori, Trastevere and Tiber embankment areas. For those reasons, we consider these to be dangerous areas, particularly at night. We therefore warn you to avoid the bars/pubs in that area, as well as any others where you notice excessive drinking taking place.

• We encourage you to frequent places such as trattorias, restaurants and the like that cater to locals. We further remind you that, if you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation and make it a cultural experience (i.e., learning the names and the qualities of different foods and wines of Italy, etc.). The Rome Campus staff will be happy to recommend local restaurants for meals, events to attend in the evenings, and other entertainment options.

• Should you decide to go to bars/pubs, there are things you should do to minimize the chances of being victimized. First, go out in groups and watch out for one another. If drinking at a bar/pub, watch your drink very carefully at all times to make sure that no has an opportunity to put anything in it. As noted, students have reported being drugged without their knowledge. Women are advised to always have at least a couple of friends accompany you when using the facilities, in order to deter sexual assault. Never accept rides from unknown people and always walk about town in groups, if at all possible.

• Most importantly, at all times, look out for each other, and avoid leaving your friends alone, particularly at night, and especially if the person is intoxicated. Also, do not stay out at night when your friends have all decided to head back to campus. Your best form of safety while abroad is to help each other make good decisions.

While figures show that women going on study abroad programs outnumber men 2 to 1, there is still the necessity to discuss some special considerations for women when traveling abroad.

If a situation is dangerous—if you are made to feel uncomfortable—then act as if it is. Be extra careful when giving your trust. This applies generally, but is especially important when traveling alone.

Avoid being out alone at night in unfamiliar territory—on the street, in parks, on trams, on trains. If, for example, at night you suddenly find yourself alone in a train car, move to another one where other people are sitting. Be alert and do not go out alone after dark.

Discuss any situations which make you feel uncomfortable with the on-site director, or other staff member.

Customs, attitudes, laws, and social practices relating to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people vary throughout the world. Some countries are more progressive than the United States in their perspectives on GLBT issues. Many other countries are far more conservative and restrictive in their policies and practices. GLBT students will want to inform themselves about relevant issues in their host countries and all their travel destinations.

Most travel guides (especially those geared towards students) will have a section on GLBT issues. Use these and other books to become informed. The following are some good sites to start with:

ILGA: The International Lesbian and Gay Association

• Very comprehensive, worldwide, GLBT resources at www.ilga.org

IGLHRC: International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

• Worldwide resources and references for GLBT issues, great content and links at www.iglhrc.org

Trinity College is a member of the Diversity Abroad Network. Their message to you:

For the majority of students, study abroad is an amazing and sometimes life changing experiences. But just like life at your home school, you may encounter some discrimination on your travels. For some students when they study abroad it will be the first time they will be in the position of being a minority.

Although you will be a minority in your host country, you may receive additional attention depending on your background and ethnicity, which may or may not be discrimination. People might judge you based on your ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Remember, there is nowhere in the world 100% free of ignorant people. Whatever happens, don’t let the possibility of discrimination prevent you from experiencing the life changing benefits of living abroad.