Staying Safe Abroad

Safety is the first worry of many families and, once abroad, a smaller concern than students expected. Most study abroad experiences pass without serious incident. But a new place means unfamiliar streets, rules and risks, and the problems that do occur are often predictable: a stolen phone, a bad night out, a misjudged road crossing. Preparation, awareness and a few sensible habits make most of them avoidable.

Conditions vary enormously by country and city, so use this guide as a framework and rely on official advice for your destination. It is general information, not a substitute for local guidance.

Do your homework before you go

• Read official travel advisories from your government and note any warnings for your region, and for places you plan to visit.
• Read your program's safety information, emergency procedures and rules.
• Learn about local laws and customs, including those on alcohol, drugs, dress, photography, public behavior and relationships. Laws that seem odd may be strictly enforced.
• Learn the emergency numbers for police, ambulance and fire.
• Find out about common scams and crime in your city.
• Research health risks and required vaccinations.
• Check for natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, storms or extreme heat.
• Talk to returnees about what to watch for.

Our guide to health insurance for studying abroad explains how to arrange cover before you travel.

Register and share your plans

• Register with your embassy or consulate, if a service exists, so that they can contact you in a crisis.
• Share your itinerary and housing address with family and your program.
• Save emergency contacts in your phone, including program staff, the host's international office and your insurer's assistance line.
• Tell someone when you travel away from your base, and when you plan to return.
• Keep your program informed about changes in your plans.

Protect your documents and money

• Keep copies of your passport, visa, insurance and key documents, in your email and on paper, stored separately.
• Carry a copy of your passport, and leave the original locked in your room, unless you are required to carry it.
• Use a money belt or hidden pocket in crowded places.
• Carry only the cash and cards you need.
• Keep a backup card in a different place.
• Know how to freeze a card quickly, and have your bank's international number.
• Use ATMs inside banks or in well-lit, busy areas.
• Cover your PIN.

Preventing theft

Petty theft is the most common problem for students abroad.

• Keep phones and wallets out of sight in crowded places and on public transport.
• Do not leave bags unattended, or hung on chair backs.
• Be aware of distractions, such as someone bumping into you or asking for directions.
• Keep valuables in your front pockets or a zipped bag worn across the body.
• Lock your room, and use lockers where provided.
• Be careful with laptops and tablets in cafes.
• Keep your phone secure with a PIN or biometric lock, and enable tracking.

If something is stolen, report it to the police for insurance, contact your bank and tell your program.

Getting around safely

• Learn the transport system, and the safest ways to travel at night.
• Use licensed taxis or reputable ride apps, and check the vehicle and driver before getting in.
• Share your trip details with a friend.
• Walk in well-lit, busy streets, and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
• Know the traffic rules. In some countries, traffic drives on the opposite side, and pedestrians are less protected. Look both ways, always.
• Use helmets for bikes and scooters, and check whether you are insured for them. Many policies exclude motorbike accidents.
• Do not drive unless you are licensed, legally allowed and insured.

Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury to travelers, so treat transport seriously.

Nightlife, alcohol and drugs

• Know the local laws on drinking age, public drinking and drugs. Penalties for drug offenses can be severe, even for small amounts.
• Know your limits, and drink slowly, with water and food.
• Never leave drinks unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Go out with friends, and agree how you will get home.
• Look after each other. Do not leave someone who is unwell or very drunk alone.
• Be aware that your tolerance may differ abroad, since drinks can be stronger.
• Know how to get help, and be willing to call emergency services if someone is in danger.

Many students choose not to drink, and that is fine. Do not feel pressure.

Relationships, consent and personal safety

• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, leave.
• Respect consent, your own and others'.
• Be cautious about meeting people from the internet, and meet in public places.
• Be aware of local norms, which may differ on dress, dating and public behavior.
• Know where to turn for support after an assault: the program, local services and your embassy.
• Report incidents to your program, who can help with medical care, police and counseling.

Our guides to studying abroad with a disability and LGBTQ+ students abroad address specific considerations.

Scams to watch for

• Overcharging by taxis, tour guides and street sellers.
• Fake police officers asking to see your wallet or documents.
• Friendly strangers who invite you to bars or clubs that lead to huge bills.
• Rental scams.
• Phishing messages pretending to be from banks or universities.
• Fake charity collectors, petition signers and "free gifts" followed by demands for money.
• Currency exchange tricks.

If someone approaches you with an offer that seems too good to be true, or pressures you, walk away.

Health and wellbeing

• Keep your vaccinations up to date, and follow advice about local health risks.
• Be careful with food and water where hygiene is uncertain.
• Protect yourself from the sun, heat and insects.
• Know where to find a doctor, hospital and pharmacy.
• Keep medications in original packaging, with a doctor's note.
• Look after your mental health. Isolation, stress and homesickness are common.
• Sleep, eat and exercise.

Natural hazards and unrest

• Learn what to do in an earthquake, flood, storm or fire in your location.
• Know the evacuation routes in your building.
• Follow local authorities' instructions.
• Sign up for local alerts, if available.
• Avoid protests and demonstrations, even peaceful ones, since situations can change quickly.
• Monitor the news, and keep your phone charged.
• Keep an emergency kit, with water, a flashlight, a charger and essential documents.

If conditions deteriorate, contact your program and embassy, and follow their advice.

Digital safety

• Use strong, unique passwords, and two-step verification.
• Be careful on public Wi-Fi. Avoid banking, or use a trusted VPN where legal.
• Keep your devices updated.
• Back up important files.
• Be careful about what you share on social media, such as your location and routines.
• Beware of phishing and fake websites.
• Know local rules on online speech and content, which can differ.

Looking out for each other

• Check in with friends, especially if someone seems unwell or isolated.
• Agree a meeting point and a plan when going out.
• Share your location with trusted friends on nights out.
• Speak up if you see someone in trouble.
• Support friends who have had a bad experience, and encourage them to seek help.

Make an emergency plan

1. Write down key numbers: local emergency, program contact, insurer, embassy, family.
2. Know where the nearest hospital is.
3. Keep a card in your wallet with your name, blood type, allergies and emergency contacts.
4. Know how to reach your program 24 hours a day.
5. Have a plan for losing your passport or phone. Know where your embassy is, and what to bring.
6. Keep spare cash and a charged power bank.
7. Agree with family how you will communicate in a crisis.

If something goes wrong

• Get to a safe place.
• Get medical help if needed.
• Contact your program and insurer.
• Report crimes to the police, and get a copy of the report.
• Contact your embassy for lost documents or serious incidents.
• Tell your family, and look after yourself.
• Seek support afterward. Counseling is available, and your program can help.

A worked example

Imagine a student arriving in a large city. Before leaving, she reads her government's advice, registers with her embassy and saves emergency numbers. She uses a money belt and carries a copy of her passport. In the first week, a stranger offers to take her to a "student bar," but she remembers the warnings about scams and declines. She uses licensed taxis at night and shares her location with friends. When her phone is stolen on a crowded train, she reports it, blocks her cards and uses her backup. Her program helps her replace the phone.

Her habits turned a bad moment into a minor inconvenience.

Common mistakes

• Not researching the destination.
• Carrying everything in one place.
• Leaving drinks unattended.
• Assuming that local laws are like home.
• Ignoring transport risks.
• Not telling anyone where you are.
• Not saving emergency numbers.

A quick checklist

• Have I read official advice and my program's safety information?
• Have I registered, shared my plans and saved key numbers?
• Do I have copies of documents and a backup card?
• Do I know the local laws and common scams?
• Do I have an emergency plan?

Final thoughts

Staying safe abroad mostly comes down to preparation and common sense. Learn about your destination, protect your things, look after your friends and know whom to call. If something goes wrong, ask for help early. Most problems can be solved, and most students have a safe and rewarding time.