Begin OSU masthead and toolbar

The Ohio State University
www.osu.edu
  1. Help
  2. Campus map
  3. Find people
  4. Webmail

Home arrow Going Abroad arrow Safety
Safety PDF Print

The Office of International Affairs is strongly committed to providing a safe, healthy, and productive learning experience for all students on study abroad programs. The following guidelines have been developed to promote the safety and well-being of every study abroad participant and to raise students’ awareness of potential areas of concern.
 

Study abroad and safety

Student safety and well-being are the foremost concerns of International Affairs. From pre‑departure orientation to on-site orientation and continuing throughout the program, OIA and its host institutions provide guidance on maintaining personal safety while overseas. In addition, OIA implements the following protocol for all of our study abroad students:

  • All Ohio State students are required to register themselves with the U.S. Department of State for the period of time they are out of the United States. The web site is travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html.
  • Study Abroad coordinators maintain regular e-mail and telephone contact with Ohio State resident directors and/or host institutions where our students are studying.
  • All Ohio State students are enrolled for supplemental health insurance, which includes emergency medical features.
  • OIA staff members are available by telephone and e-mail 24 hours a day to address study abroad student concerns.
  • Ohio State has a 24-hour emergency phone number that is provided to all study abroad students.
  • OIA reminds study abroad students to take personal responsibility for their own health and safety.
OIA draws upon a variety of information sources to assess the security situation in countries where we send students. We routinely monitor U.S. government travel advisories issued from the state department and by U.S. embassies. We encourage potential and current study abroad students to regularly visit the U.S. state department web site (state.gov) for security updates and related information for U.S. citizens who are overseas. We solicit information and insight from our host institutions as well as other U.S. universities with overseas programs. And, of course, we take advantage of the expertise available from Ohio State faculty with experience in the regions and countries where we send students.

While total safety cannot be guaranteed abroad just as it cannot be in the United States, OIA is committed to take the steps to maximize safety for students who participate in Ohio State study abroad programs.

U.S. Embassy registration

Every Ohio State study abroad student who is a U.S. citizen is required to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the U.S. Department of State travel registration web site at travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties; however, U.S. embassies and consulates can provide both emergency and non-emergency services to American citizens who encounter problems while abroad. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing and should be a part of your travel planning and security.
 
Ohio State resident directors are provided with contact information and the location of the nearest U.S. consulate(s) in your host country in the event that a situation arises that necessitates consular assistance. Such situations may include reporting and replacing a lost or stolen passport, locating a medical facility, or even seeking legal assistance. If you encounter a problem during your program, you should first contact your resident director or your host institution coordinator, who can help you seek whatever kind of assistance you need.

International students cannot register through the U.S. Department of State travel web site. If you are an international student participating in an Ohio State study abroad program, you are encouraged to check the web site of your home country embassy to find out if you can register your overseas travel. OIA is nonetheless committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of every study abroad student. In an emergency, contact your resident director or host institution coordinator first. If this is not possible, call The Ohio State University Security Services 24-hour emergency number at (614) 292-6677 to locate the help and resources you need.
 

U.S. State Department Information for Students

The U.S. Department of State has also created a very comprehensive web site devoted to health, safety, and other important resources specifically for students who are preparing to go abroad at studentsabroad.state.gov.
 

In-Country travel

Depending upon your study abroad program, you may have opportunities to travel in the country/region where you will be studying. Doing research on the country will help you to decide what extra activities to do while you are there. Surf the Web and consult our list of web sites in this handbook. Many Study Abroad coordinators will give you some program-specific web sites during your orientation session as well. Make yourself the most informed traveler possible.

You should also invest in a good travel guide for the country or region you are visiting. Travel guides give you very specific information about the country and culture, even down to which side of the bus offers the best view. They also give price guides that are more in line with a student traveler’s budget. Study Abroad coordinators recommend guides by Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, and Rough Guides. To comparison shop, take a trip to a local bookstore or the Columbus Public Library and start reading. Beyond guidebooks and web sites, students from the country you will be going to and/or students who went previously on your program can be a great source of information about the must-see things to do while on your program. Whether traveling on a study abroad program or independently, students need to take personal responsibility for their own health and safety. If you are on a group OSU sponsored program which allows off-site travel, you will be required to complete the Off-Site Travel Form and submit it to your RD before you travel off-site.
 

Safety guidelines

These safety guidelines have been developed to provide useful practical information for students studying abroad, as health and safety of study abroad participants is one of our primary concerns. Although no set of guidelines can guarantee the health and safety of each individual going on a study abroad program, these guidelines address issues that merit attention and thoughtful judgment.
 
As a study abroad student, you should exercise the same, and even more, personal safety precautions overseas as you would at home. Be aware that you will stand out overseas, therefore, possibly making you an easy target. At times, the people you meet may see you with stereotypical eyes. Americans tend to carry backpacks, dress differently, speak loudly, and have distinct accents. Meeting people and making new friends is an important part of studying abroad, but be mindful. It is possible an occasion may arise when someone may want to become a friend with you in order to take your money or your passport. It is important to use common sense at all times.

Protect yourself:
  • Know the basic help phrases in the local language.
  • If you go out alone, always tell someone where you are going.
  • Always report your travel plans to the resident director.
  • If you think someone is making bad decisions about safety issues, share your concerns with the person or with the resident director.
  • Do not give your home phone number or address to someone you have just met.
  • Do not hitchhike.
  • Choose clothing which will not draw attention to yourself.  Avoid camoflauge clothing and T-shirts with slogans and/or words which could be offensive to the host culture.
Protect your possessions:
  • Wear a concealed money belt or neck pouch.
  • Keep your money in two places. If you are robbed or lose some money, you will have a backup.
  • Do not leave luggage unattended or accept packages from strangers.
  • Leave copies of all important documents in more than one place (e.g., at home in the U.S. and in your bags or room in-country).
  • Leave your passport and other valuables in your room or in a hotel safe. You do not need to carry your passport on a daily basis, unless you are going to cash traveler’s checks.
Be vigilant:
  • Do not stand out as a group or individual. Try to blend with your surroundings the best you can.
  • Adopt an attitude of watchfulness and notice the people in your proximity. If someone seems to be following you, vary your route. Go to a store or a populated place or flag down a taxi.
  • Do not go out alone with someone you have just met. Try to meet in a public place.
  • Know the local laws. Laws and systems of justice are not universal. You are subject to the laws of the host country while abroad.
Situations to avoid:
  • Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potentially volatile situations.
  • When using public transportation, avoid deserted trains, buses, and metros. Move to where other people are sitting.
  • Avoid deserted streets and exercise caution in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
  • Watch your alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking is neither appropriate nor safe in another culture and in unfamiliar surroundings. If you drink, know your limit.
  • If you are sexually active, take proper precautions to avoid AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, or unwanted pregnancies.
  • Resisting robbers’ demands can lead to unpleasant outcomes. Items are replaceable; you are not!
Especially for women:
  • Educate yourself beforehand about gender roles in the country you will be visiting.
  • Dress conservatively. Clothing that is acceptable in the United States may be perceived as provocative in another country or disrespectful in a specific context (e.g., visiting a religious site).
  • Do not overreact to stares, whistles, or other forms of attention, as they may be intended to be compliments rather than harassment.
  • If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, walk away or go to a safe spot or public place.
     

Sexual harrassment

Study abroad participants, both women and men, should be aware that The Ohio State University is committed to providing a living and study environment free from sexual harassment. The university encourages study abroad participants to report concerns and complaints so that prompt corrective measures can be taken to stop sexual harassment whenever it occurs.

What should you do if you experience sexual harassment while studying abroad?
  • Be assertive and let the individual concerned know that his or her conduct is unwelcome and offensive to you.
  • Document what has happened in writing.
  • Report the situation to your RD, in-country contact, or your Study Abroad coordinator. If you are uncomfortable discussing the situation with your RD or host contact, contact your coordinator directly.

Ohio State is committed to taking prompt and appropriate action in your support. If appropriate, an investigation will be conducted, and if at all possible, your identity will remain confidential. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken whether Ohio State or foreign students and/or faculty are involved. If the evidence is inconclusive, some action may still be in order. You will be kept informed on the outcome of your complaint. If the individual who harassed you is not an employee of The Ohio State University or host institution, you should still report the incident, because the university may be able to act on your behalf with regard to the situation.
 

Student conduct

As an Ohio State study abroad participant, you are expected to attend all classes and to participate in all program activities, including in-country program field trips, excursions, and other group activities. Just as important, you are expected to conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to your status as a guest of your host country and as a representative of The Ohio State University.

As a member of the Ohio State academic community, you have important rights and responsibilities, which are outlined in the university’s Code of Student Conduct. The code applies not only to on-campus conduct of all students but also applies to off-campus conduct of students, including those who participate in study abroad programs. The Code of Student Conduct is published on the university’s web site, studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp.

The Code of Student Conduct identifies prohibited types of conduct that will subject a student to university discipline. These include, but are not limited to, academic misconduct, endangering the health or safety of any person, sexual misconduct, and destruction of property. Inappropriate behavior abroad that is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct can result in your dismissal from a study abroad program.

Also be aware that while you are studying abroad, you are subject to the local and national laws of the host country. Once you leave the United States, you are not protected by U.S. laws and constitutional rights. Therefore, it is important to be informed about the laws of the countries you will be visiting and abide by them.
 

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can seem deceptively harmless, especially when you travel to countries where attitudes, customs, and drinking age may be different from the U.S. Nevertheless, excessive alcohol consumption impairs your judgment and can lead to disruptive behavior and risk of harm to yourself and to others, in addition to poor academic performance. If you choose to drink, be responsible and know your limit. You should never feel pressured to drink if you do not want to or feel embarrassed to order non-alcoholic beverages. Educate yourself by talking with your Study Abroad coordinator about the customs, etiquette, and drinking age laws for your host country.
 

Drugs

Do not under any circumstances carry, use, buy, or sell illegal or controlled substances such as marijuana, hashish, mescaline, cocaine, heroin, quaaludes, or designer drugs like ecstasy. It is also advisable that you do not associate with anyone engaged in such activities. If you are detained or caught with illegal substances overseas, you are subject to local, not U.S., laws. Being ignorant about drug laws of a country that you are visiting is not a defense. Penalties for possession or trafficking of illegal drugs are often severe.
 
In the event that an Ohio State program participant is detained or arrested by foreign officials for possession of an illegal substance, there is little that The Ohio State University or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can do to help you. Many countries do not accept bail, and pre-trial detention—often in solitary confinement—may last for months. Prisons lack even minimal comforts. Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading or inhumane treatment, and extortion are not unknown. Trials can be lengthy, and few countries provide jury trials or require the presence of the accused at his or
her trial.

HIV / AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is becoming an increasingly prevalent health problem worldwide. Although the risk of contracting HIV is more likely in certain countries, no country is completely risk-free. Contaminated blood and unprotected sexual contact remain the primary means by which HIV is transmitted. Acting responsibly and refraining from unprotected sex and high-risk activities can significantly reduce the possibility of AIDS.

There is no foolproof list of guidelines that will protect you from the AIDS virus. However, while you travel and study abroad, there are things you can do to significantly decrease the risk of infection. Keep the following suggestions in mind:
  1. Act responsibly.
  2. Some countries may not have the resources to adequately screen blood for HIV/AIDS or provide sterile needles. Avoid injections, IVs, or medical or dental treatments unless you are certain that needles and instruments are sterile.
  3. If you have a health condition that requires injections (e.g., diabetes), you should take along an adequate supply of syringes and needles. You will also need to take a note or prescription from your doctor if you carry syringes or needles with you.
  4. Avoid blood transfusions if at all possible. If you require a blood transfusion due to an injury, then you, your resident director, or treating physician can call HTH Worldwide at +1-610-254-8771 (collect) for advice before giving your consent.
  5. Refrain from high-risk activities, which involve the use of needles or syringes such as skin piercing, tattooing, acupuncture, or intravenous drug use.
  6. If you are sexually active, use latex condoms.

Some countries may require foreign visitors (usually those staying more than three months) to take an HIV test, a test for antibodies to HIV that causes AIDS. A few countries will accept medical documentation certifying that an individual is HIV negative. Before traveling abroad, you should check with the embassy of the host country to learn about entry requirements and specifically whether HIV testing is a requirement. You can do this by looking at the U.S. state department consular information sheets online at travel.state.gov.

For more information about HIV and AIDS, contact:

Safe road travel

Driving customs and etiquette vary from one country to the next. For example, driving on the left side of the road is the law in many countries, especially in the UK, Australia, and many countries in Africa and Asia. Unusual traffic patterns, traffic roundabouts, and laws regarding passing or right-of-way can seem confusing and disorienting for someone unfamiliar with the traffic laws and practices of the host country. Statistics indicate that road accidents are the single greatest cause of serious injury and death to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Also, pedestrian rights vary widely from country to country and unfamiliarity with traffic patterns has occasionally resulted in accidents and serious injuries.

OIA policy prohibits students from renting cars, motorcycles, or mopeds in the host country. Most countries have safe, convenient, and reliable modes of public transportation.  For more information on international road travel, visit:

Politics

It is important to educate yourself about current political and social issues of your host country as well as the political and economic relationships between your host country and the United States. You will discover that people in other countries are often very knowledgeable about U.S. issues and they may approach you to ask questions or discuss opinions.

It is possible that the political situation will be unstable in some countries you may visit during your study abroad experience. It is extremely unwise to become involved in any sort of political demonstration or activity while you are abroad—whether leftist, rightist, or anything in between—no matter how strongly you may feel about the issue. Also while overseas, you may encounter political demonstrations, which are specifically anti-American. Try not to take the criticism of U.S. politics personally. You do not have to agree with the critics, but trying to listen to their point of view may be a great learning experience. Even if you agree with the demonstrators, you must remember that you are in another country and should refrain from any action that may jeopardize your status in your host country. Above all, know and obey the laws of the host country because no matter what your country of citizenship is, you are subject to the laws of your host country.
 

State Department advisories

The U.S. Department of State monitors political conditions in every country of the world. Students and parents with concerns about crime and security threats in a given country are urged to take advantage of State Department travel advisories. These come in three forms and are available to the public free of charge:

  • Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.
  • Public Announcements offer information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term or transactional conditions posing significant risk to the security of U.S. travelers.
  • Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. These include information such as immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug policies. If an unstable situation exists that is not severe enough to warrant a travel warning, this is duly noted.
For current information, travel advisories, or warnings, you can contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens by phone at (202) 647-3000 or visit its web site at travel.state.gov.

International travel safety information for students

Issued by the U.S. Department of State
As the time approaches for spring or summer breaks, many college students are getting ready for that much anticipated trip abroad. Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but for some, the trip will become a nightmare. A number of vacations are ruined by one or more of the following: drugs, alcohol and disorderly behavior, and preventable accidents.

Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad—about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. A drug that may be legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. Some young people are victimized because they are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting.

Besides drugs, alcohol can also cause trouble for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, for underage drinking, and for drunk driving. Disorderly or reckless behavior is to be avoided. In many countries, conduct that would not result in an arrest in the United States may constitute a violation of local law. Some young Americans go abroad assuming that local authorities will overlook such conduct, believing that they are immune from prosecution in foreign countries because they are American citizens. The truth is that Americans are expected to obey all of the laws of the countries they visit, and those who break these laws could face severe penalties, including prison sentences.

Being arrested is not the only thing that can occur on a foreign vacation. Young Americans have suffered injury or even death from automobile accidents, drowning, and falls, in addition to other mishaps. While these accidents are sometimes chance occurrences, many are caused by alcohol or drug abuse. Sadly, others have been sexually assaulted or robbed because they have found themselves in unfamiliar locales or are incapable of exercising prudent judgment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other hidden safety issues are of major concern as well. Because standards of security, safety, and supervision are not the same in many countries as they are in the U.S., many young persons have died after automobile accidents, after falls from balconies or into open ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among others. In some countries, the water sports industry is not carefully regulated. Unlicensed operators have been linked to assaults, and a number of Americans have been killed or injured by the improper use of jet-skis and other personal watercraft. Although it is crucial that young Americans be aware of these safety risks as they are enjoying their time abroad, it is also important to remember that prudent behavior may help minimize these risks.

Young Americans traveling abroad should remember that the use of drugs or alcohol or engaging in reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin a vacation; it can land them in a foreign jail, cause them to suffer physical harm, or worse. Common sense should prevail in any activities young Americans engage in so that safety hazards may be minimized. It is possible to have a safe and fun trip if risky behavior is avoided and familiarity is attained with the basic laws and customs of the country that is planned on being visited.

In addition, even if a passport is not required to visit a foreign country, U.S. Immigration requires that U.S. citizenship and identity must be proved to re-enter the United States. A U.S. passport is the best proof of U.S. citizenship. More information about traveling abroad is available at the Department of State’s web site, travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html. For further information contact:
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Public Affairs
Internet address: travel.state.gov
Public inquiries: toll free 1-888-407-4747