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.

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, the Office of International Affairs and its host institutions provide guidance on maintaining personal safety while overseas. In addition, International Affairs implements the following protocol for all of our study-abroad students:

• All Ohio State students register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy[*] before studying abroad.
• International Affairs staff maintain regular e-mail and telephone contact with OSU Resident Directors and/or host institutions where our students are studying.
• All Ohio State students carry supplemental health insurance which includes emergency medical features.
• International Affairs staff 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 which is provided to all study-abroad students.
• International Affairs encourages study-abroad students to take personal responsibility for increasing their own health and safety.

International Affairs 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 adviseries issued from the State Department and by United States embassies. We encourage potential and current study abroad students to regularly visit the U.S. state department website [*] 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, International Affairs is committed to take the steps to maximize safety for students who participate in Ohio State study-abroad programs.