Studying abroad can be a really fun experience and you should do everything you can to make the most of your time abroad.
However, as well as having lots of fun you need to be aware of some of the dangers that you can encounter when you plan to study abroad.
Hopefully before you have left you would have researched and learnt as much about your adopted country before you have left so this will put you in good stead for when you are there as you will have a better knowledge of customs and traditions.
It is important to learn basic emergency phrases like “I need help”, “Where is the nearest hospital/police station/embassy?” etc. in the local language.
Its always good to be alert and aware of what is going on around you.
If you are in a busy market or square, just make sure you are aware of the people and what is going on around you and if you feel uneasy or are not sure about something get out and away from the place.
At the end of the day you should trust your instincts and if you are not happy about something move away and to an area that you feel more comfortable.
Top Travel Safety Tips
TRAVEL RISKS
Health risks. Unwanted health issues are a top concern, especially if you are travelling to a country where diet and hygiene is vastly different to what you are used to. Conditions like stomach flu, vomiting and diarrhea can quickly ruin a trip.
Scamming. Travelers run the risk of becoming potential targets for scammers, especially if you don’t speak the language or are unfamiliar with the culture.
Theft. Nothing will spoil your globe-trotting shenanigans like getting your passport, money or other valuables stolen.
Violence. Travelers may find themselves getting caught in a violent crime, particularly if you are unaware of the locations that you are venturing into.
Transportation risks. Transportation problems can be another issue, especially if you are traveling to a country that is notorious for transport accidents, has complicated (or nonexistent) public transport schedules or is known for its traffic congestion.
Natural catastrophes. Depending on where you are travelling, disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes and other unforeseen natural disasters could arise.
War or political unrest. Although much less common than other risks, depending on the country or region you are travelling to, political risks could pose a problem.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
Do your research before you travel. First rule of safe travel — don’t be ignorant about where you are going. Make an effort to learn about the country, the political situation, the cultural norms, the safest spots for travellers, safe accommodations to stay and the areas or regions that are best avoided.
Blend in with your surroundings. As you are a foreigner in the country you are traveling to try to keep a low profile as much as possible. That said, this does not mean you have to hide away but try not to broadcast the fact you are a foreigner. For example try not to talk too loudly in open spaces and try to dress a little more like others from your host country, this will help your integration and will stop unwanted attention being draw to you. If you’re visiting places of worship, make sure to dress modestly in order to prevent upsetting the locals.
Don’t flash your wealth. Showing wealth will only make you more appealing to scammers and pickpockets. Carry a dummy wallet with little cash in it so that you can give this in case you are mugged.
Stay safe in transport. Try booking your tickets in advance whenever possible, so you don’t end up stranded on remote bus stops with no transport in sight. If you are hiring local taxis, agree upon the fare in advance in case the vehicle doesn’t have a meter. Also, carry a map with you to avoid getting lost.
Keep your belongings safe. Avoid carrying too many luggage pieces and invest in a small sturdy lock for your luggage. If you have a hand-carry with you, never leave it unattended.
Get travel insurance. Regardless of whether you are a natural worrier or not, don’t hesitate to take out travel insurance. Not only will insurance cover any unexpected injuries and trips to the hospital, it can also protect you from theft or loss of personal belongings.
Have emergency info at hand. This should entail contact numbers for the local emergency services (police, fire department and ambulance) and for your country’s embassy (if there is one in the place you’re visiting).
Manage your money. If you plan on using your debit and credit cards, make sure to notify your bank in advance that you’ll be abroad, or you may find your card blocked for suspicious activity. Research beforehand where are the best spots to exchange your money into local currency as ATMs might be scarce in certain places. When out and about, always carry a small amount of cash with you.
Keep track of your health. Make sure to have a supply of any over-the-counter essentials like motion sickness pills, probiotics, pain killers and bug repellant. Consult your doctor and get the proper vaccines before traveling. Ensure that any prescription pills are filled for some days extra than the intended length of your travel.
Drink Wisely. At some point you will want to socialize and this often leads to drinking. The golden rule with drinking is to drink sensibly and among friends who you trust. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and sense of judgement which can make you very vulnerable to thieves and trouble - so the advice is drink sensibly or not at all!
Keep in Contact. Probably one of the most important rules is to keep in contact with people and let somebody know where you are going. Nowadays it is relatively cheap to have a mobile phone and this will make it easy for people to contact you should they need to. Also, if you are sharing an apartment with someone let them know if you are going out and where - that way if anything happens someone knows where you went.
Stay Alert and Trust your Instincts
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Source: Travelguide and International Student
