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SafetyBelow is 2007-08 information.
Student SafetyEach culture has standards of appearance and social behavior that set it apart from other cultures in subtle ways. In your new surroundings, what you consider normal dress and interaction may indicate to others that you are not a local. Be aware of local dress and customs, and try to adapt accordingly. The safety of EAP students is the program’s highest priority. EAP has successfully dealt with crisis situations at many sites over the years, including China’s Tiananmen Square episode, the SARS outbreak in Asia, terrorist attacks in Madrid and London, and the tsunami in Asia. On-site EAP staff routinely and responsibly monitor local and international conditions and provide support, counseling, and safety information. EAP staff are trained and knowledgeable about EAP safety procedures and protocols and are experienced with taking action quickly and safely. EAP Study Centers are supported by a wide, diverse network that includes the University of California, EAP offices at each UC campus, EAP partner host universities throughout the world, local U.S. embassies and consulates, the U.S. Department of State, and other international student exchange programs at each site. In addition, every Study Center has a carefully prepared security plan. The Universitywide Office of EAP remains in continuous contact with students abroad and professionals supporting its Study Centers around the world. At a time when American foreign policy does not enjoy a favorable image abroad, students report that the most common emotion directed at them is curiosity about their political views, not anger or resentment. Citizens of most countries are able to distinguish between American foreign policy and American citizens. Remain open-minded and do not take any offending remarks about U.S. foreign policy personally, and keep political discussions to a minimum. Avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. EAP participants must carefully read all pre-departure materials, and pay attention to information presented at pre-departure orientations. Once abroad they must attend on-site orientation sessions and safety presentations, ask questions, keep abreast of local developments, and behave responsibly. EAP orientation materials address student safety, embassy registration, resources, and emergency plans. EAP students participate in required orientation programs before they leave the U.S. In addition, Study Center staff discuss EAP’s student safety guidelines with students during their required on-site orientation, and throughout the program term as needed. The best way that students can prepare for a healthy and safe education abroad experience is to inform themselves about basic health and safety issues before leaving the U.S. and to make informed, responsible and reasonable decisions concerning health and safety. In addition to normal concerns over appropriate immunizations and vaccinations, potable drinking water, and safe sex, other dangers must be considered. Among these are alcohol-related injuries and assaults, car accidents on both public and private transportation, local infectious diseases, dog bites, etc. In an EmergencyWhat constitutes an emergency?A situation that places students at risk. It may include illness or harm, a traumatic incident involving violence, a student who is missing, civil unrest, or a natural disaster in the host country. Emergencies are not necessarily medical. They do, however, represent circumstances out of the ordinary, those that are unplanned or unexpected, and that threaten the health, safety, and well-being of one or all of the students. What should I do?After contacting local emergency services, contact the Study Center Director if you are abroad. If you are still in the U.S. contact the Operations Specialist for your program at the Universitywide Office of EAP during regular office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). After hours or on weekends call the main number for the Universitywide Office of EAP at (805) 893-4762. A live attendant answers this number 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In the event of an actual emergency, the appropriate person will return your call as soon as possible. Non-emergency calls will be returned the next business day. Emergency FundsStudents should keep separate emergency funds in case there is a need to leave a country quickly or to provide for themselves financially if they are stranded Safety Concerns AbroadMany students and their families have concerns about safety and security abroad. Study abroad, like most other things in life, involves the possibility of risk. No one can guarantee student security either in the U.S. or abroad, but EAP makes every reasonable effort to assure a safe environment for its students, and to counsel students on potential risks and necessary precautions. Some destinations may present specific types of risk such as endemic health issues, strikes, political turmoil, natural disasters, or crime. Students and their families should:
ResourcesConsult the following resources in preparation for study abroad. These resources may have a direct impact on students’ safety and security.
Online Travel RegistrationThe Department of State hosts a secure online travel registration website (the Internet-Based Registration System or IBRS), which allows American citizens to record foreign trip and residence information that the Department of State can use to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. The data provided is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared official personnel, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act. All students abroad are strongly encouraged to add their names, addresses, and phone numbers to this site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. Safety at the Study CenterMany Study Centers are located in major international cities. At these locations students will experience the problems associated with dense urban living, including increased crime, pollution, the stresses of higher population density and its associated lack of privacy, or standards of living that are not equivalent to life at UC. While there may be little to do to mitigate these problems, students should not underestimate the tension, disappointment, and adjustment that they may experience in dealing with them. Most of these problems can be overcome with flexibility, anticipation of what to expect, and perhaps most important, perspective and a sense of humor. All students need to familiarize themselves with their new host country and city. Preparation should begin before departure with independent reading about the host country, and orientation sessions where students can talk with returnees about their experiences to find out what challenges were posed and how previous participants met these challenges. Once on site, students will have additional orientation sessions. Students should learn which areas of the city are safe, become familiar with the best means of transportation and well-traveled routes, and achieve total and secure independence regarding money, access to transit, housing options, etc. Theft PrecautionsAll students are responsible for their own personal property. Students can safeguard their belongings from damage or theft by locking their dorm rooms, making sure that windows are locked, and securing money, travelers checks, jewelry, passport, and other possessions. For additional protection before departure, students are encouraged to obtain an insurance policy for their possessions. See Personal Property Insurance in the Logistical Issues section of this guide. Students should use logical precautions; for example, avoid carrying valuables, wearing expensive clothing or jewelry, and going to questionable parts of the city, especially at night or when alone. A student’s vulnerability can be minimized through actions and appearance. Students should be cautious about inviting casual acquaintances home. Some past EAP participants have been the unfortunate victims of burglaries, muggings, racial or sexual insults, and in rare cases, assaults. While abroad, students are on unfamiliar ground, both physically and culturally, and may be learning to communicate in another language. Students must apply caution while adjusting to new surroundings and changing circumstances. Theft in AirportsEven with heightened security at airports, travelers worldwide need to exercise caution when going through security checkpoints. When traveling with a computer, purse, or any other valuable luggage, avoid separating from it physically. If there are lines at the metal detectors, don’t place your belongings on the conveyor until you will be the next person to pass through the metal detector. While moving through the detector, watch the conveyor belt for your luggage and watch what those in front of you are picking up. Beware of Classic ScamsScams are common in other countries just as much as they are in the U.S. Scams involving gems, city tours, entertainment venues, and credit cards are common, especially in areas heavily visited by tourists. According to the U.S. Department of State, many scams involve people impersonating police officers and using fake police ID badges and other credentials. In one of the latest scams, a tourist was stopped by someone who appeared to be a beggar telling a “sob story.” The tourist agreed to purchase a cup of coffee for the beggar. The tourist was then approached by “police officers” that told him that he was seen talking with a drug dealer/counterfeit suspect, then demanded money from the tourist. Students are encouraged to research scams, especially those that may be common in the host country. AlcoholNever feel pressured into drinking at all or drinking more than you wish to drink (or engaging in any other potentially dangerous, illegal, or unhealthy personal behavior) for fear of offending someone in another culture. The object in such cases is to find ways to say “no” that are not offensive. Usually a friendly but firm “no thank you” or hand-over-the-glass gesture does the job. Saying “I cannot drink alcohol” or “Alcohol makes me ill” or “I would like a non-alcoholic drink” are also good standard, straightforward options. Just because a glass is filled does not mean you have to drink all or any of it. Road SafetyRoad accidents are the single greatest hazard facing U.S. travelers abroad. They are a leading cause of death and serious injury to travelers under the age of 35. According to the U.S. Department of State, road travel is the greatest risk to healthy Americans abroad. In some countries bad roads and careless drivers remain preeminent dangers. Educate yourself about the hazards you may face abroad and be careful. For additional information visit the Association for Safe International Road Travel. General Safety GuidelinesAlthough the following guidelines were prepared with earthquakes in mind, they can be applied in the case of any emergency. Review the following section and keep safety in mind as you acclimate to your new domestic and academic surroundings. In the event of an emergency, it is important to remain calm in order to deal effectively with what the situation presents. You are also expected to take some precautions beforehand. Safety Precautions
During a natural disaster, some of these suggestions may apply:
Emergency KitKeep an emergency kit on hand with the following items and check the contents regularly.
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