Travel Safety

While safety and security guidelines may differ based on destination, the following guidelines will help you to reduce your risk: 

• Be cognizant of your surroundings at all times. Be extra vigilant in high risk and crowded areas such as train stations and tourist sites.  Avoid high crime areas or unsafe neighborhoods.
• Use your common sense to assess a situation. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, leave or speak up.
• Keep a low profile and try to blend in as much as possible.
• Travel in small groups and avoid walking alone in an isolated area or after dark.
• Keep your on-site contact informed about your travel plans.
• Do not drive motorized vehicles of any kind.
• Carry only what you need and leave your valuables (computer, credit cards, large amounts of cash, etc.) locked in your accommodations.
• Consider using a money belt, neck pouch, or undergarments with a security pocket. Divide the contents of your wallet between various pockets.
• Only use ATM machines located inside a bank or other secure facility.  Avoid using ATMs at night.
• Lock up your belongings whenever possible during travel. Use luggage locks on suitcases and backpacks during bus or train rides.
• If you choose to drink, use moderation. Don't accept drinks that you don't see prepared. Avoid drugs entirely.
• Keep informed about what’s happening in your local environment. Read local newspapers and/or websites and watch the local news.
• Avoid crowds, protest groups, political rallies/demonstrations, or other potentially volatile situations. 
• Develop a communication plan with your family and friends abroad and at home.
• Don't allow your sense of adventure to make you feel invincible.

Alcohol

Accidents and injuries are more common among those who consume too much alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, perception, and concentration. Impairment of these skills can result in a range of accidents, from minor to severe.   Students electing to consume alcohol must also consider the local context.  In some cultures, it is forbidden completely and in others, it is part of common traditions and social norms. However, it is rarely acceptable to drink heavily and binge drinking is viewed as disrespectful and problematic in most cultures.  

You can take steps to increase your safety in situations where alcohol consumption is taking place:

• If you choose to consume alcohol, drink responsibly, in moderation, and in compliance with local norms.
• Keep an eye on your friends and have them watch out for you.
• Know what you are drinking; if you don’t recognize an ingredient, don’t drink it.
• Never leave a drink unattended.
• Do not accept drinks from people you don’t know or trust.
• Check in with yourself and know your limits – alcohol may affect you differently in a different environment.

Drugs

While abroad, you are subject to the local laws and cultural norms of your host country. Drugs are illegal in most countries. In fact, in many places drug laws are much stricter than in the U.S. If you break the law abroad, you will be subject to the local legal system and may not have access to the same protections that you would be afforded in the United States.

• Do not use drugs abroad. This includes marijuana. 
• Do not transport drugs, including prescription medication in quantities larger than considered necessary for personal use.
• The University of Kansas has a zero tolerance approach to drug use abroad.  Illicit drug use is grounds for immediate dismissal at your own expense from a KU study abroad program. 

KU is committed to supporting students affected by Title IX incidents, including sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault/violence, interpersonal violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), sexual misconduct, and stalking abroad.  Incidents can happen to people of all genders anywhere in the world but may be particularly difficult to identify abroad because cultural norms are often very different from those in the United States. Trust your judgment and intuition. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, it needs to be addressed.

Study Abroad can assist you in understanding the resources available to you and your options for seeking medical or psychological support, filing a police report, filing a complaint, or seeking accommodation. Please be aware that all reports of sexual harassment/assault made to Study Abroad personnel, KU faculty directors, or program support staff will be forwarded to the KU Title IX Coordinator for review as required by federal law. All efforts will be made to preserve your privacy; this means that only people who need to know about an incident will be given your name and other limited information as necessary.

Students who wish to speak with someone on the KU campus who can provide complete confidentiality can contact one of the following offices:

• KU Campus Assistance, Resources and Education (CARE) Coordinator - +1-785-864-9255.
• KU Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) - +1-785-864-2277
• 24/7 telephonic counseling services through Telus Health SSP

All travelers must be aware of their environment when studying and traveling abroad, ensuring they practice what is known as situational awareness – being constantly attentive of your surroundings, the environment you are in, and what is happening near you. Learning and understanding cultural differences is a pivotal part of the study abroad experience. While all travelers face risks when overseas, women may face greater risks in certain countries or cultures. Cultural norms and practices on how genders are treated and expected to act vary around the world and many are quite different from what you would experience in the United States. Much of the information below has women travelers in mind, yet they are prudent considerations for all. Be sure to discuss any concerns and expectations with your Study Abroad Program Coordinator before your program.

All travelers should consider these questions before going abroad:

• What is your host country's attitude on gender?
• What are typical gender roles in your host country?
• Are there gender stereotypes of Americans in your host country?
• Is shaking or holding hands with members of another sex practiced in your host country?
• How does your host country treat relationships and dating?
• How do your values on gender roles compare with your host country's attitudes?

Your personal safety is paramount when studying and traveling abroad. Keep in mind these safety recommendations for all travelers:

• Research your host country and be aware of local customs and norms.
• Prioritize your personal safety over cultural sensitivity. Always go with what is the safe decision for you, even if it could be interpreted as culturally insensitive or awkward.
• Pay attention to dressing in a way that is culturally acceptable in your host country.
• Avoid making eye contact with strangers when walking or taking public transportation.
• At night, travel in groups and don't walk home alone. Never hitchhike.
• Always act with confidence; you will appear less vulnerable if you act like you know where you are going and what you are doing.
• Use the term “we” when making small talk or asking directions.
• If you carry a purse or bag, make sure it closes securely and isn't open to and inviting to thieves. When walking outside, wear it on the shoulder opposite the street.
• Do not publish your travel itinerary, schedule, or trip photos in real time on social media.
• Do not tell strangers where you are staying.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches, purses or bags, shoes, or other accessories.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language.
• Observe or ask locals how to deflect unwanted attention or advances.

Additional gender resources for women travelers

• AIG Travel Guard Women’s Travel Safety
• U.S. State Department Travel Tips for Women

Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading cause of injury to U.S. citizens abroad. As a road traveler and pedestrian in a new country, it is important to learn about road culture and safe transportation in your destination country(ies). The Association of Safe International Travel (ASIRT) recommends the following:

For Travelers

• Select the safest form of transportation in your area.
• Avoid late-night road travel, especially in countries with poor safety records, poor road conditions, and/or mountainous terrain.
• Understand how seasonal hazards affect road conditions.
• Know the dates of local holidays when road accident rates rise.
• Read the Travel and Transportation section of the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information page for your destination(s).
• Always wear a helmet if traveling by bicycle or motorbike.

For Pedestrians

• Learn local traffic patterns and regulations.
• Do not assume traffic will stop for you.
• Wear reflective clothing at dusk and dawn.
• Do not walk where you cannot easily be seen.
• Avoid listening to music or talking on the phone while walking. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Never hitchhike.

For Passengers

• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Use only licensed taxis taxis and always ride in the back seat.
• Do not assume that rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are legal or safe in your destination.  Seek information on these services from a trusted source before utilizing them in your host country.
• Do not get into a taxi with an unknown passenger. Do not use the rideshare pool option.

Additional Resources

• Association of Safe International Travel (ASIRT)
• U.S. Department of State Driving and Road Safety Abroad

Attitudes, tolerance, support, and laws regarding religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and political activism vary widely around the world. It is important to choose a program in a location that takes into account your personal identity so that you can safely and fully participate in your study abroad program. 

Research the laws and cultural norms of your host country before you depart. Keep in mind that rural areas of some countries may have more conservative attitudes than urban areas. Be aware that spaces where marginalized people gather (online or in person) can become targets for discrimination and harassment.

Visit our Identity Abroad section to learn more and find resources to help you travel abroad safely.

Water Safety

If you are studying in a country with access to beaches, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls, exercise extreme caution when swimming or wading. Tides and currents can rapidly change and there may not be adequate signage to indicate dangerous areas. Understand how to navigate rip tides, check with locals about safe swimming areas (especially if you notice very few people in the water), and do not consume alcohol before or during swimming.

More information and resources:

• Water Safety signs (.pdf) in the UK
• Beach Flags in the UK
• American Red Cross Beach and Ocean Safety
• Information on rip currents
• Beach and Water Safety Tips

Fire Safety 

Fire safety standards and emergency response procedures vary greatly around the world. Buildings may be constructed to minimal standards and not equipped with fire safety devices such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Older buildings may be constructed of combustible materials and be difficult for emergency responders to access. Always consider fire precautions when booking accommodations during your time abroad.

Plan to conduct a fire safety check of your accommodations and ensure you have multiple escape routes mapped out.

• Use the Residential Fire Safety Checklist (.pdf).
• Know the local emergency number for your location abroad.
• Ensure there are working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers easily accessible.
• Identify the number and location of all exits and always know the nearest exit.
• Ensure windows can be easily opened.
• Avoid staying above the 7th floor (developed countries) or 3rd floor (developing countries).
• Observe any obvious fire hazards such as exposed wires or malfunctioning heating and cooking equipment.
• Plan and practice multiple escape routes.

More information and resources:

• Home Fires (Ready.gov)

Accommodation Safety

Plan to conduct a safety check of your accommodations abroad. If you are booking short-term accommodations, consider location and safety during your travel planning.

For all accommodations:

• Ensure accommodations are located in a safe area of town and near transportation options.
• Know the local emergency number for your location abroad.
• Ensure the room contains basic safety features such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher. Consider traveling with a portable smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
• Identify the number and location of all exits.
• Observe any obvious fire hazards such as exposed wires or malfunctioning heating and cooking equipment.
• If your accommodation has a balcony, exercise caution and never lean over, sit or climb on the balcony wall or railing.
• Review the evacuation plan. If not available, create your own.

For short-term accommodations such as hotels or home shares:

• Use guest reviews and international travel guides to make informed decisions about selecting your accommodations.
• Only rent vacant apartments or sites where the host does not live on site.
• Do not share an apartment with strangers.
• Do not stay on the bottom floor.
• Ensure the room has a properly working deadbolt.
• Lock up your valuables when leaving the accommodation.

Natural Disasters and Environmental Concerns

Consider if the region where you are studying experiences extreme weather or seismic events such as flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or other natural disasters. Familiarize yourself with recommended procedures for evacuation.

Some locations abroad may have poor air or water quality. Be aware of the conditions in your location abroad and recommended safety precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to air pollution or poor water quality.

More information and resources:

• Ready.gov
• American Red Cross: How to Prepare for Emergencies
• World Health Organization Air Pollution

Information Security 

Your mobile phone, laptop and other personal communications devices transmit and store your personal information, which is as valuable to a thief as the contents of your suitcase. Unlike the U.S., most countries do not have legal restrictions against surveillance. Particularly in internet cafes, hotels, or public spaces or offices, information you send electronically can be intercepted. Follow these steps to safeguard your personal information:

• Sanitize the data on your laptop, cell phone or other devices prior to travel.
• Backup your data before traveling.
• Install and use up-to-date antivirus programs and firewalls while abroad.
• Turn off file and print sharing and disable automatic connections to open Wi-fi networks.
• Review the KU IT Security Technology Travel Tips for more suggestions for traveling safely with your devices.
• Review the FCC Cybersecurity Tips for International Travelers.

Export Control

University-affiliated international travel is subject to federal export regulations. To comply with all export and custom requirements while traveling abroad, you should ensure that no export controlled materials or information is carried, transmitted, or made available to unauthorized persons (“deemed export”) without a proper license or other government authorization. As violations can result in substantial penalties for both KU and the individual, you should review the information on export compliance available through the Global Risk and Security prior to departure.