You should know
- What it means to be your own risk manager.
- Ways to manage risks while studying abroad.
- How to seek assistance in an emergency.
- How to learn about host country laws.
- Resources available if you encounter legal trouble while abroad.
Staying safe
While abroad, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and adopt practices that help you to become your own risk manager. This involves identifying, assessing and reducing exposures that could lead to harm. Some things taken for granted at home will be different in your host country. Learn about dangers and cultural differences you may face abroad, and consider anything you will need to be more careful about. Some possible risks include: crime, accidents, health problems, harassment (gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.) and civil unrest.
Prior to departure, research safety and health guidelines for your host country and other places you plan to travel on the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites and by monitoring local and international news sources. If you are a U.S. citizen, register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Citizens of other countries are encouraged to register their travel with their country’s embassy/consulate. Remember to download and activate the AlertTraveler app and review the security information for your program location and other places you plan to visit.
Don’t impair your judgment by overconsumption of alcohol. Drinking culture varies by country regarding what is legal and appropriate. Remember you are subject to the laws of your host country, as well as the MU Standard of Conduct and the University of Missouri Alcohol Misuse and Illegal Drug Policy for Study Abroad and University-related International Travel (part of your myStudyAbroad application). Driving and swimming are the two highest risk activities for travelers abroad, especially after alcohol use. Use of illegal drugs (defined as drugs that are illegal in the state of Missouri) will result in your dismissal from your program.
Additional advice for managing risk:
- Register any personal travel during your program as a side trip in myStudyAbroad. Make sure the on-site contact knows where and how to contact you in an emergency.
- Develop a plan with your family for regular communication, especially when you are traveling away from your program location.
- Be aware of what is going on an who is around you at all times. Avoid protests and other potentially volatile situations.
- Use caution sharing information about yourself, your program and other students.
- Do not go out along at night, or leave other students on your program out alone. Try to go out in small groups.
- Keep track of your belongings — especially your passport, credit card (s) and cell phone. Consider using a money belt.
- Avoid drawing attention to yourself or your group. Don’t carry expensive electronics or wear expensive or flashy jewelry. Dress to blend in with local people.
- Prepare and plan for unexpected events such as illness, injury, protests in your host country and what you will do if you are a victim of a crime. Keep your emergency and insurance information with you at all times.
Emergency assistance information
Fill out this emergency information card and carry it with you at all times while you are abroad.
In the event of an emergency:
- Seek safety first. Seek assistance from local emergency responders.
- After doing so, contact your on-site contact person.
- Call the MU International Programs emergency assistance line (+1 573-882-7201).
For serious injury or illness:
- Go to the closest medical facility.
- Contact GeoBlue insurance at +1 610-254-8771 (collect calls accepted).
- Contact your on-site contact person.
Local laws and safety information
You are subject to local laws and regulations while you are in your host country as well as in any other country you visit. While it is important to do your own research, you will also want to contact your on-site program coordinators for information on local laws. U.S. Embassies and Consulates can only provide limited help if you get into legal trouble, and neither MU nor the U.S. government can get you out of jail if you are arrested abroad. Most countries allow U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained to speak to an official from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and it is recommended that you contact the U.S. Embassy before making any statements to local law enforcement. Additionally, U.S. government officials can:
- Provide you with a list of local English-speaking attorneys.
- Assist in reporting crimes to the police.
- Contact U.S. relatives.
- Explain the local criminal justice process.
The U.S. Department of State publishes country-specific information with details about safety and security, including information about local laws and special circumstances, for every country of the world. It also provides information on who to contact should you be the victim of a crime abroad, including local emergency numbers. Read the country-specific information for your host country and all other countries you plan to visit.
MU Student International Travel Policy
The U.S. Department of State issues a travel advisory for each country, as well as regions within countries, and assigns each a rating of level one to four based on risk indicators, including crime, terrorism, health concerns, civil unrest and natural disasters. To minimize health and safety risks, students planning to participate in study or university-related travel abroad programs in regions with a Department of State travel advisory level three (reconsider travel) or level four (do not travel) or a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning (level three) must request approval from MU’s Student Travel Abroad Review Committee. Failure to do so could result in not having access to university support or resources in case of an emergency. Refer to the MU Student International Travel Policy for more information.