Tips To Be Safe While Studying Abroad

International risk analyst Shawn Jamison from Iowa State University emphasizes the importance of being aware of these risks and being prepared. A striking example that proves this is the sad case of Otto Warmbier, an American stuntman who was captured and detained in North Korea in 2016. He is said to have taken a propaganda poster from a hotel in North Korea, resulting in his returning to the US in 2017 in a vegetative state with brain damage, where he eventually died. Most people think the Warmbier case is a terrible example of the dangers of repressive regimes.

While such scandalous incidents are rare, they are dire indicators of the potential risks faced by the 332,000 US stunt performers who travel abroad each year. Although students are increasingly participating in programs in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, Europe continues to be a popular destination. Many of these caveats are largely acceptable to Americans with deeply entrenched health care systems, robust police and security administrations, and low crime rates. Regardless, students should be careful when traveling and studying.

To ensure a blissful, rewarding and safe experience abroad, Sean Jamieson offers seven important tips:

Research your destination thoroughly

Before deciding which country you want to study or travel to, it is very important that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the basic rules and guidelines that must be followed. For example, some countries, such as the UK or Australia, have a negative attitude towards services that help students write essays and other written work. Sites like cn.papersowl.com offer profficient expert help in English essay writing. However, using such services in countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom can lead to negative consequences.

For sufficient fine-tuning, participate in an extensive analysis of your chosen target. The U.S. Department of State regularly updates travel warnings for each country with points for safe areas, suggested transportation options, random travel warnings, common tricks, and from there there are no boundaries. In addition, modern guides such as Lonely Planet can add credible local information about cultural norms, etiquette, and recommended areas to official information.

Learn about local laws and customs

When searching for a destination, be aware of local laws and customs. Many countries have strict regulations on the use of sedatives with severe penalties. Public intoxication may be regulated by specific laws or cultural norms in countries where alcohol consumption is permitted.

You should also be careful when discussing sensitive topics, which may be illegal in some countries. For example, support for Tibetan independence in China or the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Israel have led to the detention of American citizens. In any case, in a few outrageous circumstances, the study of forbidden moments can be seen as contributing to psychological oppression, such as reporting support for the freedom of the Kurds in Turkey.

Be prepared for emergencies

Keep copies of important documents such as passport, visa, airline tickets and hotel receipts separately. It is also worth saving digital copies on a smartphone or tablet. If any of these documents are stolen or lost, having copies of them can make it easier to obtain new ones.

Also, make a contingency plan. Write down or save emergency contact numbers and contact information for the nearest international safe harbor or office before your flight. Learning a few basic phrases in the language of your neighbors can be helpful when seeking help or explaining any sensitive issues to clinical experts.

Make your health a priority

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a website with information about vaccines and medications often recommended for travelers.

Visit a travel clinic at a nearby hospital or student health center if you are traveling to a country that has special vaccinations or recommended medications. Medical staff at these clinics can also advise on medications that may be illegal in some countries. For example, some ADHD medications are banned in Japan.

Develop a strategy for refilling prescriptions abroad or make sure you have enough supplies for your travel essentials. Please note that most countries do not allow medicines to be mailed, so it is important to have adequate supplies.

Standard health insurance may not cover you if you live outside your home country. "Travel insurance" plans that cover medical expenses and emergencies while abroad are offered by many companies at reasonable prices. Travel insurance can be found on websites such as www.insuremytrip.com or through credit card companies, which often offer different options.

Practice computer security Setting a secret screen lock key for your phone is a smart move in the event of a hack. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can wipe it remotely using services like Apple's Find My iPhone or Google's Find My Device.

If you live in a country with limited internet access and a high risk of hacking, you may want to buy another "used" phone that you can clean when you get home. When connecting to other people's networks, using a virtual private network (VPN) service can also improve your online security.

While some explorers choose to take advantage of the portable access to the entire world provided by their transporters while traveling, this can quickly become costly. Prepaid SIM cards that can be used with an existing smartphone or locally purchased device can be purchased in many countries upon arrival. On the other hand, make sure your phone is unlocked and works with the network in your region. Sites like WillMyPhoneWork.net let administrators decide if your phone will work overseas. On the other hand, some travelers roam portable areas of interest or depend on Wi-Fi open associations, which in many cases are available in many countries.

Prioritizing personal safety

Distraction and lack of situational awareness often lead to crimes such as pickpocketing and theft. Using the OODA cycle method (observe, orient, decide, act) to practice situational awareness can help you stay alert and respond appropriately to threats and crimes.

Be aware of your own resources and ensure their reliability, especially if they are carefully hidden. If you are driving between cities, you should avoid doing so at night as road conditions can be poor and visibility can be poor.

Avoid ordinary and political trouble

It is advisable to try not to participate in large mobilizations or mass demonstrations. While observing such events can give you an idea of local activism, protests can quickly escalate into violence or involve the police. Sometimes neighborhood pickpockets can use the mess as a deterrent.

Stay informed by monitoring nearby media and Twitter for potential road disruptions or media issues. If you have travel insurance, many policies will help you leave the country if the situation becomes too dangerous.

You can improve your safety and well-being while studying abroad by following these guidelines, which will give you a rewarding and memorable experience.