Melanie Marks Longwood University Office of International Affairs

 Remind students and faculty members about the risks associated with study abroad.

 Discuss some of these specific risks.  Provide information on how to limit these risks as much as possible.  Give you resources so that you may learn more about these risks.

# Students Studying Abroad 300000 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 1993 1997 2002 2004 2007 Source: IES National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/2010/section5/table-ssa-1.asp

12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1987 1993 1997 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 Africa • Graph shows that a larger % of the total study abroad populations are going to Asia and to Africa. • This means that fewer are going to places like Europe. Africa Asia

 No two countries are alike.  There is no way to predict what problems can emerge on your particular trip.  Today we will speak in generalities about limiting risk when you are outside of the country.  It is wise to learn as much as you can about your destination.  It is important to be aware of your surroundings.

 It is important not to expose yourself to additional risks.

     Countries have different laws and ideas about due process.

Usual forms of contact may not be readily available to you (cell phones, Internet).

Language barriers can lead to misunderstandings/miscommunication and make it harder to obtain help.

Your surroundings are not always familiar to you.

Some foreign countries have different attitudes with respect to women.

  Individuals may look to take advantage of tourists, especially if they appear vulnerable.

Travel can be stressful—this can lead to mental health issues for some students.

  If this applies to you make sure that you have any relevant medicines, coping mechanisms (running gear), etc. with you. If you see behavior that concerns you in other students you need to bring it to your trip leader’s attention.

    Travel can be physically demanding—opportunity for injury.

The resources available to you might be limited (medical, etc.).

Drinking age often lower outside the US.

In some places drugs/alcohol is readily accessible.

   Opportunity to learn about other cultures.

Opportunity to practice a foreign language.

Opportunity to study at a university outside of your country.

◦ ◦ Taste different foods.

Try new recreational activities (ride an elephant in Thailand or zip line in Costa Rica).

◦ Use new forms of transportation (tuk tuk in Asia or camel in Morocco).

◦ Interact with the country’s citizens.

THESE ACTIVITIES ALL INVOLVE SOME RISKS.

 Kurt Leswing, a University of Wisconsin student, died when he was hit by a car in 2008.  The accident took place in SE Asia while he was on a semester at sea study abroad program run through UVA.

 This resulted in a very traumatic situation for not only his family but the other students participating in the UVA program.

 Source: The Badger Herald, November 10, 2008 CAR ACCIDENTS ARE THE #1 REASON FOR DEATH/INJURY WHEN STUDYING ABROAD. CARS MAY NOT YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS AS THEY DO HERE. AND NOTE THAT IN MANY COUNTRIES CARS DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE!

       In March 2011, Austin Bice, a student at SDSU was found dead in Europe. Austin was participating in a semester-long study abroad. One night he was drinking with his friends.

They decided to go out for the evening to a bar.

Upon not feeling well, Austin chose to walk home alone at night.

It has not been determined what exactly happened to Austin, however, this death might have been preventable. Source: Huffpost College, April 28, 2011

       Justin Little, a college student was on a solo trip to Europe in 2009.

When he did not return as scheduled, his family filed a missing person’s report.

Justin was found dead in a suburban park. Justin had been walking alone.

He was in a place that was considered to be very unsafe.

Police suspect robbery to be the motive for this death; however, this death might have been preventable.

Source: Today MSNBC 10/23/2009

      One of our own modern language professors tells of an incident he had in Europe.

On the way home to his apartment he was “befriended” by some locals. They walked together back to his home. Later that night his apartment was robbed— the door was unlocked.

This professor believes that these individuals were responsible.

What could he have done differently?

     Department of State is a very good place to go. Go to “International Travel Information” located at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_t w_1168.html

Section on “safety and security” and “crime”.

Look for any travel alerts/warnings.

If the Department of State indicates an alert, Longwood will monitor the situation. Trips will be cancelled if significant risk is indicated (for example, a “warning”).

 Do an Internet search related to your country on the following types of topics: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Travel tips for women in _____ Travel tips for students in _____ Tips for women traveling alone in _____ Common scams in _____

    Visit Center for Disease Control website to get information about vaccinations. Go to link for “Travelers’ Health” at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Some recommendations might be for things that students are likely to have (Hep A, B).

Other shots might be suggested (Ex: Japanese Encephalitis for Thailand)

     The local Department of Health can offer many of the suggested immunizations. They accept walk-ins  Tuesdays only  8:30-11:00 and 1:00-3:00.

Located in Courthouse on Main Street…enter from the rear of the building. They do charge fees so see if anything is covered under your insurance. Have also learned that Martin’s has a wellness center that can provide you these shots.

 In some countries women should not dress provocatively…it is socially unacceptable and might attract undesired attention.  Example: Malaysia is a Muslim country—women should dress accordingly.

 The “boisterous American” is unwelcome in some parts of the world.  Your behavior will attract undesired attention   It might make you vulnerable.

It might be harder to get help when your dress/behavior is inappropriate.  Women walking alone might be socially unacceptable in parts of the world…and this can put them at risk.

      Traveling in a group can be safer than traveling alone. Always walk with a purpose and be aware of your surroundings. Be wary of people who approach you on the street and want to take you somewhere. Be wary of people who act too familiar…there are common scams that can cost you a lot of money. Don’t leave your stuff unattended…use safes when they are available. Leave jewelry and other valuables that are not important at home (even more important in the developing world where poverty is more common).

   Alcohol compromises your ability to make good decisions…and inebriation can put you at risk. Limit alcohol consumption and never accept a drink from a stranger. Always keep track of your beverages. Date rape drugs, etc. are not uncommon ways that tourists are preyed upon.

   Do not undertake an activity if you feel it is not well managed or if it will not be safe for you.

 For example, if you do not swim be aware of water related activities. Consider bringing this to the attention of your trip leader. Do not undertake an activity if you do not feel that there are reasonable safety standards.

Do not undertake an activity until you feel you have been adequately briefed.

 Guse, Corrtes, Hargarten, Hennes (2007)  Determined risk of injury is higher while traveling.

 Lack of familiarity, infrastructure, medical care, geography, etc. play their roles, the number one contributing factor is BEHAVIOR.

 This is a variable that is WITHIN YOUR CONTROL.

    Have extra money/credit cards just in case of emergency…and don’t put all in one place.

Keep your money and passport safe…your faculty trip leader can advise you on what is best for your destination. When possible, use a safe to lock up your passport and money.

It many cases it makes sense to leave your passport locked in suitcase and travel with a copy of the passport. (Your trip leader can advise you on this.)

 Crowded areas (tourist areas and transportation) are particularly attractive to pickpockets.

 Keep a close eye on your possessions when you find yourself in these areas.

 Consider wearing backpack on your “front” instead of back or a safe purse (described previously).

 Consider small locks on your zippers.

 Be careful when falling asleep on a train/bus…people do troll looking for accessible luggage. Sleep with your backpack as a pillow!

   Travelers checks don’t always work in all locations…some places do not accept them!

 If carrying traveler’s checks, write down the numbers issued to you and cross them off as you cash them (if lost you need to provide this information). Also leave this info behind.

Contact your credit card company and inform them that you are leaving the country. Otherwise your card might frozen and the fraud department will try to investigate. Have more than one way to access your funds!

  Find out about any issues related to money in your country.

For example: ◦ ◦ Some countries encourage traveler’s check use; others make it difficult to use.

Some countries won’t accept old bills, ones that are folded, torn, marked, etc.

◦ Some countries won’t accept bills that are older than a certain year or have certain letters in their serial numbers.

THIS INFORMATION IS EASY TO FIND OUT WITH SOME INTERNET RESEARCH. You can find yourself in a bind if you are not prepared in this way!

     We can help to keep each other safe. Travel with a partner, even if it is across the street to buy a bottle of water. Communicate with each other and make sure someone knows where you are going. Keep an eye out for unusual behavior in other students (for example, any sign of poor mental health). Communicate with trip/program leaders if you are concerned about the behavior of another student.

 If one student ends up with a lost passport, injury, mental illness, etc. it could mean the trip is impacted for EVERYONE.

      It is important that you/your trip leader register with the State Department. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ Allows you to get routine information from the nearest US embassy.

Allows them to better help you in the event of an emergency. STUDENTS should also register themselves as individuals. NOTE: In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. The STEP registration allows you to indicate who may be notified in the event of an emergency.

They cannot contact your family without consent.

 Obviously you are bringing your passport.

 You should also make copies of your passport page and put in multiple places that are accessible during your trip (luggage, backpack).

 Leave behind a copy of your passport page for your family and a friend.  Bring your medical insurance information and also leave copies behind.  Carry a copy of your detailed itinerary and leave a copy behind for your family.

 A faculty leader should: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Have copies of your passport.

Have emergency contact information for your families.

Create an emergency plan that guides students in the event that:   A student gets separated and does not know where to go to find the group. There is an emergency in the country (Egypt!) Provide students with the contact information for Longwood University (a protocol has been set for study abroad emergencies).

◦ Submit these same documents (and proof of ISIC) to the Office of International Affairs prior to departure. STUDENT NEED TO KEEP THIS INFORMATION WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES.

  Longwood requires all students to purchase an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) or card that offers the same coverage.

ISIC can assist in some emergencies: (from ISIC website) ◦ ◦ ◦ 24 hour travel assistance—help with emergency cash transfer, transmission of emergency messages, etc.

24 hour medical assistance—medical evacuation, monitoring of the insured, prescription assistance if meds are lost/stolen, etc.

24 hour legal assistance—can refer you to a local legal advisor, etc.

 Coverage you get with ISIC: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ $25,000 accident medical expense $165 per day sickness/hospital benefit $300,000 emergency medical transportation $25,000 repatriation of remains Also travel document replacement, baggage delay, travel delay (domestic) FACULTY MEMBERS NEED TO MAKE SURE ALL STUDENTS HAVE PURCHASED SOME FORM OF COVERAGE THAT GIVES THESE BENEFITS.

     Make sure you bring your ISIC card…enrollment/phone numbers are printed on back.

ISIC MAY not provide you enough medical coverage. It does not provide you with trip insurance. You should determine if you need other forms of coverage.

The Office of International Affairs recommends but does not require trip insurance.

 Offers you some coverage in the event that: ◦ ◦ ◦ Your trip gets cancelled Your trip gets delayed Your baggage gets lost, etc.

 This is NOT required by the university, however, you should consider if you need this coverage. And, your trip leader might require it.  Consider how much money you will lose should you trip be cancelled…how much is nonrefundable?

 Longwood will not cover the costs of nonrefundable airline tickets, etc. in the event that a trip must be cancelled.

 Not all policies are the same.

 Be sure that you are purchasing the coverage that you desire.  EX: Thailand trip moved to Malaysia in 2010. Had the trip simply been cancelled, many policies would not have covered the nonrefundable expenses…can be situation specific.  ◦ ◦ ◦ Some Providers (LU does not officially endorse): 4-front Insurance Company (Crewe, VA) 877-645-7385 STA Travel www.statravel.com

IMG www.imglobal.com

(insurance link) (many products)

 Dr. Robert Frank  Director of Office of International Affairs    434.395.2182 (office) 434.414.5715 (personal cell) 434.392.5712 (home)  Dr. Ken Perkins  VP for Academic Affairs  434.395.2020 (office)   434.390.3979 (cell) 434.574.6356 (home)  Robert Beach  Chief of Police  434.395.2092 (office)  434.395.2091 (24-hour dispatch)

       Dial the international access code for the U.S (learn the international access codes for calling to the U.S. from abroad at http://www.countrycodes.com).

Then dial 434-395-2091— you can call collect.

Identify yourself as a Longwood University study abroad faculty member/student and give the country where you are currently located.

State your name.

Tell the person what is wrong.

Tell the person how to contact you.

Respond to questions and listen carefully to any instructions.

     We sometimes get calls from worried parents.

Please make sure your parents understand that you might not call the moment you land.

   Access to Internet might not be immediate.

Cell phone reception might be limited.

Take time to get settled into hotel.

Ask them to give you a at least half of a day, if not longer.

Third party programs ask for 24 hours.  They have many people to check in. Of course, a text from your own global phone can be sent almost at any time.

 Study abroad is an amazing experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

 However, Longwood cannot guarantee your safety on a study abroad program.

 Your trip leader or third party provider cannot guarantee your safety on a study abroad program.

 YOU play an important role in minimizing the risks associated with study abroad.  It is important to be informed and organized.

 It is important to use common sense and good judgment.

 Dr. Bob Frank  Director of International Affairs  [email protected]

 434.395.2182 (work)  Cell phones are on previous pages  Dr. Melanie Marks  Coordinator of Study Abroad/Professor of Econ.

 [email protected]

 434.395.2372 (work)  434.390.6767 (cell)