Study Abroad Safety Tips & Resources
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Study abroad safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Review the following study abroad safety tips for planning independent travel. Read experiences and advice from current students on topics of safety and mental health. Explore our publications including IES Abroad's MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management — the first set of institutional standards published by a study abroad provider.
Once you've been accepted to a program, more detailed health and safety tips unique to your study abroad location will be made available in your myIESabroad account.
Preparing For Your Trip
- Register with your embassy/consulate in the country you will be traveling to. U.S. citizens can easily register online at https://step.state.gov/. This way if there is an emergency, disaster, or crisis in the country you are visiting, the local consular officials will be better able to locate and assist you.
- Pack a basic first aid kit with things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, gauze, etc.
- Make a physical or digital copy of your passport, credit cards, and airline tickets to carry with you while you travel.
- When traveling during your program, submit the required electronic independent travel itinerary through Trip Tracker™ and/or paper independent travel itinerary form to Center staff any time you are away overnight. This way, should a crisis arise, the staff can locate and assist you as quickly as possible.
- If you're travleing outside of your host country, look up the local phone numbers to call in case of emergency. Don't forget to bring your card of IES Abroad emergency contact information that you receive at orientation.
Transportation & Recreation
- Research safe and reliable transportation in the country or region you will be traveling.
- Do not rent or buy a motorized vehicle. This is against IES Abroad policy and is not covered by your IES Abroad insurance.
- Use helmets, seat belts, life jackets, and other relevant safety devices.
- Don’t swim after drinking alcohol.
Public Spaces
- Travel with a companion whenever possible and avoid walking alone at night, even if you are familiar with the area.
- Stay alert, confident, and aware of your surroundings. Walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you. Trust your instincts.
- Keep a low profile in public areas. Avoid displaying any object of value (jewelry, cameras, cell phones, etc.) that could attract the attention of bag snatchers and pick pocketers.
Money, Valuables & Important Documents
- Carry money, tickets, and your passport securely and close to your body. Do not leave these in your hotel room or luggage.
- Don’t pack jewelry or expensive watches.
- Be mindful when withdrawing money from an ATM especially when you are alone.
Luggage & Accommodations
- Make sure your luggage has identification inside and out.
- Keep luggage locked and securely stored.
- Always keep your door locked in any accommodations where you are staying.
Christella P. outlines how to confidentatly navigate the Paris Metro—using public transportation can save you a lot of money over time!
IES Abroad made me feel safe while being in a place completely foreign to me. I knew that whatever happened, I had people there to support me...The events organized through IES Abroad made me felt like I belonged.
