Part and parcel to studying abroad is the travel to the destination, not to mention exploration while there. While part of the charm, travel is also part of the risk, especially for American students in today’s anti-American times. Studying abroad requires a degree of sophistication and independence. It also requires common sense.
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Stacie Berdan
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Many of us have heard about experiences abroad “gone wrong,” including the unwanted sexual advances and various financial disasters (including budget-busting stupidity). Students must be well-prepared in advance and know where they can turn for help in their foreign assignment.
Universities are increasingly advising students on a variety of safety issues. It's common to find information on safety and health issues on web sites like the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory site. State issues “cautions” and publishes current information about being security conscious in specific countries. The State Department has also launched a site for students abroad.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website publishes information related to healthy traveling - topics like disease outbreaks, required immunizations and food and water safety. Most campuses correctly recommend that students get a physical examination prior to leaving, bring a full supply of prescriptions with a doctor’s note of explanation, and confirm health insurance coverage outside the U.S., including Medevac.
That leaves the rest of “savvy traveling” to a catch-all bucket that supports an entire industry of books and web sites. Though there are too many elements to review in detail, here are some common-sense tips from those who’ve lived abroad.
Information: Read travel books, traveler’s tales, local newspapers, school bulletins and make local friends. Keep your eyes and ears tuned to what’s going on.
Anti-American sentiments: Keep your profile low, and do your best to blend in. Register with the U.S. Embassy, use the buddy system and keep your family/friends informed of your whereabouts, especially while traveling.
Valuables: Bring few and carry a copy of your passport photo page – not your passport unless you need it. Use a money belt and stick small bills in pockets for quick purchases.
Financials: Know what things cost. Do not wave your money around. Stick to your budget - running out of cash is risky business.
Stacie Nevadomski Berdan has spent years living and working abroad. She is a speaker and consultant and co-author of Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-Track Career Success. Reach her at StacieNBerdan@aol.com or 203.228.4062.