Safety Abroad

Being in a new environment and location requires you to learn about the safety and security in the area. It’s important to note that each program location has slightly different local, regional, and national concerns. The Study Abroad Office will elaborate during pre-departure orientation on general safety and security guidelines. During your on-site orientation with our program partners you will receive essential country and region specific information on staying safe and healthy while abroad. We expect all students to conduct themselves in a mature and thoughtful manner, and be mindful of local customs, cultures, and laws. Conducting yourself in a respectful and culturally-aware way will help ensure your safety abroad.

These are a few general guidelines and recommendations you should keep in mind so you can minimize risks abroad.

Know UIC policies

• Review alcohol and drugs policy abroad.
• Review UIC Community Standards and Expectations Abroad.

Staying Healthy

• Obtain study abroad health insurance.
• Get a medical examination including all immunizations required for your program destination.
• Bring medication needed with you and have a prescription and doctor’s note to accompany it.
• Disclose and plan for health conditions. Make a plan with your primary care physician(s), including any mental health providers, to manage your health while abroad. Talk to your program staff about accessing health care and local facilities to get care you may need abroad.
• Read about travel stress and culture shock.
• Maintain your normal exercise and diet practices.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take advantage of mental health resources offered through the UIC Counseling Center, including their Mind/Body programs.
• Do not use drugs and use good judgement if you are of legal age to consume alcohol outside the program. Read policies here.
• Surround yourself with healthy and positive relationships.
• Reflect on your identities and how they may impact your experience abroad.

Travel Smart

• Avoid large non-program sponsored gatherings or political demonstrations.
• Always use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep your cell phone charged and loaded with currency at all times.
• Carry identification and emergency numbers with you.
• Know where you are going and how you are getting there.
• Avoid wearing clothing with political slogans or provocative/offensive language.
• Limit alcohol consumption – be responsible.
• Complete independent travel forms according to your program’s requirements.
• Be aware of traffic patterns. In some countries, vehicles are driven on the other side of the road and others may engage in more risky driving behavior than you may be used to in the U.S.  Look both ways and be mindful of motorized vehicles when crossing the street.  They may not always yield to pedestrians.
• It is against UIC Study Abroad policy for students to rent or operate a motorized vehicle. Your medical insurance may not cover accidents related to operating a vehicle.
• If you choose to use a ride share service such as Uber, Lyft, or BlaBlaCar, please be confident your driver is safe before entering the vehicle. If something seems off, don’t get in. Use in-app features to share your route with friends. Take a picture of the license plate and text it to a friend, and/or let them know where you are going. In some countries or cities ride share is still illegal, but is still commonly used.  Check with your program partner for specific details, such as if you should sit in the passenger seat or the backseat.
• Know or ask your program which taxis are reputable and safe before getting into the vehicle.

Importance of Community

• Always travel with a buddy.
• Do not leave your friends behind at a café or a club; be sure they get home safely.
• Avoid travelling after dark, alone, or in pairs; small groups are advisable.
• If you see something, say something. Look after one another on your program and make sure to raise concerns to program staff.

Safeguard Important Documents and Valuables

• In addition to your original documents, make copies of all documents to take with you and leave copies at home with parents or trusted friend (passport, visa, license, student ID, credit cards, emergency and insurance cards, etc.).
• Keep money, passport, credit card, etc. in a safe hidden place.
• Leave personal valuables AT HOME.
• Do not bring large amounts of cash out with you. You should have enough in case of emergency and separate it in multiple places.
• When using an ATM (and always) be aware of your surroundings.  Try to use ATMs near banks as opposed to stand-alone ATMs.

Housing Safety

• Let your roommates or host family know where you are going and when you will be returning.
• Know the emergency evacuation plan for your accommodations.
• Do not let strangers into your housing.
• Do not host overnight guests that are not part of your study abroad program.
• Lock your apartment/residence hall room at night.
• Keep your valuables/cash in a safe and hidden place.

Navigating Cultural Misunderstandings

• Do some research on the cultural practices of your host country before you leave.
• Familiarize yourself with the local laws and norms.
• If you do not understand something, ask your program staff, host family, or local friends and colleagues.
• Understand the nuances of cultural norms such as dress, gatherings, communication styles, gender roles, and time.
• Have a working knowledge of the historical, sociological, political, and economic influences on the country.  Be aware and cognizant of other people’s backgrounds and beliefs when discussing sensitive subjects.

Covid-19 Precautions

• Abide by public health guidelines from local and national authorities.
• Listen to all announcements and communications from your program partner and UIC.
• Accept new restrictions and limitations that may differ from your normal lifestyle pre-COVID-19.
• Exercise healthy practices.
• Protect your community and self — wash your hands regularly, wear a mask, reference CDC and WHO guidelines.