Your personal safety is very important.  Most issues that arise can be addressed by heightened awareness and common sense.  When traveling and living overseas, there are a number of precautions you should follow to reduce your risks: 

• If in uncomfortable surroundings, try to act calm and confident.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and use common sense. 
• Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present safety risks when making daily choices and decisions.
• Act in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others and encourage others to do the same.
• Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in your host country.
• Exercise good judgment about what sorts of places to frequent during the day and at night, and avoid being on the street at late hours more than necessary.
• Avoid alcohol consumption in quantities that might impair your judgment.
• Don't flash money or documents in public places. Keep small bills in your pocket and use them whenever possible to pay for things. Be discrete in displaying your passport.
• Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as train or airline tickets.
• Be wary of people who seem over friendly or overly interested in you. Do not give out your personal address or phone number. Be careful giving information on other students or group events. Be alert to anyone who might appear to be following you or of any unusual activity. Report any unusual people or activities to the program director immediately.
• Do not take valuables like expensive jewelry with you. 
• Do not travel alone. Always try to travel with at least one other person.
• Do not leave bags or belongings unattended at any time. Security staff in airports or train stations are instructed to remove or destroy any unattended luggage. Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone. Make sure no one puts anything in your luggage.
• When traveling, use a neck or waist pouch or money belt to carry passport, credit cards and traveler’s checks. Wear it under clothes if possible. Also, make several copies of your passport information page. Never keep all of your documents and money in one place or one suitcase.
• In some countries, avoid taking a taxi alone at night as it can be dangerous.
• Keep the program director and your family informed of all travel plans during the program.
• Check the US State Department Travel Warnings for up-to-date information on travel precautions.

ADVICE TO WOMEN:

A woman may encounter additional difficulties. Some of the best methods of avoiding hassles are to fit in and try to understand the role of the sexes in the local culture. Flexibility means observing how the host country’s women dress and behave and then following their example. What may be appropriate or friendly behavior in the U.S. may bring unwanted, even dangerous, attention in another culture. Try not to take offense at whistles and other gestures of appreciation, regardless of whether they are compliments, invitations, or insults. Realize these gestures are as much a part of the culture as its food, history, and language, but if your intuition tells you a situation is dangerous, then act as if it is. Never walk alone at night and never hitchhike.  In addition, if alone in a train car, move to another one where other people are sitting.

In recent years an enormous amount of attention has been given to the threats of political terrorism and violence said to be specifically directed against Americans abroad. In fact, few instances have occurred. This does not mean that these threats are hollow or that in the future no Americans will become targets or actual victims. Respecting the possibilities of such occurrences and taking every precaution is important. It is equally important not to be intimidated. In times of political conflict, here are some general safety precautions:

• Keep in touch with the current political situations by listening daily to the television or radio. In the event of an emergency, advisories may be made to the general public through the media. Remain in contact with the program director.
• When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid or spend as little time as possible in potential target areas for terrorist activities, especially places frequented by Americans: bars, discos, and fast food restaurants associated with the U.S.; branches of American banks; American churches; American consulates or embassies.
• Keep away from areas known to have large concentrations of residents aligned with interests unfriendly to the U.S. and its allies. Always consult with the program director before undertaking travel to neighboring cities or popular tourist destinations.
• Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Wear moderate colors and conservative clothing. Avoid American logos on belongings and clothing. Avoid large loud groups and try to act like the locals as much as possible. 
• Keep away from political demonstrations even if they seem peaceful, particularly those directed toward the United States. Resist the temptation to investigate what is happening.
• Do not agree to newspaper or other media interviews regarding political conflicts.