Your safety is of prime importance to the NAU Center for International Education (CIE). NAU's CIE recognizes the importance of establishing policies and procedures that are designed to safeguard the safety and well-being of study abroad participants. We do, however, recognize and acknowledge that no single plan could address all contingencies that may arise.
In these changing times it is ever more important for you, the student, to remain vigilant in protecting your own safety. Remember, common sense is often your best safety precaution.
The State Department has set up a special phone number for those concerned about travel abroad or about American citizen family or friends overseas.
The toll-free number to call is:
1-888-407-4747
Callers who are unable to use 800 numbers, such as those calling from overseas, can call:
1-317-472-2328
You should read the State Department's Consular Information Sheet for the country or countries in which you plan to study and/or travel during your study abroad.
Consular Information Sheets are issued as a matter of course, and are available for every country of the world. They include such information as location of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.
You should also consult any Public Announcements and Travel Warnings that pertain to the country in which you plan to study or travel.
Public Announcements are issued as required, and are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or transnational conditions positing significant risks to the security of American Travelers.
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country.
You may access Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings, via three electronic media:
By internet at: http://travel.state.gov
By fax: From your fax machine, dial 202-647-3000
By telephone: A summary may be heard any time by dialing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225 from a touch-tone-phone.
Be mindful that as a citizen of your country you not only represent yourself while you are abroad, but also your country. In addition, as a student representative of Northern Arizona University, you serve as an ambassador of sorts, extending relations between our exchange school partners.
Due to the above mentioned, your actions carry broader significance while you are abroad. With any social situation we encourage you to practice courtesy and patience while abroad. You will undoubtedly find yourself in situations that will challenge your resolve in being mindful and acting appropriately. Keep in mind that "How you present yourself will make a difference!"
You should expect that those whom you encounter while abroad will be curious about your viewpoints and opinions on a wide range of issues. Don't be surprised if you are asked to opine about U.S. foreign policy issues, or anything relating to the U.S., or whichever country you represent. Being aware that such instances may occur may help you prepare for dealing with such situations, i.e. educating yourself.
Make an attempt to become knowledgeable about the culture, history, politics, and customs of the country you are going to be visiting. This can be important in understanding subtleties that are prevalent and inherently understood by citizens of a country, but misinterpreted or ignored by visitors - in some parts of the world (Mediterranean, for example), mere eye contact from a woman is often considered a come on.
Available for your review are country specific resources in the Resource Room located in the International Office. Obtaining books from Cline or your local library would also be advised. Of course, the Internet is another valuable resource to explore information about the country in which you will be studying and/or countries to which you plan to travel. Here are some suggested sources:
State Department site providing background information on countries
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
Lonely Planet Website
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
World News
University of Texas Perry-Castafieda Library Map Collection
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/
CIA The World Fact Book
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
ASIRT-The Association for Safe International Road Travel
Your study abroad experience encompasses not only your studies at the university but your life and experiences in your country of study. Thus, it would benefit you greatly to treat this experience with a degree of educational vigor, becoming knowledgeable about the place you will be studying.
Keep a copy of the contact persons name (e.g. International Student Advisor) and phone number from the school you will be attending. It is always a good idea to try to memorize the emergency numbers in the countries you visit. Otherwise, be sure to keep this information on your person at all times.
We also advise you to keep emergency contact information for the CIE at NAU. Make sure you know how to contact your advisor through email, phone or fax.
ALWAYS keep change for the phone and cab money with you at all times. Either in your front pocket or money belt.
You are encouraged to know the location of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and register with them. You will find information regarding Embassies's and Consulates abroad at the following location two locations:
It is also advised that you determine a contact phone number for these locations.
In the United States, the Office of Overseas Citizens Services can assist American students abroad and their families in the USA in emergency cases. There is a 24 hour number to call (202) 647-5225. Americans abroad may also find these "services" available through the consulate or embassy in the location of study or travel.
It is important to be aware of local laws why you are abroad.You are subject to these laws! Being an American does not make you impervious from the laws that govern citizens in a country you are visiting. Use common sense and be mindful of your actions!
Before departing from the U.S., remove from your wallet or purse all superfluous credit cards, etc., that won't be necessary for your use while you are abroad.
Make photocopies of those documents, information cards, credit cards, etc. that you do bring with you. Bring a copy with you, kept separate from the documents, and leave copies with an appropriate individual in the U.S.
Although not wanting to seem alarmist and to perpetuate unfair stereotypes, we urge you to be more careful about where you go, when you go, and with whom. In certain locations and programs women may have to adjust to attitudes that are unfamiliar, both in public and private settings. For instance, eye contact between strangers or a smile at someone passing in the street, which is not uncommon in the U.S., may have broader implications in other countries. Try to become aware of norms that may govern behavior in the countries you will be visiting.
It is important to recognize that different countries have different gender norms that govern behavior. Men and women should be aware of norms governing dating and sexuality in the countries where/ in-which they will be living and traveling. Such things as eye contact, the way one dresses, and body language can send very different messages depending on countries and cultures.
While not advocating or condoning intimate relationships while abroad, NAU International Office advises students to be cautious and prudent in their choices for engaging in sexual activity. If you choose to be sexually active, practice safe sex and protect yourself and your partner against sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, unintended pregnancy, and misunderstandings about the meaning of the relationship. If you think you will be sexually active while abroad take condoms with you as availability may be limited and quality may vary considerably between different countries.
We cannot stress enough the importance for you to be aware of your host culture's view towards gender, dating, sex and morality.
All study abroad participant must have proper insurance coverage during their study period abroad. Requirements can vary from country to country. Please make sure you have discussed with your Study Abroad Advisor what coverage you will need in your country. If you are planning to carry coverage under your parents plan, contact the carrier to ensure that coverage is available while outside the U.S. Some plans only cover you while you are in the U.S. Regardless of the policy that you have while abroad, you should maintain coverage in the U.S. as well. Do not cancel coverage in the U.S. while you are abroad!
©2007 Arizona Board of Regents
Center for International Education, Northern Arizona University