Safety and Security Abroad

Regardless of what country you are visiting, there are always risks involved. The information provided below is intended to make you aware of potential safety and security risks and provide you with advice for avoiding risky situations; it is not meant to scare you or deter you in any way from having a rich, rewarding, and fulfilling experience abroad!

More information about risks related to your program location will be included in your program handbook. Also refer to the U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheet for your program location for safety and security guidelines.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens – and accessible by U.S. permanent residents, international students with U.S. visas, and others not carrying a U.S. passport – who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Visit STEP at: https://step.state.gov/step/. All Pitzer students must register their travel with STEP prior to departure, and submit proof of their registration in their study abroad portal.

What You Can Do to Keep Safe – General Guidelines

Become knowledgeable about your destination. Read and carefully consider all materials issued by your program sponsor/host university that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural and religious conditions in your host country.
Reduce risk of robbery or assault by integrating into the local culture as much as possible: spend significant time with your host family (if you have one); dress, behave and interact in ways that respect local cultural values and do not call attention to being American or a tourist. Refrain from visiting establishments where Americans are widely known to hang out.
Carry as little money and valuables as possible.
Never carry your passport or other official documents with you – carry photocopies and keep the originals in a safe, secure location.
Hold your bag close to you or in front of you and never leave it unattended. Pick pocketing and purse snatching are common in crowded areas and on public transportation. Use a purse with zips or buckles, and don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry or be looking at your phone or money in public places.
If you are involved in a robbery, do not risk injury by trying to resist or fight off the perpetrator.
All students should travel with someone they know at all times and avoid being out alone after dark. Women travelling alone after dark can be at risk. If it is getting late at night, and the streets are empty, take a taxi home whenever possible, even if you are with friends.
Know where you are going, or at least look like you know where you are going. If you are unsure, ask someone for directions or hire private transportation from a trusted provider. If you need to pull out a map, do so somewhere sheltered and discreet.
If you do go to a club or bar, do so with a group of fellow students or friends from the host community. Keep an eye on each other. Never, ever accept a ride home with a stranger or someone you just met that evening, and never allow one of your friends to leave with a stranger.
When ordering drinks, ask for the bottle to be brought to your table. Do not leave drinks unattended. These simple steps will minimize the chance that your drink can be tampered with drugs.
If you go to the beach, be aware of dangerous currents and riptides. Follow water safety guidelines – refrain from going into heavy surf unless you are an extremely experienced ocean swimmer or surfer. Always enter the water with a friend if you can and only swim or surf on beaches that have a lifeguard on duty.
Be aware of your surroundings. Observe your environment with great care and attention and adapt your behavior accordingly.

Extreme Sports and Other Prohibited Activities

During the program (which includes all days between the program arrival date and the departure date, including weekends and breaks), you are NOT allowed to drive automobiles, ride motorcycles, fly aircraft or participate in extreme sports. Extreme sports include, but are not limited to, white water rafting, jet skiing, scuba diving, parachuting, hang gliding, parasailing, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and technical mountaineering. No hitchhiking or night buses.

Students who choose to participate in such activities during the program are subject to dismissal (see conditions of participation). Students who choose to participate in such activities before or after the program should be aware that most insurers do not cover injuries sustained in several of the activities listed above.