As they would whenever traveling abroad, students in the Schools Abroad will need to exercise good judgment, and always remember that local laws and regulations apply to them just as they do to the citizens of that country. In most of our sites, a number of international visitors are victims of pickpockets operating on public transportation or on the street. North Americans are very easily recognizable by their type of dress and mannerisms and more often than not simplify the thieves' task unwittingly. By adhering strictly to a few simple pieces of advice, students can minimize their exposure to unsafe situations:

1. Carry your passport and visa with you at all times. 

2. Do not carry anything of value in a backpack. Backpacks are a robber's prime target. Zippers can be opened and wallets lifted without anyone seeing or realizing it. Backpacks are also easy to set down, making it easy for anyone to pick them up and walk away. Thieves have a great many tricks that require you to let go of your bag: a person may ask you for directions, obliging you to set down your bag to look at a map, and an accomplice picks up the bag and walks off with it; someone "accidentally" spills something (usually mustard, honey, or ketchup) on your coat and knapsack then courteously insists on helping to clean it off and takes off with the knapsack (or an accomplice comes along and carries it off).

3. Instead of a backpack, buy a small flexible bag that you can hang around your neck and/or a money belt to hide inside clothing to store your passport and money. This is absolutely necessary when you change money at the bank or American Express. Thieves watch these places and trail their victims after seeing that they have received a lot of money. Should you carry a handbag, wear it across your body rather than under your arm, and with the clasp against your body.  Do not carry money or valuable papers in your hip pocket.

4. If you must exchange money, do it at a time when you can go directly home or to your bank afterwards instead of between classes or before going out at night.

5. Do not carry house keys and your address, or credit cards and personal identification number, in the same place.

6. North Americans are notorious for talking to strangers and lending a helping hand. When a stranger requests the time, a light, or directions, either ignore the request or oblige from a safe distance, paying close attention to your belongings. Do not give anyone you do not know well your phone number; it can be used to find your address.

7. Be wary of motorcycles. While walking along the street, carry your purse on the inside next to a building. Motorcyclists can grab your purse or cut it away in a matter of seconds.

8. Don't wear ostentatious jewelry. It is best not even to take it abroad.

9. Before leaving the U.S., make photocopies of all your personal documents (passport, credit cards, etc.) and leave copies with the Director when you arrive in country.

10. Try to avoid large crowds, and take care if you find yourself in an inexplicable crush of people (if, for instance, your end of the metro or bus suddenly seems to be the only section that's really crowded).  We strongly recommend that students stay clear of any political demonstrations.

11. Avoid metro or train stations late at night or any other time when they might be deserted. 

12. Go places with friends rather than alone, and do not go to someone else's home alone or invite anyone to yours. Cultural differences and language difficulties can lead to "misunderstandings."

13. Traveling with host country friends, as opposed to American friends, will provide you with an extra degree of safety.

14. Keep emergency phone numbers with you or memorize them.

15. Students should avoid jogging alone, especially in areas or at times when there are few people around (very early in the morning, for instance.)

16. Students should not have a false sense of confidence that can come from being an outsider in a stranger environment.

17. If you are robbed, report it immediately to the Director or Assistant to the Director; you will be advised how to report it to the police. Report any stolen credit cards immediately. If you are registered with the consulate, they can help by issuing a new passport at once and in some cases can offer emergency funds and cancellation of credit cards.

18. If, during your stay in abroad, there should occur some serious event involving casualties that is likely to get international media exposure, we urge you to get in touch with your family. It is important to reassure them that you are okay. Remember that what may seem like a relatively minor local event to you could cause undue alarm back home.

19. Be alert to the people with whom you have contact. Be wary of people who might be overly friendly or overly interested in you. Be cautious when you meet new people and do not give out your address or phone number. Be careful sharing information about other students or group events. Be alert to anyone who might be following you or to any unusual activity around your place of residence or classroom. Report any unusual people or activities to on-site staff or authorities immediately.

20. Be careful observing traffic lights. Stay on the sidewalks away from the curb and walk facing oncoming traffic whenever possible. Drivers in large cities can be aggressive, and often erratic. Never assume a car will stop or steer out of your way.

21. It is especially important not to call attention to yourself by being part of groups of Americans speaking in English.

22. When traveling, avoid arriving in unfamiliar places at night and have a plan for where to go and how to get there.

23. When traveling by bus in Latin America, avoid bus-trucks, identifiable by their high axles and front-end engines (regular buses have engines in the rear).  Crowded, cheap-ticket buses should be avoided and arrangements should be made through a travel agency with established bus companies whenever possible.  Travel is safer during the day.

24. Keep a watch out for people standing near you at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, etc., who have a cell phone in hand. With the new camera cell phones, they can take a picture of your credit card, which gives them your name, number, and expiration date. Identification theft is one of the fastest growing scams today, and this is just another example of the means that are being used.