Personal Safety Abroad
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Studying abroad will expose you to all kinds of new and exciting experiences. Though this is a time of broadening your horizons, you must exercise caution to be as safe as possible while overseas. Before traveling, you should become familiar with local laws, how to avoid travel scams, and understand RIT's emergency response plan.
RIT's Risk Management office thoroughly vets all of our programs to ensure that appropriate safety and security practices are in place. Programs are also reviewed regularly if changes are made, or they may be temporarily suspended as situations evolve in other countries.
Mandatory Meetings
At the mandatory student Bon Voyage meeting, we will have important conversations about safety abroad covering topics such as drugs and alcohol, local laws, transportation, advice for women travelers, etc.
When students arrive in-country, you will attend a mandatory orientation which will more specifically address safety strategies. Every program has residence directors or other program personnel on-site and will provide students with emergency contact information.
Register Travel
We encourage students to register on the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service offered to U.S. citizens who are living or traveling in a foreign country. STEP will email students regular travel updates and alerts and allows for better governmental assistance in case of an emergency.
Resources
- How To Prepare & Deal With An Emergency Abroad - article from GoAbroad.com
- Fire Safety Abroad - fire safety standards may vary in other countries - this guide will outline some fire safety tips when traveling abroad
- Center of Global Education - Strategies to Reduce Risk - avoid being a crime target when you're abroad
- How to Spot Tourist Scams - keep an eye out for these scams when traveling abroad
- Safety Walking Alone at Night in Europe - data that indicates feelings of personal safety in European countries
International Emergencies
We also encourage students to contact RIT Public Safety 24/7 in case of an emergency at 585-475-3333. RIT Public Safety will engage any of the necessary staff at RIT to assist students.
Learn more about emergencies and non-emergency issues, including the difference between the two and what actions to take.