Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs Issues of Health & Safety Abroad Mr. Jay Ward Associate Director Office of International Programs San Francisco State University

Contents A. A Safe Trip Abroad Before You Go 1. What to Take 2. What to Leave Behind 3. What to Learn About Before You Go a). Local Laws & Customs b). Security c). Health Care d). Your Itinerary e). Register Your Travel f). Smart Phone App g). Know Local Emergency Numbers

Contents… h). Credit i). Insurance C. Passports D. Create a Safety & Security Checklist E. Precautions to Take While Traveling 1. Safety on the Street 2. How to Handle Money Safely 3. How to Avoid Legal Difficulties 4. Drug Violations 5. Photography 6. Road Safety

Contents… E. Stay Connected with Family & Friends F. Be Safe! G. Additional Resources

A Safe Trip Abroad When you travel abroad, the odds are you will have a safe and incident-free trip. Nonetheless, personal safety is important to consider while traveling overseas. Even with the best-planned trips, things can sometimes go wrong. Travelers can become victims of crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties.

A Safe Trip Abroad… Though our first goal is to prevent problems, you will also need to be prepared to respond if a problem does occur. You will need to heighten your awareness to ensure your safety and security during your overseas travel experience. To prepare for a healthy and safe experience, inform yourself about your destination and discuss basic health and safety issues with your family and your faculty leader.

A Safe Trip Abroad… There may be occasions when U.S. consular officers are called upon to help U.S. citizens who are in foreign hospitals or prisons, or to assist the families of U.S. citizens who have passed away overseas. We have prepared the following travel tips to help you avoid serious difficulties during your time abroad. We wish you a safe and wonderful journey!

Before You Go What To Take Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress in a way that could mark you as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention. Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended. Packing checklist from Faculty Leader?

Before You Go… What To Take Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Make hard copies of all your important paperwork; keep copies on your phone.

Before You Go… What To Take Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. If you wear glasses/contacts, pack an extra pair. Pack them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.

Before You Go… What To Take Bring copies of any prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. Don’t expect that your medications/prescriptions will be readily available overseas! If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.

Before You Go… What To Take Bring one or two major credit cards instead of a lot of cash. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information/bio page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen. Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Bring small first aid kit (various bandages, antiseptic, aspirin, cold medicine, etc.)

Before You Go… What To Take American Red Cross (First Aid Kit) http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomy Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. Lock your luggage using TSA approved locks.

Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home: Before You Go… What To Leave Behind Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home: Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry; Irreplaceable family objects; All unnecessary credit cards; Your Social Security card, driver’s license, etc. and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Before You Go… What To Leave Behind Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals.

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws and Customs When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are the library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition; Keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs Your faculty leader may be able to provide you with a reading list with background information on cultural differences, geography, language, political climate, environmental conditions, religious considerations, etc. U.S. DoS website: http://www.travel.state.gov is an excellent source of country-specific information!

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs Has useful safety and other country-specific information. Learn about the country in which you will be studying & its customs. Learn how to summon help in any emergency. Plan for potential hazards & dangerous conditions.

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs The U.S. DoS has specific “Background Notes/Country Fact Sheets” with detailed info available at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs Remember that the local legal system may differ significantly from the U.S. and may not afford the protections available to you under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the U.S. for similar offenses. It is your responsibility to be informed about the legal system of the country(ies) you will be visiting. Ignorance of the law is no defense to escape liability for violating the law.

What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs If you break local laws while abroad, the U.S. gov’t can do very little to help you. You will not be granted special rights or privileges. The U.S. embassy may assist you in finding legal representation, but if you are accused or arrested for a crime, they cannot intervene on your behalf or get you out of jail. You (and/or your family) will be responsible for bearing the financial burden of your legal representation & the outcome of any trial.

What to Learn About Before You Go Security The U.S. Department of State’s “Consular Information Sheets” are available for every country of the world. Describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health concerns, crime & security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, & special info about driving & road conditions. Also provide addresses & emergency phone numbers of U.S. consulate/embassy.

What to Learn About Before You Go Security Country-specific information is available on the DoS website at: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html

What to Learn About Before You Go Health Care The Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/) will list required & recommended vaccines/medicines for various countries around the world along with helpful info about how to stay healthy while overseas. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

What to Learn About Before You Go Health Care Additional vaccines may be required/recommended depending on the country you plan to visit. Visit your doctor & dentist no later than 4-6 weeks before your scheduled U.S. departure for a complete medical check-up, to receive advice on any required vaccinations, renew prescriptions, etc. Know which health clinics/doctors overseas are recommended and where to go in case of an emergency. Carry contact info with you.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Your Itinerary As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level – high enough to deter easy entry from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach. When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Register Your Travel All participants must register with the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP) --think of it as checking in-- so that you may be contacted if need be, whether because of a family emergency in the U.S., or because of a crisis in the area in which you are traveling. It is a free service provided by the State Department and is available online at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Register Your Travel When you sign-up, you will receive the most current US DoS country-specific information & updates including “Travel Warnings” and “Travel Alerts” when appropriate.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Smart Phone App iPhone “Smart Traveler” app is a useful tool to provide easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, and U.S. embassy locations worldwide.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Smart Phone App: “Life360” Allows everyone in your group to stay connected with each another. Location/check-in button that allows you to see everyone’s location on a map. Alert button which sends instant auto text, email & voicemail too every in the group in case of emergency. Chat feature. Excellent location & communication tool!

Things to Arrange Before You Go Know Local Emergency Numbers Know how to contact the police, an ambulance, or even the fire department. Not all countries use “911” as the local emergency contact number. Access the list of emergency contact numbers in other countries and store them in your cell phone and/or write them down.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Credit Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring, and avoid charging over that limit while traveling. Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit while overseas. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Credit 1-800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your credit card company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas. Inform your credit card company(ies) that you will be using their card(s) overseas so that your charges are not denied. Keep copies of your credit cards to aid you in obtaining replacements in case they are lost or stolen.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad of any personal items. Will your group be bringing any university equipment with you on your overseas trip?

Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance Understand the travel insurance policy you will purchase which is designed for travelers, and which covers short-term health and emergency assistance, as well as medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. Carry the insurance card with you at all times. Keep a copy of the card with your other important documents.

Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance The CSU’s Foreign Travel Insurance Program provides coverage for unanticipated loss or injury during short-term international travel (emergency medical care, medical evacuation, legal assistance, lost/delayed luggage, or passport replacement). Comprehensive worldwide assistance is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for University administrators, faculty, staff, and students. 

Things to Arrange Before You Go Travel Insurance – Core Coverage Primary Medical Expense Emergency Medical Benefits Emergency Medical Evacuation Repatriation of Remains Benefit Emergency Reunion Accidental Death & Dismemberment Trip Cancellation Trip Interruption Benefit Worldwide Travel Assistance

Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Travel Insurance – Accessing It AXA Travel Assistance for Pre-Departure & Travel Medical Emergency Services - 24/7 1-630-694-9764 medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us

Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance Summary of coverage is available on the SF State Risk Management website at: http://erm.sfsu.edu/content/foreign-travel Foreign Travel Information:

Things to Arrange Before You Go Passports & Visas Be sure to apply for your passport early! https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html Your faculty leader will let you know if any type of visa may be required for your trip We also recommend that your parents each obtain a passport in case they need to travel to you in an emergency situation

Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan Identify a shelter location nearby your hotel Identify a location to meet in the event of a building evacuation Identify a rally point at which to meet if group becomes separated or is unable to return to hotel Know who to contact at SF State (ERM) who can coordinate a response to an overseas emergency

Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan Incorporate your emergency plan with all participants and incorporate into your pre-departure and on-site orientations Faculty leader may want to rent a satellite phone to be used in emergency situations ERM can be a great resource and can assist faculty leader with developing a plan tailored to your trip

Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan Become familiar with services & resources available through the U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens Emergency Center (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies.html)

Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Work with your faculty leader to create a safety & security checklist including: Make sure all participants have each others’ contact information (cell phone number, email address, etc.)! Establish a communication tree in the event of an emergency. Have basic emergency supplies/first aid kit on-hand.

Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Keep your passport, plane ticket and other important documents in a safe place – and easily accessible – and keep copies! Everyone must be registered with the nearest U.S. embassy (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). Each participant should have a list and contact info of local hospitals, nearest U.S. embassy/consulate, etc.

Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Develop an emergency action plan in case you experience an emergency situation; know how to get help. Discuss how the group will handle a medical emergency situation/how to manage such an event.

Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Students need to inform the faculty leader of any special health needs, conditions, medications, etc. Participants need to discuss what happens if the faculty leader becomes ill, injured, etc. during the trip. Identify student leader who can assume leadership role in case faculty leader is unable.

Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Identify students who may arrive earlier/stay longer to discuss various health/safety and insurance issues with Risk Management. Are there any minors traveling with the group or will everyone be over 21? Is your faculty leader aware of any students with overseas travel experience/foreign language skills?

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in (or avoid) areas where you may be more easily victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and crime-ridden neighborhoods. Participants should always carry hotel name and address (business card) with them at all times.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets; only travel in well-lighted & frequently traveled areas. Do not travel alone at night; always walk with a friend or companion! Inform others of your plans! Do not travel late at night. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. Men should avoid placing their wallets in their back pant pocket. Women with purses should hold their purses in front of their person. Inside pockets or pouch/money belts worn inside/under clothing offer the best protection when carrying ID cards, cash, credit cards and other valuables.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Wallets and purses that offer RFID protection are the most secure. Be watchful of abandoned bags in public places. Don’t join demonstrations; if large groups of people are gathering, leave the area.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Be aware of your surroundings & belongings at all times. Be extra careful at train, subway or bus stations where thieves prey on visitors & tourists. Try to blend in with the local population as much as possible. Do not wear identifying clothing such as baseball caps or shirts with identifying information. Be alert and observant!

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell you something at bargain prices. Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you; ask you for directions or the time; point to something spilled on your clothing; or distract you by creating a disturbance.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Beware of groups of kids who may create a distraction to pick your pocket. Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers. If you are confronted, don't fight back -- give up your valuables and get to the nearest safe place.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Learn a few phrases in the local language or have them handy in written form so that you can signal your need for police or medical help. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street In the event of a local, regional or global crisis, follow the advice of local authorities and consult with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for security information. If a widespread political or economic crisis should occur, get to a safe place and contact local authorities or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Designate a primary and secondary meeting place in the event of a crisis, if possible. Have a plan for alternative methods of communication. Keep up on current events in the U.S. as they relate to U.S. citizens in your host country. Keep cell phones and computers charged; keep phones turned on at all times; carry portable battery/charging device.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety on the Street Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety in Your Hotel Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Don’t invite visitors into your room; instead, meet them in the hotel lobby. Important documents (passports, credit cards, extra cash, etc.) should be secured in a safe place where you are staying. Use the hotel/room safe (if available). If you are out late at night, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

Precautions to Take While Traveling Safety In Your Hotel If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside. Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire, and be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located. (Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit; this could be a lifesaver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.)

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Handle Money Safely Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Handle Money Safely Exchange currency only at authorized agencies or reputable establishments. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of what happened. Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs on the street-use ATMs inside banks, when possible.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Handle Money Safely After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of: Credit cards to the issuing company; Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent; Passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties When you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are under its jurisdiction. You can be arrested overseas for actions that may be either legal or considered minor infractions in the United States. Familiarize yourself with legal expectations in the countries you will visit. The DoS Country Specific Information pages include information on unusual patterns of arrests in particular countries, as appropriate.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Alcohol & Drug Violations More than one-third of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges. Some countries do not distinguish between possession and trafficking, and many have mandatory sentences – even for possession of a small amount of marijuana or cocaine. A number of Americans have been arrested for possessing prescription drugs, particularly tranquilizers and amphetamines, that they purchased legally elsewhere.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Alcohol & Drug Violations Some U.S. citizens have been arrested for purchasing prescription drugs abroad in quantities that local authorities suspected were for commercial use/resale. If in doubt about foreign drug laws, ask local authorities or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Alcohol & Drug Violations Use of illegal substances is absolutely prohibited! Anyone caught using illegal substances will be immediately removed from the program. Penalties for the use of illegal substances in other countries can be much stronger than in the U.S. and there is nothing your faculty leader or the U.S. embassy can do to assist someone caught breaking the laws of the host country.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Student Conduct While Overseas Any violation of the acceptable standards of conduct could lead to disciplinary actions consistent with CSU Student Discipline Policies & Procedures including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from the program! Remember that you are a representative of SF State and the CSU while you are abroad!

Precautions to Take While Traveling… How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Student Conduct While Overseas Additional information on appropriate SF State Student Conduct including: Academic Dishonesty Plagiarism Alcohol Policy Sexual Misconduct can be found at: http://conduct.sfsu.edu/standards

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Photography In many countries you can be detained for photographing security-related institutions, such as police and military installations, government buildings, border areas and transportation facilities. If you are in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.

Precautions to Take While Traveling How to Avoid Legal Difficulties Learn About Road Safety According to the U.S. Department of State, road travel is the greatest risk to healthy Americans. In some countries, bad roads and careless drivers are considered top dangers. For info about road and traffic realities abroad, visit the Association for Safe International Road Travel website.

Stay Connected Arrange To Contact Your Family By Appointment, Especially After Arrival Discuss communication expectations with your family prior to departure. Stay in touch with your family to reassure them of your safety and whereabouts. If you make plans to call at a certain time, follow through with the appointment so that your family does not worry unnecessarily. Remember that you may be in a remote location & it may be difficult to anticipate where you will be at all times.

Stay Connected Therefore, discuss in advance what types of communication may be feasible, alternate communication plans if there is an unexpected delay, & how often you will communicate. Be sure to provide your family with your detailed travel itinerary including contact information, travel dates and destinations. Review alternative communication plans with your faculty leader/family if cellular and Internet service are not available.

Stay Connected Connect with SF State & Your Family During a Local or Regional Disaster In the event of a local emergency (earthquake, flood, etc.), staff at RM/OIP will be in contact with your faculty leader to determine your well-being and whereabouts, and to provide info, instructions & advice. You may also be asked to contact other students in your group, so you may want to establish a telephone tree for emergencies.

Stay Connected Connect with SF State & Your Family During a Local or Regional Disaster News about an emergency or disaster in your host country may be broadcast in the U.S. so contact your family when possible to let them know about your well-being.

Know What to Do and Who to Contact During a Personal Emergency Stay Connected Know What to Do and Who to Contact During a Personal Emergency Carry local emergency numbers (police, fire, ambulance, etc.) and other emergency contact info with you at all times.

Be Safe! Upon arrival, your faculty leader will conduct an on-site orientation. Check the U.S. embassy website regularly for updates on safety issues, crime, civil disturbances, etc.

Be Safe! Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the choices you make regarding your safety! Many places abroad are safer than the U.S., but your lack of familiarity with the culture, language, people, etc. may put you at higher risk.

Be Safe No orientation can alert you to every potential difficulty, but we hope to have provided you with some background information so that you can make informed decisions, both as you prepare, and while you’re abroad. Ultimately, YOU are the most qualified person to keep yourself HEALTHY and SAFE. You are about to embark on the experience of a lifetime and we are excited for you! Have a great trip!

Additional Resources Advice for Safe & Health Travel for Students: http://www.cdc.gov/features/studyabroad/ State Department Students Abroad: Http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ Tips for Safe International Road Travel: http://www.asirt.org/ DoS International Travel Information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html

Additional Resources… DoS Travel Website: http://travel.state.gov/ Dos Background Notes/Country Fact Sheets: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/ StudentsAbroad.com Health & Safety Info: http://studentsabroad.com/handbook/basic-health-and-safety.php?country=General DoS Tips for Traveling Abroad-Safety Issues: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

Questions?