Safety in Study and Travel Abroad Video
May 3rd, 2006
Here is a safety video you MUST watch in it’s entirety before we leave (it makes some good points and it’s also a Risk Management requirement that you watch it). It’s a 1/2 hour video. You will need to sign a document that verifies you watched this video (currently located in the OCOB Grad Programs office — stop by during our open hours of operation and you can sign it!).
Entry Filed under: Pre-Departure, China
15 Comments Add your own
1. Brian Cronin | May 17th, 2006 at 11:16 am
I agree that this video is mainly stressing common sense. However, common sense is incredibly hard to teach and so it makes sense that they would cover all the basics. I think that this video is a good general tool but wish one existed specifically for travel in China. I have looked but had no success. The main lesson I learned was that you cannot ever be too careful. Take extra precautions and do as the locals do. Also, having back-up documentation is advice that is too often not taken seriously. I have every bit of confidence in our group and feel that we have been adequately prepared for this trip from both ends.
2. Deirdre Byrne | June 14th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
I would have to agree with most people that the safety video mostly contained stuff that we should all already know. But I suppose it is no harm to be reminded about certain things. While it may not be related much to where we are headed I think that any safety issues that are have been covered in our predeparture sessions and literature we have received.
3. Victoria Whelan | October 31st, 2006 at 10:25 am
I am worried about what if you get sick there and the footwear. I know no shots are required but are sandals ok to be worn during our free time? And the faq sheet said we could wear shorts, but in reality should we out of respect? I am not familiar with the dress in China.
4. Chris Carr | October 31st, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Yes, in your OFF time you can wear sandals and shorts. But do be aware that if, in your off time, you go for a walk and as part of that you see a nice place (e.g., club, high end department store, place to eat, a temple for sure, etc.) that you wish to go into I am aware of instances where they won’t let you in and/or give you the ol’ dirty look to make you feel bad. That said, I saw a number of the students last year wear shorts and sandals in their off time and they seemed to get along fine.
5. Angie Q. Dip | December 24th, 2007 at 12:33 am
I agree this video seemed to stress mainly common sense and to be responsible for your own actions, although it does not hurt to be reminded of that. There was some information in the video that I was not aware of, but which was provided in the syllabus/FAQs. Some of the common sense that was stressed that I may not have thought of had it not been for this video were to not wear expensive jewelry, to dress conservatively, to walk with confidence and poise, and to avoid using ice cubes, since it may not be clean. I am looking forward to trying all the good food in China, but unfortunately would have to be more cautious so I would not get any food- or water-borne diseases.
6. Shasta Palmer | January 23rd, 2008 at 10:01 am
The safety video covers many basics, which are good to be reminded of. IN addition it reminds us to be careful of foods and some theft over there that was good to be informed of.
7. Simeon Trieu | February 2nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Definitely wear a money belt or something that you can hang around your neck INSIDE your clothing. A pickpocket can sneak a hand in your pocket, but they definitely will not be able to put their hands in your shirt (without you noticing it). Also, be aware that some thieves are violent and will take your purse, handbag, shoulder bag by cutting it with a knife. Travel insurance is definitely also a good idea. Knowing people in China and India is a big plus. Knowing the location of the US Embassy (and how to get there) is key. If you get in trouble, that’s the first place to get help. The locals may be able to help you, but don’t count on it. It’s better to go to the embassy, like the video said. Great video with some good tips. If you haven’t heard them already, then it’s a good start to cover your safety in another country. If you have heard it before, it makes for a good refresher on what’s important.
8. All Things Chindia »&hellip | February 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
[...] Original Post [...]
9. Brandi Eng-Rohrbach | February 3rd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Don’t lose your passport under any circumstances! When going out to nightclubs, don’t bring your passport. If there is anywhere you are likely to get robbed a nightclub is the place. With all these people bumping against you, you won’t even know. My friend had her passport stolen in Cairns, Australia at a nightclub. She had to go by train to Sydney which is 30 hours away to go to the closest embassy to get a replacement. She wasn’t able to fly because she didn’t have a passport. Anyways please take caution when at nightclubs were your inhibitions may be reduced.
10. Woon Lam "Justine" Wong | February 4th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
The video brings out a good point that we need to empower ourselves and take responsibilities for our own safety. It seems common sense, but when things happened, people tend to blame others. I read an article about thieves in China. They may ask you for help in learning how to use a new cell phone or other technology, but it is a trap. Once you press the button on the device, you would get an electric shock and faint. They would then take all your belongings. So be cautious not to walk or shop alone, and avoid talking with strangers.
Another thing is what to wear in different countries. My friend told me that she wore skirts in India, and all the men on the same train stared at her leg like crazy. This may not happen in the big cities we visit, but I believe dress more conservative can prevent unnecessary troubles.
11. Naomi Guy | February 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
This video made two points that I would like to stress. Based on my experience studying abroad in developing countries, I can say walking around like you know what you are doing makes a huge impact. Street vendors tended not to bother us and locals seemed to treat us in a more friendly manor. Secondly, setting a taxi fare before you leave is crucial. Many times the drivers wold turn off the fare computers and then charge us a huge fee because they knew we had to pay it. Bargaining a low set price will definitely save you cash and watch to ensure the fare meter is properly running.
12. Catriona Banks-Orosco | March 31st, 2008 at 9:16 am
This video had many good reminders. It has been my experience that walking with confidence and speaking firmly when you need to say “no” is extremely important. Also, don’t go out alone. There is safety in numbers.
I am curious about how safe items are that are left in hotel rooms. In some countries, items left in hotels are just as much at risk as those we carry with us.
Definately copy your passport and leave one copy with someone here in the states. They can always fax it to you if lose both your copy and your original.
13. Deanna Haskell | April 6th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I think that ths video provides a great overview as to issues that people need to look out for when traveling. While many people will consider much of the information in the video to be common sense, I think that it is still important to remind people of these issues. In particular, I think that people often get carried away with excitement and want to try new things when they travel and as the video states, that is often how people get into trouble. It is particularly important to travel in groups and pick reputable means of transportation.
14. Amy Linker | May 1st, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Good video. I have been abroad in the past and I know many of the tips that were provided. My main concerns that were addressed in the video are being hustled, being harassed since I am a woman, and getting strange bacterias from the food I eat. These are all things that I have experienced in the past. It is important to be precautious when studying abroad but at the same time it should not interfere with my enjoyment of the experience.
15. Raquel Rusing | March 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 am
Here is what I took away from the video:
-Copy of passport and birth certificate
-Consider getting an International Student Identification Card
-Pre-trip Immunizations, i.e. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and speak with physician
-Complete medical history and emergency contact information given to supervisors
-Bring prescription medication with signed doctor’s note
-Travel/Accident Emergency Insurance Policy, including medical evacuation
-Visas for China and India
-Guidelines for food: avoid uncooked food, fruits and vegetables you can’t peel, milk, water that is not bottled, ice - Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it
-Wear close-toed shoes
-Get enough sleep and rest and avoid the sun, but if you are in the sun make sure to use sunscreen
-Sexually transmitted diseases are higher in these lower-developed countries, especially HIV
-Do not be friendly to stray animals, but if you are bit, wash wound and seek medical attention
-Trauma suffered from motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of injury for students overseas: 1. don’t rent a motor vehicle, 2. avoid traveling at night, 3. do not drive under the influence of alcohol, 4. motorcycles are not recommended, 5. avoid empty rail or subway cars, 6. be very careful since there is no organized transportation, 7. pedestrians are urged to use extreme caution
-Don’t be afraid to ask for non-alcoholic beverages
-Confirm price and destination before getting into vehicle, write down license information
-You’re subject to the legal system of the host country
-Avoid taking anything with you that you can’t part with
-Wear money belt with local currency and photocopies of legal documents, minimize expensive jewelry or electronics
-As a woman, dress conservatively and with respect for the culture
-”No!” is universally understood
-You WILL experience culture shock
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