Health and Safety Guide

Traveling can be a risky endeavor, even within the US. It is important that you prepare yourself before and during your travels. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy field school experience:

General

If you travel abroad, read the State Department’s Travel Advisory for your country and visit the Centers for Disease Control site for relevant health information for your country (including immunization requirements and recommendations).

  1. Make sure the program director is aware of any medical conditions you have.
  2. Pack a first-aid kit (including Band-Aids, disinfectant, over-the-counter medications for headaches, diarrhea, sinus conditions, etc.).
  3. If you take prescription medication, bring enough with you to cover your entire time in the field.
  4. Always pack prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
  5. Drink plenty of bottled water while traveling.
  6. To reduce jet lag, try to sleep as much as possible on the plane. Once you arrive at your destination, try to avoid sleeping until night time.
  7. Travel in groups. Do not walk alone.
  8. Do not accept rides from strangers or put yourself in a compromising situation with someone you have just met. If you go out with locals, make sure to leave their names and addresses with your program director.
  9. If you sight-see independently, let the program director know where you are going and when you will return.
  10. Always carry emergency telephone numbers with you.
  11. Check-in with someone in your home country from time to time.
  12. If you travel abroad, keep your passport and other travel documents (plane tickets, travelers checks receipts, extra passport photos, etc.) in a safe place. Keep a photocopy of the front page of your passport separate from your passport.
  13. Do not carry large amounts of cash.

Stay in Contact

Make arrangements to contact your family periodically.  Check in when you arrive to let your family know you have arrived safely. If you leave the project location to sightsee during weekends, please let the Program Director or staff member know where you are going.  If you go out with people who are not part of the program, please let the Program Director or staff member know the names of those people.

Safety on the Street

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, marketplaces, festivals, and avoid peripheral areas of cities.

  1. Always remain aware of your surroundings.
  2. Don’t use shortcuts, narrow alleys, or poorly-lit streets.
  3. Avoid traveling alone.  Three’s is the best way to visit local attractions.
  4. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
  5. Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
  6. Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains or offering to be your guide.
  7. 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.
    • Distract you by creating a disturbance.
  8. 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.
  9. Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going.  When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority.
  10. Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.
  11. Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  12. If you are confronted, don’t fight back. Give up your valuables.
  13. Always carry the IFR emergency card with you.
  14. If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.
  15. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
  16. When taking overnight trains, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, or if you are sharing a compartment with other travelers, tie down your luggage, strap your valuables to you, and sleep on top of them as much as possible.
  17. Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way.

Safety on Public Transportation

Taxis: Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings.  Beware of unmarked cabs.  Make sure the meter is running.  In some countries, you must negotiate the price of a taxi ride before taking it.  Please consult with your field school director prior to arrival about the specific local traditions related to taxis.

Buses/Trains: Be vigilant when using public transportation.

  1. If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station.
  2. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers.
  3. When taking overnight trains, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, or if you are sharing a compartment with other travelers, tie down your luggage, strap your valuables to you, and sleep on top of them as much as possible.
  4. Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way.