Studying abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience in a student’s life. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in another culture by participating in the daily life of the place of study. It can also provide the student with the chance to travel to different countries and cities in the vicinity of the study-abroad placements. 

However, with all these exciting opportunities, students and parents need to take precautions and be mindful of safety and security risks while studying abroad, like first aid, etc. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the risks that you may face while studying abroad and how to prepare for them in the coming months. First, we’re going to share some helpful links and information on how to learn more about the countries you’re planning to visit, and after that, we’ll provide you with some safety precautions, tips, and general guidelines.

Travel Warnings and Country Information

Before you leave, make sure you know as much as possible about these current travel warnings. Do not travel to any of the countries listed below on these sites. Most insurance companies will cancel your coverage if you get hurt or injured in any of these countries. The best way to learn more about these travel warnings is to visit the UK and US Travel Warning websites. In addition to general country travel advisories, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the countries you’re visiting, including traditions, customs, and more. We also suggest using search engines like Google and Wikipedia, which will give you more country-specific information. Aside from that, here are a few things to remember:

Prepare for Travel

By being prepared in terms of having all the required documents apart from a properly equipped first aid kit, university students can make the transition to study abroad easier and, in turn, increase the student’s safety. The student’s home college or university’s study abroad advisor will be the most important resource for university students when preparing to go abroad. Make sure you have all the required paperwork filled out and all the necessary travel documents ready to go long before you leave. Make a checklist of what documents will be most important and double-check them.

Make sure you leave a copy of those documents with your parent or guardian. Talk to students who have gone abroad before. It’s a good idea to ask them what to expect from the study abroad experience and what to pack for your trip. Ask for their advice on important safety and security tips in the city you’re going to be studying in. Another way of avoiding anxiety and panic on arrival is to prepare a plan for how to get from the airport or lodging to your study abroad accommodation. A small amount of your native currency should be available in case of an emergency. The student should schedule a medical check-up with their doctor before going abroad. Traveling to a foreign country may expose the student to foreign viruses or diseases, and they should be properly vaccinated.

Research your surroundings

When you arrive at your study abroad destination, you need to be aware of what’s around you. You should also try to fit in with the local culture. Tourists are vulnerable to pickpockets and theft. Make sure you don’t wear clothes that make you look like a foreigner. Watch out for the fashion and social trends of the local population. Try not to talk too loud and use your native language as much as possible. You should also familiarize yourself with the maps of your city. Keeping an eye on maps can make you look lost, which makes you more vulnerable to theft. Knowing the routes back to your accommodation will help you get home safely if something goes wrong on your way. Be very careful when walking at night in big cities; pickpockets will use this as an opportunity to steal your stuff. You should also beware of things like a spy camera, etc. (a spy camera is a device that is capable of capturing video, and sometimes audio, of a location without the subjects‘ knowledge) while using spaces like washrooms, etc. in certain areas, and of scammers who try to trick tourists with fake deals and discounts on local attractions. 

Most of these scammers operate in pairs or in groups to draw in more tourists. So keep your ECS (Emergency Communication System) handy. An ECS (Emergency Communication System) is any system that is organized for the primary purpose of supporting one-way and two-way communication of emergency information between both individuals and groups of individuals

Safety in Numbers

As with most things, numbers are power. Students often use the buddy system to travel in groups, particularly at night. It’s always good to let others know what you’re planning to do, especially when you’re going to a different country. Share your travel plans with friends and family.  Emailing your travel itinerary (itinerary is a travel document recording a route or journey.) to a third person helps keep track of your whereabouts in case something goes wrong. If you’re traveling around your study-abroad city daily, let a roommate or friend know about your plans. Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate if you’re spending a lot of time in a foreign country. Know where their embassy or consulate is located and how to get in touch with them if something goes wrong.

Protect important documents and money.

One of the most crucial documents for a student to have while abroad is their passport. In the event of a theft or loss, it is essential to have a copy of all important documents. Students should have a copy of their passports, driver’s licenses, student IDs, health insurance, and travel tickets. Additionally, it is wise to keep multiple copies of the government-issued ID in a safe place or on file with a trusted person. A copy of each document should be kept at home for parents or guardians to fax or mail if the spare copies are lost.  Another important safety tip for students, apart from having proper documents like health insurance, etc., is to keep money in a safe place. Don’t be ostentatious with money, as it can be tempting for pickpockets and thieves to target you. Never carry a wallet in a back pocket or in an easily accessible area. For girls carrying handbags, make sure the bag has a zipper. When carrying a backpack, make sure it has a small lock.

Be aware of current events

While studying abroad, students need to stay up-to-date on current events at home and abroad. Being aware of the political situation in your home country will help ensure your safety by keeping you informed of how your home country is being perceived. Be aware of the reception your nationality will receive in your host country. Avoid public demonstrations, protests, and civil unrest. Being aware of these events will help you avoid accidentally provoking offensive behavior or scenes that are unwelcome to your host country.

Country safety tips

By the time you leave, you should have learned as much as you can about your adopted country. This will help you prepare for your time there, as you’ll have a better understanding of the culture and customs. You’ll also need to follow some very basic guidelines to avoid causing problems.-

Stay alert and trust your instincts.

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to what’s happening around you. When you’re in a crowded market or square, make sure you’re paying attention to the people around you and what’s going on. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about something, leave the area. Ultimately, trust your gut, and if you don’t like what you’re seeing, move out to somewhere you’re more comfortable.

Keep Valuables Close to you

Just like at home, don’t show off your wallet with a large amount of cash in it or carry around your brand-new cell phone. You’ll only draw attention and make you easy pickpockets. When traveling, guard your possessions and keep them with you all the time. You should use a secure bag/hidden pouch. Be conscious in case of crowds and public transit. You may consider using a money belt or an RFID-blocking wallet. Avoid displaying expensive items. Emphasize on safety so that you can do it without having any concerns about the road or stealing of your property.

Keep a low profile.

As a foreigner in your host country, try to be as unobtrusive as possible. This doesn’t mean that you have to hide, but it does mean that you don’t have to advertise the fact that you’re a foreigner. For instance, try not to speak too loud in public places and dress a bit more like your host country’s people. This will help with your integration and prevent unwanted attention from being drawn to you.

Learn your surroundings.

Just as it’s important to know about your country, it’s equally important to know as much as possible about your host city or town. You’ll most likely get this information from your SAO (Study Abroad Office), but it’s also a good idea to ask past students. You’d like to know what areas to avoid, how public transportation works, etc.

Keep in contact.

Probably the most important rule is to stay in touch with friends and family and let them know where you’re going. Thanks to the low cost of mobile phones these days, it’s easy for friends and family to reach out to you if they need you. If you’re living in an apartment together, let your flatmate know if you’re coming and going; this way, if something goes wrong, they’ll know where you are.

Note– One more thing to keep in mind is to choose the right one among the options for the best carry-on luggage. Some of the examples of the best carry-on luggage are:

1. American Tourist Locker Cabin Luggage for International Students

2. Best Check-in Luggage for International Students (Soft-sided)

3. Samsonite EVOA: Best Cabin Luggage for a Short International Trip

4. Tommy Hilfiger Hard-Sided Luggage for an International Travel Trip

5. Safari Check-in Luggage Bag for International Students

6. Safari Ryder Hard Luggage: Best Lugage for International Students

7. Samsonite: Best Stylish Luggage for an International Trip

8. Calvin Klein: The Best Trolley Cabin Luggage for International Travel

9. Skybag Chrysal: Best Cabin Luggage for International Students

10. Check-in Suitcase for International Students by American Tourists

11. Aluminum International Carry-on Expandable Luggage

The purpose of this list was to share the best luggage bags that are suitable for international students and those who are traveling abroad for other reasons such as business travel, vacations, etc. We have chosen these after comparing them with various other luggage bags available on the market. When shopping for the best luggage for international students, it is important only to choose lightweight, spacious, and, most importantly, durable luggage. The price should not be the main factor when shopping for luggage for international students. It is better to invest in good luggage that will last for many years and support you during your journey. Some international travel luggage, like Tumi, can be very expensive, but you can find the best luggage for you starting at Rs. 5,000 in this list. We hope that this list helps you find the best luggage, suitcases, or trolley bags for international students or someone who is traveling abroad.

In conclusion, if you want a study abroad experience that’s enjoyable and hassle-free, it’s most likely going to be. But by being aware of the risks, you can avoid them and enjoy your time abroad. All set for going abroad, but looking for cheap flights, plane tickets, or air ticket booking with flight discounts for students? Well, worry no more! You have Travel Up now, which caters to not only customers going on last-minute holidays but also students going to study abroad.

 Visit here for cheap flights, plane tickets, and deals on flight discounts for students on air ticket booking.