Mentor Advice
Question
How safe did you feel in the countries that you studied abroad in, especially if you studied abroad in a developing country?
9 Replies from Mentors
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IsabelJunior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityDuring my time abroad in various countries, I never felt threatened in regards to my safety. I would say the most important factor in ensuring your safety is to make smart decisions. For example, do not walk home alone after dark, especially if you are intoxicated. Traveling in numbers is one of the best safety precautions you can exercise. In addition, make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, pick-pocketing is quite common in foreign countries. Also, if you go out to clubs/bars make sure to keep an eye on your drink and how much you drink. You are more likely to make bad decisions when you are intoxicated. The best advice I have to make sure you have a safe experience while abroad is to use your common sense and intuition, if it does not feel right or safe, do not do it.
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Additional MentorVarious students and administratorsinterviewed by the Center for Global Education
Aya, Student
This student talks about using your own judgement abroad, just like you would in the United States. -
Additional MentorVarious students and administratorsinterviewed by the Center for Global Education
Sara, Student
Hear about one student’s feelings about it being safer abroad than in the United States. -
Additional MentorVarious students and administratorsinterviewed by the Center for Global Education
Glen, Student
This student reflects on help from professors in support of your safety and health concerns. -
KimberlySenior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityBefore traveling abroad to China, I thought that I would constantly have to watch over my purse in fear of being pick-pocketed. However, I found that this was very rare. I learned that your safety all depends on your surroundings and the people you are with. Obviously, in crowded areas, you should pay more attention to your belongings. Also, make sure that you are constantly with someone, especially if you do not know the language. However, if you feel comfortable enough to walk by yourself, let someone else know where you are going, just to be safe. In China, I would take taxis and subways on my own and I felt completely safe. Just know your surroundings! Another piece of advice is to get a cell phone while abroad. This way, people will have easy access to you and you can call someone if you are ever in any danger.
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JanethJunior Year StudentLoyola Marymount UniversityI studied in Madrid, Spain and I felt safe living and traveling throughout the country. I heard lots of stories about people’s purses or wallets being stolen so I was always aware of my belongings but I never had a problem. Like most big cities, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and it is always a good idea to travel with another person in case of any trouble. I wandered around the city by myself occasionally, but it is always important to be ware of your surroundings and when in a crowded area make sure to hold on to your belongings.