Safety & Security

You must obey all of the laws of your program location and any other country that you may visit during your program. If you get into trouble, contact your host institution or the International Health & Safety office at internationaltravel@lmu.edu or call, text, or WhatsApp +1-478-232-4831. Also be sure to notify a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, but understand that the U.S. consulate cannot get you out of jail, represent you at trial, give you legal counsel, or pay fees or fines with U.S. government funds.

Find Your Local Embassy/Consulate

For more information, including a list of services that the U.S. consulate can – and cannot – provide, visit this link: Arrest of a U.S. Citizen.

If you are the victim of a crime, contact your host institution, and they will notify you of the proper procedure for reporting the crime and if applicable, the steps for replacing stolen items.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you will need to contact local police and the U.S. Embassy. Refer to the U.S. Embassy Crime Victim Assistance website for more information about what to do if you are a victim of crime abroad.

You may always reach out to the International Travel Health & Safety Office for assistance:

• Email: internationaltravel@lmu.edu
• 24/7 Cell/WhatsApp: +1-478-232-4831

Additional Resources

• U.S. Embassy/Consulate Locator
• 911 Abroad Equivalents

The Halloween Stampede in Seoul in 2022 was one of the most public and devastating crowd crushes in recent history. While we would encourage you to avoid these kinds of situations wherever possible, we understand that you may find yourself in crowded spaces while abroad.

One of the easiest ways to mitigate the risk of being caught in a stampede or crowd crush is to make sure whatever venue or accommodation you're in is safe and equipped. Are there security measures in place? Are evacuation plans posted anywhere? If it seems like something is poorly maintained or poorly organized, it's best to stay away. Another best practice? Stay near an exit.

You should always have an exit strategy in mind. How close would you be to getting out, should the need arise? Whether because it gets too crowded, you need medical attention, or things around you get uncomfortable, the best way to avoid finding yourself in an unsafe situation is to know how you would get out of it.

Like with most safety situations, situational awareness will be your best defense. If you start noticing the crowd is closing in or you start feeling concerned, take steps to remove yourself before something becomes an all-out crisis.

If you start to feel the crowd closing in, there are some basic things you can do to try and protect yourself until you can get to safety.

• Assume a "boxer" position, with your arms up in front of your chest and your feet separated to ground yourself.
• Keep your legs and your knees flexible; let yourself move with the crowd. It will start to move like water and you will feel like you're not in control of your movements. Don't resist it! Let yourself move with the crowd until you can break off.
• Keeping your arms strong in front of your chest can help protect and create space for your internal organs, namely your lungs.
• Asphyxiation is the number one cause of death in crowd crushes; whatever you do, protect your lungs and give yourself as much space as possible to breath!
• Do not, under any circumstances, reach down. If your phone, wallet, or purse fall, leave them; even attempting to pick something up likely means that you won't get back up.
• Conserve your air. Don't try to scream; instead, tilt your head back and try and breathe slowly, above the crowd.
• Try not to panic. Speeding up your breathing and heart rate will cause you to run out of air faster. Take long, slow deep breaths.
• If you do fall, turn onto your side and protect your organs with your arms.
• Watch for points of exit. If you see yourself moving towards the edge of a crowd, move diagonally towards the exit – just like you would in an ocean rip current.
• If you are traveling with a group, establish a safe meeting point at the beginning of the trip or activity in the event you are separated.
• In a stampede, it's generally not advisable to try to stay with others; instead, focus on finding a way to move towards an exit as quickly as possible, even if it means separating from your group, as staying together could hinder your ability to escape the crowd quickly.

If you think you're going to be in a crowded situation, we encourage you to read the following materials about avoiding stampedes. Just like with everything else: something that seems like a fun addition to your abroad experience can ruin or create a devastating experience if you're not taking steps to protect your health and safety.

Additional Resources

• What to Do if You Find Yourself in a Crowd Crush
• What to Do if Your'e Trapped in a Surging Crowd

Alcohol and drug use carries serious health, cultural and legal risks for all travelers. The use of drugs is not permitted under any circumstances. Drugs are illegal in most countries in the world, with very severe penalties.

Alcohol may be legal in your host country, but it is important to consume it safely. The risks to your personal safety and the safety of others increase with the consumption of alcohol: you are more likely to be the target of abuse, criminal behavior, or other offenses when you have been drinking and your faculties are impaired, so it is essential that you make good choices about your drinking behavior. Do not accept drinks from others. Do not leave restaurants or bars alone, and do not walk around after you have been drinking. Have a plan for returning home and communicate and coordinate this plan with others. 

In addition to these issues, alcohol and drug use can lead to disciplinary actions for LMU students, who must abide by the Student Conduct Code and Alcohol & Drugs Policy. Excessive or irresponsible intoxication and behavior that interferes with your personal safety and that of others is subject to immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program, parental notification, and return home at your own expense. Review the guidance document on alcohol and drug use created by the International Travel Health & Safety Office, including the consequences for irresponsible and disruptive behavior as well as alcohol and drug use abroad.

In the event of a fire, natural disaster, or other weather-related emergency, on-site administrators will notify you about emergency procedures, and, if necessary, evacuate you to a safe location. You will be provided emergency evacuation instructions upon arrival at your host institution. If you are not provided this information, ASK!

All travelers are encouraged to complete the Emergency Information Card which contains local emergency contact information - a valuable resource during this type of crisis.

• Study Abroad: Emergency Information Card template
• Non-Study Abroad: Emergency Information Card template
• 911 Abroad Equivalents

In any "foreign culture, " stay aware of your surroundings, use good judgment, and follow basic safety precautions to protect yourself. The foregoing provides general advice to assist you in this process.

Protect Yourself and Your Belongings

• Always lock doors and windows in your accommodations. Guard your keys.
• Label your bags inside and out.
• Use padlocks on your luggage to keep it secure.
• Keep luggage locked and tidy when leaving your room to notice any unauthorized entry.
• Ask about social etiquette and avoid unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
• Be cautious with public phones; face out to stay aware of your surroundings.
• Don't walk with your phone out and gps enabled.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying valuables.
• Don't share personal info with strangers and be careful about inviting acquaintances into your space.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.
• Maintain personal space and be confident in your body language.
• Walk with purpose—stand tall, stay alert, and keep scanning your surroundings.
• Stay aware—attackers target distracted individuals, so always be mindful of your environment.
• If approached for directions, step back (2 arms length) and keep eye contact. Speak firmly and avoid distractions like checking your watch.
• If threatened, head for a well-lit, busy area or step into the street to attract attention.

Everyday Travel

• Do not go out alone at night
• Protect personal documents and keep a copy of them at home with friends or relatives
• Know how to ask for emergency or medical help in your destination in the language of that country.
• When traveling, always carry your Student Emergency Information Card with you in hard copy and digitally.
• Keep family and friends at home and in your program informed about travel plans.
• Follow your program's guidelines to register for personal travel.
• Do not yell, curse, or speak loudly in public places (especially not in English)
• Do not confront locals.
• Walk away from confrontational people (local and/or tourists).
• Always stay away from physical confrontations.
• When in doubt, watch the locals for appropriate behavior.
• Know where you are going before leaving.
• Do not carry your phone openly with the GPS enabled and audible.
• When alone, walk with purpose.
• Avoid looking strangers in the eye and smiling, especially in big cities (this is an American custom that is hard to change). The exception is when you're being confronted, look the person in the eye and be assertive.
• And most important... USE GOOD COMMON SENSE!

Be Assertive!

Many problems can be avoided in the initial stages by an assertive response. Let potential assailants know immediately that their intentions will not be tolerated. You can send an assertive message non-verbally by using strong, confident body posture; maintaining eye contact and by establishing physical limits.

Verbally, you can say "No!" or "Stop!" in English or the local language. Use a strong, loud tone of voice. You can also yell (not scream) to call attention to your situation.

Build a Support System Upon Arrival

One of your first priorities upon arrival in your host country is to identify and build a support system. In addition to keeping a list of people you can trust to be supportive in an emergency, it is useful to connect with those who can provide you local assistance, advice, or reflection during the challenging times of cultural adjustment. Your host institution is your best resource.

Learn to Identify:

• Hospitals and medical clinics
• Emergency numbers and helplines
• Crisis or hotlines where English is spoken
• The English-speaking community around you, such as your school or study center, affinity groups, local places of worship, or other safe spaces.

We monitor the U.S. Department of State and other resources for announcements regarding the safety of our students abroad. In case of emergency, we will liaise with the U.S. Department of State, our security information and evacuation provider, International SOS, and other sources to analyze the severity of the situation. We will keep you informed of any relevant warnings and update you about any potential risks or areas to avoid. If necessary, we will make arrangements to evacuate students to a secure location away from the area of concern. 

It is important that you enable your International SOS Assistance App so that you will receive up-to-date notifications in your app wherever you may travel.

LMU's International Travel Health & Safety office will use WhatsApp and email to communicate directly with faculty, staff, and students.

24/7 LMU Assistance

• internationaltravel@lmu.edu
• Call, text or WhatsApp: +1-478-232-4831

Just as in the U.S., you may encounter various forms of discrimination while traveling or living abroad. Racism, sexism, homophobia, gender-based discrimination, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, ableism, ageism, and other forms of identity-based violence can appear in both subtle and overt ways, sometimes differing from what you might experience at home. If you face discrimination abroad, it can lead to feelings of isolation or being misunderstood. Please remember that these feelings are valid, and it can be helpful to discuss your experiences with trusted friends and support networks.

To better understand the types of discrimination you may encounter in your host country, connect with locals and other LMU students who have lived there. The links below will help you prepare and offer guidance on how to address such challenges if they arise.

Resources

• Accessibility Resources
• LGBTQI+ Resources
• Military/Veterans & ROTC
• Race & Ethnicity
• Religious Identity Resources

• Go to the Planning Ahead page on this website for pre-departure tips for keeping your money safe.
• Don’t be a victim. Try to minimize your “foreignness” through your actions and appearance in order to avoid being targeted as a naïve tourist by pickpocketers. Take with you only those credit cards and documents you need.
• Once abroad, decide at the beginning of each day which credit cards, documents and other valuable you really need to take with you. Put the rest in a safe place.
• While in your host town or city, lock your money, travelers checks, jewelry, passport, and other personal possessions in your room. When traveling, carry money, your passport, and other valuables in a money belt inside your clothing–don’t leave them in a hotel room or hostel. Keep pouches, purses, and backpacks zipped.
• When traveling, carry money, your passport, and other valuables in a money belt inside your clothing–don’t leave them in a hotel room or hostel. Don’t keep your wallet in a hip pocket and if you insist on carrying a purse, keep it tucked tightly under your arm or looped diagonally across your chest when on the street. For good measure, keep it on the side away from passing motorcyclists.
• Divide your money, credit cards, and other valuables among several pockets. Don't leave valuables in a car. It’s far more tempting for a thief to break a car window than to assault someone.
• Use Apple or Google Pay, where possible, to avoid using your card in public.
• If you are robbed but have one credit card left, you can usually get a cash advance from any bank issuing the card. Take precautions so that in the event that you are robbed, you are well-equipped to deal with the situation and move on.
• Keep copies (digital and paper) of all cards (front and back) separate from where you keep your cards. It's a good idea to leave copies back home with family or trusted friends.

Whether you are passionate about the cause or a curious observer, do not attend any political demonstrations while abroad.

Not only do these events have the potential to escalate from peaceful gatherings to violent clashes with police and government forces, but as a foreigner, your participation may also be illegal and can carry severe consequences. U.S. students abroad have been arrested, detained, subjected to fines and jail sentences, and forcefully deported due to their real or perceived involvement in demonstrations.

If you know of a scheduled rally or demonstration, avoid the affected area of the city. If you come into contact with a demonstration by chance, adjust your route and leave the area. Make sure you’re receiving International SOS and Department of State alerts, regarding protests that may be impeding traffic or affecting certain parts of a city. Protests can turn violent very quickly and without notice; best practice is to avoid entire areas if you know large demonstrations are scheduled, even if they are likely to be peaceful.

While you may be politically engaged and active in protests within the U.S., traveling abroad is a different environment. You may or may not speak the local language or understand the local laws around protesting. Protests and demonstrations are also listed as exclusions within your international travel insurance; if you are injured as a result of a protest or demonstration, your medical care will not be covered under insurance – which includes any medical bills or evacuation. If you are detained, fined, or jailed as a result of participation in a demonstration, the U.S. embassy and LMU will be limited in their ability to help you.

We believe in important causes and want you to remain engaged in the issues you care about. But your first amendment right to free speech is not protected in every country you travel to. Find ways to show your support in other ways: volunteering, donating, or helping raise awareness. Stay away from the protests and demonstrations while abroad.

Register your trip in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a requirement for all Study Abroad participants.

STEP is a free service of the U.S. Department of State. Through it, you can provide information about your trip so that they can better assist you in case of an emergency and provide important health, safety and security updates for your host country.

Sexual assault and harassment are sadly common on both U.S. college campuses and abroad. As is true in the U.S., most victims of sexual assault and harassment abroad are women, but men can also be victims and should take the same personal safety precautions. Taking common sense precautions can reduce your risk.

If you or someone traveling with you is the victim of assault or rape while abroad, activate the overseas emergency procedure for sexual assault cases while abroad. This includes:

• Reaching out to local contacts/program director/host university to notify them of the situation
• Getting any necessary medical assistance (including STI/STD testing, pregnancy prevention, open wound or head trauma care, etc.) – contact International SOS when scheduling medical procedures.
• Notify local authorities.
• Report the incident to the LMU's Office of the Title IX Coordinator, at LMU's Title IX website.
• Reach out to the International Travel Health & Safety Office (internationaltravel@lmu.edu or 24/7 assistance at 001-478-232-4831 - Call, Text, or WhatsApp)to notify us of the incident – this is especially important if the situation involves another LMU student, staff, or faculty member or poses an ongoing threat to the safety of a program!
• Use mental health, support, and survivor resources to assist you after the incident has occurred

The most important thing to remember if you, or someone traveling with you, has been involved in an assault, harassment, or rape incident: you are not alone. You will be listened to, believed, and provided with resources and support, including for incidents that happen outside of the U.S.

Resources

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)
• How Female Travelers Can Deal With Sexual Harassment and Assault Overseas
• Sexual Assault & Harassment Prevention
• LMU Resources

Road accidents are the number one cause of death and serious injury abroad for people between the ages of 15 and 29.

The majority of international road accidents involve cars, but nearly half of all road related deaths involve "vulnerable road users" including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles. Regardless of where you travel in the world, it will be important to recognize that vehicle and pedestrian responsibilities are different than in the U.S. Take time to observe and understand the driving and pedestrian culture of your host country; do not make assumptions and use extreme caution if you choose to drive a motor vehicle while abroad.

If you've planned to use a particular mode of transportation and when you show up, something feels off about it, trust your intuition. Don't get into an unmarked car, don't board a boat that doesn't have lifejackets or evacuation signs, and don't get on public buses if the Department of State advises against it. It's better to arrive late to a destination or spend money to take reliable transit, then end up in a dangerous or life-threatening situation.

International Road Safety Information

• Association for International Road Travel (ASIRT)
• Road Safety Overseas – U.S. Department of State Country Specific Information

If you are using transit services, whether public transportation or verified rideshare services, we recommend vetting them before travel. Certain countries have warnings or restrictions around certain kinds of travel, experience frequent transit interruptions, or have alternative modes of transportation that are not considered safe.

Check the Department of State's transportation advisory on the country that you're going to for specific information about safe transit.

Search for your country in the International SOS LMU Portal and read up on transportation infrastructure, including which public transit options are considered safe.

Here are some general tips to help keep you safe on the roads and in transit:

• If you must get from point A to point B alone at night, consider spending the extra cash on a taxi or Uber instead of walking. This goes for public transportation, as well.
• Avoid dark, empty metro stations or unfamiliar bus routes when you're traveling alone or at night.
• Both Uber and Lyft operate internationally — check to see if these will be options.
• Ride-share impersonators are crooks posing as drivers, picking up unsuspecting tourists and charging them exorbitant fees. Always confirm the driver's identity and vehicle before getting in.
• Use official taxis: Hail all taxis from official taxi ranks. Consider keeping your bag with you instead of in the trunk. Confirm that there is a working meter and the standard tipping rate before beginning the ride.
• Research official buses and taxis (names, price) before traveling. With any kind of ride/limo service, it's a good idea to agree on a fare before entering the vehicle to avoid confrontation later. Some countries don't carefully regulate transportation safety. Ask the host institution which services are trustworthy and reliable.
• Traffic laws are different in every country, and pedestrians don't always have the right of way.
• If traffic drives on the opposite side of the road, you'll need to be extra careful as a pedestrian because your instincts are automatically off.
• You should not drive a car while in a foreign country.
• Depending on which city you're in, biking can be extremely dangerous.
• Look both ways, and then look both ways again, before crossing the street.
• Construction and other factors can affect traffic drastically, so don't take anything for granted when it comes to traffic flow.
• DO NOT HITCHHIKE (which is defined as accepting rides from strangers, whether or not you use your thumb to get the ride). We'd prefer that you not hitchhike under any circumstances, no matter what anybody tells you, no matter if "it's perfectly safe, " and especially not if "everybody does it!" It isn't perfectly safe, and everybody does not do it.

Before you book a water-based excursion, ask some basic safety questions:

• Are they licensed to do what you're paying them to do?
• Read reviews online.
• Are there safety precautions?
• Is there a First Aid Kit/AED on site?
• Are there trained lifeguards and/or first aid personnel on the excursion with you?
• If on a boat: Are there enough life jackets for everyone? Are there lifeboats? Is the boat in good condition? Are the boat operators consuming alcohol while driving?

Drowning is the number one cause of death for Americans abroad in countries where water activities are a popular source of tourism. Drowning accounts for more than half of reported deaths for travelers under the age of 25.

The best way to prevent dangers in the water is to follow a few simple basic safety practices. We know it's exciting to run into the ocean or dive into the local swimming hole while you're abroad, especially if the weather is warm and you're in a country with great water-based activities.

Taking a second to pause before jumping in can help prevent an emergency situation and allow you to have the best study abroad possible:

• Be aware of signage! If you can't read it, have someone translate it for you. If signs say not to swim, watch for certain dangers, or lists rules around being in the water, do not take that as a mere suggestion; we expect you to adhere to all signage.
• Do your research ahead of time. What are people saying about the location online: are there reports of injuries or deaths, is there wildlife that people advise looking out for?
• Watch the locals. If you're the only person on the beach or in the water, don't assume you got lucky and found a great, secluded spot; if no one is around or no one is in the water, there's likely a reason. The locals know best.
• Make sure people know where you are. Your program or resident director, as well as in-country friends, should know where you are and when you're planning to check back in.
• Don't swim alone. Whether it's friends joining you for a beach day or making sure others are around, don't get into water where you're alone.
• Feel for rip currents or rip tides before you jump into open waters. The easiest way to do this is by standing so that the water comes up to about half of your calf. If you feel a sort of pull from the water, it's likely there's a rip tide or current. In that case, don't swim. If you get caught in a rip current while out swimming, make sure you know what to do:
• Don't panic. Control your breathing and don't begin swimming frantically to shore.
• Swim along the shoreline, parallel to land, until you escape the current's pull.
• When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.

1. Contact local emergency services: police / fire / ambulance.
   Your first step is to get yourself to a safe and stable situation. Rely on local police, fire, and ambulance services to take care of any immediate needs.
   
   
2. Contact your on-site resident or program director, international office at your host university, or in-country contacts.
   Once you're safe and stable, let someone in your country know what is happening. They will be your best resource in next steps and making sure you're being advocated for, especially if you're sick, struggling, or somehow incapacitated.
   
   
3. Contact International SOS: +1-215-942-8226 or via your app (24/7 assistance).
   International SOS is our emergency assistance provider for incidents abroad. They can help arrange guarantees of payment with hospitals and medical providers, coordinate evacuations, or help schedule follow-up appointments. They're going to be the ones who mobilize your insurance and get a plan in place. Read more if ill or injured.
   
   
4. Contact LMU International Travel Health & Safety:
   internationaltravel@lmu.edu (for emergencies that are being handled)
   +1-478-232-4831 (call, text, or WhatsApp for 24/7 emergency assistance).
   We want to know what is happening, so that we can support you from our side. If an incident has happened while abroad, let us know so that we can be a resource for you.

Women may experience some particular difficulties while abroad. Despite the fact that the rate of violence towards women, including rape, is higher in the US than in many other countries, the mere fact of facing the unfamiliar can raise your anxiety level. This is compounded by language and cultural differences, and by the unfortunate fact that people in other countries often have acquired their knowledge of US women through distorted and stereotyped media images such as those used in TV, movies and advertising.

American women have acquired a reputation for enjoying a type of lifestyle which contrasts with more traditional behavior in many countries. In addition, cultural differences can extend to body language. US students may encounter people who do not understand their friendliness with strangers as simply a gesture of friendship. A smile, a hairstyle, the way you carry yourself, eye contact, and the distance between people talking can have profoundly different interpretations from culture to culture. Even a smile to a stranger may be misunderstood.

Be Prepared

There is much you can do to prepare yourself to face a range of possible situations, from sexual comments or harassment, to the rare extreme of a physically threatening situation. Before leaving, take the time and initiative to learn as much as possible about your host country's language, religion, customs, and appropriate dress for women. Talk to women and men who have visited your host country and, if possible, talk with people from your host country. The more familiar you are with your new country's customs, the more respect you will earn and the more you will break down stereotypes. Such knowledge will increase your confidence and independence , which are important to your personal safety. Continue this learning in your host country. Talk to local women. Follow examples of culturally appropriate dress and demeanor. Ask about women's organizations. While you can't change the culture around you, you can use your friends (American and host nationals) as a safe haven for developing coping skills and venting frustrations.

Don't Put Up With It!

You should not use cultural differences as an excuse to endure or excuse verbal or physical abuse; depending on the situation, remove yourself as quickly as possible, confront the person, or ask for support from others. Trust your intuition and feelings. If you are offered a ride and you feel some anxiety, decline the offer. If you are in a setting that makes you nervous, leave immediately. Don't be persuaded to do something your instincts warn you against.

Precautions also apply to social situations. Most likely, you will find everyone you meet to be interesting and interested in you. However, you cannot make judgments about your safety based on another person's looks, appearance or financial status. Some situations may require you to be assertive and say "no" in a convincing manner.

Trust Your Instincts

Only you can determine how best to handle a situation. However, if you prepare yourself before your departure, you will find that you will have more options for dealing with situations.

Resources

The links below will assist you in preparing for your time abroad:

• How Female Travelers Can Deal with Sexual Assault & Harassment Abroad
• "Women Going Abroad" by Diversity Abroad
• "Women Travelers" from U.S. State Department
• Women's Rights from Human Rights Watch