You are an international student and, fortunately, have secured a golden opportunity to study abroad. Then you are in for a unique and dynamic experience of life, where you get to meet people around the world, savor delicious food, obtain modern education & secure a global career. But, how to stay safe while studying abroad is a major concern. Undoubtedly, studying abroad brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you but it brings additional challenges as well and to cope with them you must equip yourself with the necessary safety measures.

In today’s blog we will guide you on how to stay safe while studying abroad by taking simple anticipatory precautionary measures listed below:

Practice Language Skills:

The essential thing to keep in mind while studying abroad is to practice language skills. You must be able to communicate the basic needs in the native language of the country whether it is English, Hungarian, or Chinese. We suggest a few basic phrases for you to be familiar with

Prepare Your Bag with Student Safety Basics

You can efficiently prevent any disaster if you do simple preparations such as keeping essential safety belongings with you.

Make it a habit to carry the following belongings with you:

These things are no doubt handy for you if you find yourself in the streets walking or jogging at night and face unforeseen distress.

Exercise Public Transport

We recommend you carefully & comprehensively explore different transportation routes & modes. For example, what are the timings for the metro? Can you purchase a tram ticket at night? Which taxi to take? These things are incredibly valuable for you to get yourself acquainted to move around without hassle & trouble. Always make it a habit to figure out your commute & mode of transportation before you leave for your destination so that you reach back safely.

Learn From Locals

One of the most handy tips on how to stay safe while studying abroad is to observe the residents & their behaviors. They have been living there for years & understand the culture & environment inch by inch.

Learn! How do they communicate? Which routes & timings do they use for safe transportation? What kind of food do they deem safe for themselves?

This is a great way to adapt & merge into the local culture & enjoy your incredible academic adventure with utmost zeal.

Be Safe from Street Crimes

Always keep your identity documents with you when you go out but keep them safe, hidden, and close to your body. Buy an additional small bag like a body corset and wear it under your clothes. Keep your cash in that bag as well, don’t flaunt it. International students, visitors, and travelers are favorite targets for street criminals and pickpockets. So, be aware and take care of your belongings.

Get a Grip on Country's Law Enforcement

A common misconception that international students have is that local rules & regulations do not apply to them as they are foreigners and the university or embassy can save them if they get into trouble. But this is not the case you are required to follow the same rules as the residents. We recommend you get familiar with the basic rules & regulations of your country's law enforcement to stay safe while studying abroad. Some of them are:

Carry an Emergency Contact List

God forbid! If you fall victim to a major crime then make sure that you carry a list of emergency contacts such as the fire brigade/police/emergency helpline, your embassy, your university’s international student coordinator & your parents/guardian.

Take Your Time to Adjust

Migration is not an easy process. It takes time and continuous struggle to blend into a new place, culture, environment & people. When you move abroad, don't rush into everything, first focus on your academics & coursework. Meanwhile, understand the local context. You will surely understand the tips & tricks on how to stay safe while studying abroad in a year or two. Then, you can conveniently move around, indulge in local culture, make lifelong friends & enjoy your international academic journey with the greatest joy.

FAQ’s

What should I avoid while studying abroad?

Avoid risky behavior and follow local laws and rules. Don't indulge in illegal activities. Do not trust strangers with your personal belongings and carry essential safety things whenever you go out.

What should I do if I encounter a crime while studying abroad?

Immediately call the local authorities and report the crime to the police & don't panic. Also, inform your university & embassy and ask them for support and advice.

What if I fall sick while studying abroad?

Always carry essential and approved prescription medicines with you in anticipation of sickness. Also, contact a local healthcare provider and make sure you have a health insurance card with you.