Safety Tips & Expectations

For All Farmer School of Business Students Studying Abroad

Safety is always a concern for us in the Farmer School of Business as students and faculty members prepare to study and travel abroad. There are risks unique to overseas settings, and we want to make every effort to help students avoid them.

Please read through this material, which could help prevent problems and guide students through emergency situations, should they arise. It is recommended that students bring this information with them on their trip.

TRAVELING ABROAD AS AMERICANS

We believe that students will be safe at each of our study abroad locations, providing that they behave responsibly.

We will be working to keep the faculty, staff, and students informed about developments at their program locations abroad and will provide a reasonably safe environment for them during their studies.  In order to make it the safest summer possible, we have many expectations as well as tips for students to follow.

Ultimately much of the individual safety and security of our students abroad depends on their behavior and choices.

OUR EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Students need to take individual responsibility for following these guidelines:

  1. We strongly recommend that the students follow their normal routine at their programs: go to class, do their homework, get sufficient rest, eat, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, get some exercise and stay in regular contact with the program staff and faculty.
  2. Students should avoid crowds, avoid moving about the city as large groups of Americans, and avoid American hangouts.
  3. We recommend that during the week students not travel outside the region in which their programs are located and if or when away on weekends, they leave their itineraries with the program faculty/staff.
  4. Students should carry their emergency contact card and/or information with them at all times.
  5. It is also the responsibility of the students themselves to remain informed about local conditions, and to act with reason and prudence.  See the State Department's advice to students abroad

TIPS FOR STUDENTS

DO

  • Register with each U.S. Embassy that applies to your program at http://usembassy.state.gov/.
  • Travel in small groups so as not to bring attention to your group. When traveling with your group, have a contingency plan (meeting place) if someone gets separated from the group.
  • Be conscious and respectful of local customs and expectations, even ones with which you may disagree. Avoid situations in which you may be viewed as behaving in an illegal, offensive, confrontational, rude or inappropriate way.
  • Be particularly careful about minimizing the noise level of your group.
  • Try to avoid situations in which anti-American attitudes might be a risk to your safety or be reinforced by your behavior. Don’t get involved in political discussion.
  • Leave at home any t-shirts, clothes, caps, and bags that have names and logos of American companies, etc.. on them.
  • Be alert at all times. Pay attention to your surroundings. Look confident and be aware of the environment around you. Do not go to parts of town that are secluded or countries for which the State Department has posted a travel advisory.
  • Be aware of exit locations for any establishment you visit or when using the metro systems.
  • Walk briskly and with someone, especially after dark.
  • Face the traffic and stay visible.
  • Avoid isolated areas and don’t cut through parks, vacant lots and deserted areas.
  • Be aware of isolated local scam artists who try to con you out of money. Don’t get involved in any interaction with them; just keep walking.
  • If your program houses you in a hotel, use the hotel safe to store your valuable belongings.
  • Be cautious when socializing with people you don’t know.
  • Avoid alcohol. If you choose to drink, DON’T over-drink. You become physically vulnerable and this is when things happen to foreigners.
  • Stay in control.
  • Keep a major credit card and a picture ID separate from your wallet or purse. If necessary, you can get a cash advance with your credit card, but most banks will require a picture ID.
  • Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the program faculty and staff.
  • Understand and comply with the Farmer School and university terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of the program.

DO NOT

  • Do not travel alone, either in the local city or during weekend travel. Always have at least one other person with you.
  • Don't bring attention to yourself or your group
  • Don’t flash cash or wear expensive, loose-fitting jewelry.
  • Don’t fight a purse snatcher or pick pocket.
  • Don’t entertain strangers who may try to stop you to ask questions. Keep walking and ignore the person. If you need information or become lost, ask a local business, hotel, or restaurant employee for assistance rather than someone on the street.
  • Don’t go off with strangers who invite you somewhere, thus leaving your group. Stay with your group!

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Should an emergency occur, either personal, local or global, students are to contact their program faculty, the site coordinator and/or local site contacts.

For HTH, health insurance information outside of The United States please call +1.610.254.8771

Students will be informed of the action and communication plans depending on the situation. Local contacts' cell/mobile phone numbers will be given out.

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

Basic Philosophy: The Farmer School of Business International Program participants are ambassadors for the program and the University.  They are expected to conform to the highest standards of courtesy toward the people, property and customs of the countries in which they study and visit.

Academic expectation: The Farmer School of Business International Programs offer full academic credit and a full academic effort is expected of every student.  There are no “allowable” absences, and students will be subject, for that reason alone, to grade penalties and even expulsion from the program. These penalties apply for a missed class or missing any program-related activity. The School’  workshop attendance policy also appears in the orientation handbook.

Rules of the host institutions: Each of the Farmer School of Business study abroad workshops is hosted by one or more overseas institutions, and is dependent upon the hosts for continuing support.  Students will be informed of the host institution’s conduct code and expectations at the on-site orientation, and should consider these rules as an obligation throughout participation in the program.

Illegal behavior: Illegal behavior, including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct and violations of local drug laws, will not be tolerated in any Miami University programs, and may be cause for dismissal from the program and/or disciplinary action by the University as well as local legal charges. You should be aware that:

  1. You are subject to the laws of the cities and countries you visit as well as to the applicable rules of Miami University and the program;
  2. Miami University is not responsible for the violation of any laws by program participants;
  3. Miami University cannot and does not assure that U.S. standards of due process apply in other countries, nor can it provide or pay for legal representation;
  4. The University and/or the program may, at its discretion, pursue disciplinary action against a student at the same time as criminal proceedings, even if the criminal charges arising from the incident are incomplete, reduced or dismissed.

Drugs and alcohol: Miami University does not tolerate unlawful possession, use of, or distribution of illegal drugs by students.  Students of legal age who are consuming alcohol in a host country must do so responsibly, respecting the health and safety of self, others, and the laws of their host country.

Of special note: You are subject to the laws of each country you visit. Miami University takes no responsibility for the consequences of actions you may take in violation of local laws. Your legal rights are determined by your location, not your nationality. Be especially careful to be respectful of local laws and law enforcement officers. Miami University cannot assure that U.S. standards of due process will be followed, nor will the University provide or pay for legal representation.

WHAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS TO SAY TO STUDENTS GOING ABROAD

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SAFETY INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Media Note
Office of the Spokesman, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC
February 28, 2005

As the time approaches for spring or summer breaks, many college students are getting ready for that much anticipated trip abroad. Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but for some the trip will become a nightmare.  A number of vacations are ruined by one or more of the following: drugs, alcohol, disorderly behavior, and preventable accidents.

Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad -- about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. A drug that is legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. Some young people are victimized because they are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting.

Besides drugs, alcohol can also cause trouble for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, or underage drinking, and for drunk driving. Disorderly or reckless behavior is to be avoided. In many countries, conduct that would not result in an arrest in the United States may constitute a violation of local law. Some young Americans go abroad assuming that local authorities will overlook such conduct, believing that they are immune from prosecution in foreign countries because they are American citizens.

The truth is that Americans are expected to obey all of the laws of the countries they visit, and those who break these laws could face severe penalties, including prison sentences.

Being arrested is not the only misfortune that can occur on a foreign vacation. Young Americans have suffered injury or even death from automobile accidents, drowning, and falls, in addition to other mishaps. While these accidents are sometimes chance occurrences, many are caused by alcohol or drug abuse. Sadly, other Americans have been sexually assaulted or robbed because they have found themselves in unfamiliar locales or are incapable of exercising prudent judgment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other hidden safety issues are of major concern as well. Because standards of security, safety and supervision are not the same in many countries as they are in the U.S., many young persons have died after automobile accidents, after falls from balconies or into open ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among others. In some countries, the water sports industry is not carefully regulated. Unlicensed operators have been linked to assaults, and a number of Americans have been killed or injured by the improper use of jet-skis and other personal watercraft. Although it is crucial that young Americans be aware of these safety risks as they are enjoying their time abroad, it is also important to remember that prudent behavior may help minimize these risks.

Young Americans traveling abroad should remember that the use of drugs or alcohol or engaging in reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin their vacation; it can land them in a foreign jail, cause them to suffer physical harm, or worse. Common sense should prevail in any activities young Americans engage in so that safety hazards may be minimized. It is possible to have a safe and fun trip if risky behavior is avoided and familiarity is attained with the basic laws and customs of the country that is planned on being visited.

U.S. Immigration requires that U.S. citizenship and identity must be proved to reenter the United States. A U.S. passport is now required to show U.S. citizenship. More information about traveling abroad is available at the Department of State's web site: http://travel.state.gov/travel.

For further information contact:
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Public Affairs
Press Inquiries: (202) 647-1488
Public Inquiries: toll free (888) 407-4747

Application of the Code of Student Conduct

Please refer to the section entitled “Student Conduct” in the Farmer School of Business Summer International Programs manual.  The University “Academic Misconduct Policy” and Code One of the “Code of Student Conduct” are fully applicable to all participants in a study abroad program.  Note that it is possible for a student to be charged with a violation of the code even if the behavior did not occur in the course of a program-sponsored function.  If, in the sole judgment of the program staff/faculty, the character of the behavior or the continuing participation of the individual impairs, obstructs or interferes with the mission, processes or functions of the program, then that staff/faculty member may initiate the procedures indicated in the policy that has been distributed.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROCEDURES

American passport: Your passport is very valuable. Carry it with your money in the secret/travel pouch.

Faculty/staff: Faculty and staff at each of the Farmer School summer workshops are prepared to help you in any way they can. Please use them when an emergency arises.

Insurance: Check your medical insurance coverage before departure. Typically, you will pay in cash for any medical service given. Bring along insurance information and forms you will need in the event of a claim. Medevac is available as one of the benefits of your HTH Insurance Card, so keep this card with you. The number for HTH, health information outside of The United States, please call +1.610.254.8771

Money: All possible forms are recommended – travelers checks, credit card(s) (with YOUR name on it), a debit card (know your numerical pin – no letters on most machines), and some local currency prior to arrival. Keep the travelers check information, credit card emergency numbers, and copies of your passport in a separate location from the originals.

Travel, secret pouch: This is a pouch that is worn inside your clothing around your neck or waist. It is highly recommended that you keep your money, traveler’s checks, passport, emergency contact card, and your HTH insurance card in it and with you at all times.

Last modified on 9/8/10 | Content maintained by International Programs