Safety Tips for Female Students Studying Abroad

Posted by Sheryl Wright on July 12th, 2021

Studying abroad can offer you the opportunity of a lifetime. You'll be able to experience another culture in person. Try new foods, learn expressions from another language, and discover popular customs. Traveling to another country for your education will give you much more than a textbook ever could. You'll get the chance to see landmarks and historical sites from an up-close view. Preparing yourself in advance will help you to enjoy everything your journey has to offer. If you are a female student, be sure to follow some wise safety tips to keep trouble away while you are studying on foreign soil.

Stay in Public Spaces When You are Alone

If at all possible, don't venture out on travels into the unknown by yourself. Gather with a group of friends. Join up with other students. Ask your professors about mentors or reliable classmates who could join you. If you are going to be alone, pay attention to your surroundings. Travel during daylight hours in populated areas. Be sure to bring a fully charged cellphone with you in case you need to call for help. If you are in a country that has a language that is different from yours, know how to ask for the authorities or to tell people you have an emergency. You never know when you may run into trouble. If you meet someone new, especially a man, do not get into a vehicle with that person. Do not go to their home or an unknown location by yourself. Stay in a public location, such as a restaurant. If you want to set up a future meeting, your new acquaintance can meet you at your campus. The possibility of going to someone else's home should be discussed later while you are accompanied by others you can trust. You can never be too careful.

Carry Something to Protect Yourself

You may come from a place where you always feel safe. You don't know what you can expect when you are a woman studying abroad. Make sure you have something concealed in your purse or pocket on the off chance that you need to protect yourself. Consider carrying a small container of pepper spray, a device that will sound an alarm, a small blade, and a flashlight. When push comes to shove, use whatever you need to in order to keep yourself safe. You can also take a self-defense class before your departure date.

Understand the Expectations in the Country You are Visiting

Whether you study in Canada or China, you need to do your homework about the country's customs, laws, and expectations. You don't want to offend the nation that is hosting you. You also want to avoid the possibility of ending up in a police station because you violated the law. You should always remember that you are a guest. You need to be on your best behavior as you represent your home country.

Let Others Know Where You are Going

As you set off to explore a historical site, shop, visit the beach, or study in a library off campus, tell others where you are going. Give them your phone number. Have contact numbers for other people, whether it's new friends or someone at the school where you are studying. Give them an idea of when you plan on returning. If you don't, someone should be concerned about you.

Don't Let Alcohol Get the Best of You

Having a drink at a pub, on a picnic, or while on a date is normal. Don't let it go to far. If you compromise yourself by becoming inebriated, you put yourself in danger. You should always be aware of your surroundings. You also want to be in control of yourself. If someone keeps pushing drinks on you, consider it a red flag. It's time to excuse yourself and leave. Call a taxi or a friend to remove yourself from a risky situation.

If you are a woman offered the opportunity to study abroad, don't hesitate. Use your head as you get ready for your trip. Make your personal safety a priority. It will help you to enjoy every minute as you make memories to last a lifetime.

 

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Sheryl Wright

About the Author

Sheryl Wright
Joined: June 10th, 2021
Articles Posted: 18

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