Safety & Security
The Parkside Study Abroad Office is dedicated to maintaining the personal safety of each study abroad participant. The staff takes necessary precautions to remain in close contact with the staff abroad and works closely with all partner institutions in case of an emergency. Listed below are a variety of resources:
Most large cities, as well as remote areas, in the U.S. and abroad suffer from common crimes. Students should use the same precautions abroad that they would use in any metropolitan area. These include:
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to or living in another country and allow travelers to enter information about upcoming trips abroad so that the Department of State can assist in an emergency. Register as soon as you know your travel specifics!
- U.S. State Department Travel Resources: The U.S. government provides information for travelers on passports, living abroad, emergencies, country specific information, and other helpful tips. Additionally the Students Abroad webpage is a valuable resource designed specifically for study abroad students.
- U.S. State Department Travel Warnings: Travel Warnings are issued by the State Department to caution Americans against travel to a certain country. It is strongly recommended that students monitor and abide by these travel recommendations.
- Risk Management Travel Safety Alerts (issued daily) Keeps the Study Abroad Office apprised of current conditions abroad (political, weather, crime, transportation, etc.)
- CISI Emergency Intel Alerts Alerts Parkside if an emergency incident occurs in a region in which Parkside students are studying.
- Assist America coverage provides a 24/7 worldwide network of emergency travel services abroad. Medical translation, evacuation and other emergency services. Study Abroad students have access to these services.
- U.S. State Department Office of American Citizen Services and Crisis Management ACS works with US embassies/consulates to provide emergency services. They can send money overseas, assist crime victims and arrested U.S. citizens. They operate a 24-hour Duty Officer Program.
Most large cities, as well as remote areas, in the U.S. and abroad suffer from common crimes. Students should use the same precautions abroad that they would use in any metropolitan area. These include:
- Know where you are going. Before traveling: read guidebooks, look at maps, check with local staff, etc.
- Use local resources. Ask program leaders, faculty members, host families or teachers for safety guidance.
- Leave expensive or expensive-looking jewelry at home.
- Do not leave computers, camera, phones, etc. unattended.
- Do not flaunt wallets, purses, cell phones, or cameras.
- Put valuables in a safe place, such as a locked suitcase, or ask the on-site staff about storing valuables (when possible).
- Avoid unlit places and walking alone.
- Stick to well-traveled streets and walk in groups at night. Be especially cautious when you are new to a city and know little about less safe parts of town.
- Avoid the use of alcohol. Good judgment is your best safety tool.
- Cannot guarantee or assure the safety of participants or eliminate all risks from the study abroad environments.
- Cannot monitor or control all of the daily personal decisions, choices, and activities of individual participants.
- Cannot assure that U.S. standards of due process apply in overseas legal proceedings or provide or pay for legal representation for participants.
- Cannot assume responsibility for the actions of persons not employed or otherwise engaged by the program sponsor for events that are not part of the program or that are beyond the control of the sponsor, or for situations that may arise due to the failure of a participant to disclose pertinent information.
- Cannot assure that home-country cultural values and norms will apply in the host country.