Health, Safety & Security Abroad

1. Purchase a local communication plan.

Purchase a local cell phone plan. International plans may be available with your U.S. provider, though many students choose to purchase pay-as-you-go options upon arrival. 

2. Monitor your UD email. 

You will receive risk alerts via your UD email. These risk alerts are simply to make you aware of developments in your surroundings in real time. Please note that receiving an alert may not require any action and can simply be informational in nature.

If the urgency of a situation requires additional communication, you may receive an email communication directly from University administration. These communications may be one-way, simply addressing a rising concern or providing direction, or may ask for a response or confirmation of your wellbeing. 

3. Stay up-to-date

Keep abreast of current events at the sites where you are living or traveling. Remember that American media will give a different perspective than in-country media. You may want to refer to a number of resources for a balanced view.

4. Make smart choices. 

Being intoxicated-- or having a few drinks-- makes you an easy target for criminals who are fast, determined and sober. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and judgement, which may put you at a higher risk of theft, assault and bad decision-making. Finally, being intoxicated is a violation of UD’s Student Code of Conduct and leaves you open for sanctions by the Office of Student Conduct. 

If you drink alcohol, and the laws and customs of the host country permit this, remember that you are still bound by UD’s behavior expectations. 

5. Be a Blue Hen friend. 

Use bystander intervention strategies to help your fellow students if they are in an unsafe situation. 

• Keep track of each other. Make sure your group gets home safely, and don’t leave anyone behind. 

• Recognize the signs of an alcohol emergency and call for help. 

• When going out with friends, come up with a secret code that signals you need help. 

• If something seems creepy, it probably is. Create a distraction to separate the people involved. 

• If you see someone being pushy, groping or cornering someone, ask someone to step in and help. 

6. Stay safe at home. 

At home, lock your doors and close your windows upon leaving. Don’t provide access to your building unless you know the person at the door; and do not allow anyone to follow you into the building. Do not invite new-found local friends to your lodgings either. 

7. Stay safe on the streets.

Walking in a new city can be intimidating. Act like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Familiarize yourself with the local streets and traffic patterns, and know your resources. Ask on-site faculty or staff if there are areas you should avoid. 

Develop a consciousness about moving around in large crowds. Avoid demonstrations and be alert when attending large public gatherings. 

Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, are most common. When in crowds, on the street or on public transport, keep your personal items on you, don’t keep your wallet or phone in a back pocket, be sure your bags are securely closed, and swing backpacks to your front. 

Be wary of people who approach you with a “deal.” Convert money only through official outlets and never make an exchange on the street.

8. Stay safe on public transportation.

Know the hours for the public transport system-- especially what time it closes. Pick up a map of the system and plan your routes in advance, not while standing on the street corner or in a crowded station. 

If you’re out late, take a taxi. The added safety is worth the expense. Make sure that you used licensed transportation and never get into an unmarked car. 

If you are taking a train to your destination, arrive with enough time and daylight to find safe lodgings. If you must take an overnight train, go with friends, take turns sleeping and watch all of your possessions closely. 

When taking any public transport, make yourself a cheat sheet with your address and instructions for getting home. This will help you in the event that you get lost or get off at the wrong bus or train stop.

9. Contact us.

When in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact the Center for Global Programs & Services at (302) 831-2852 or studyabroad@udel.edu if you have any concerns. 

In the event of an emergency, first call the local emergency operator, and then your faculty director or local program staff. If you need to contact CGPS or the University of Delaware outside of normal office hours, call Public Safety at (302) 831-2222.