All of Lafayette’s affiliated study abroad providers conduct on-site orientations in which they give you specific information regarding the best way to insure your own well being while on the program; this advice is based on years of experience, and you should definitely follow it at all times.

In addition, there are some general guidelines that will help keep you as safe and secure as possible:

  1. Do not attract undue attention to yourself: don’t yell or converse very loudly in public, don’t wander around with a huge map or with your face buried in a guidebook, don’t pull large amounts of cash out of your pocket (keep a small amount in one pocket, and if you must carry more, keep it elsewhere on your person). These behaviors can mark you as a tourist, and thus as a target for pickpockets.
  2. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times: know where you are and/or where you are going, don’t travel alone if you can avoid it, and make sure you don’t get separated from your companion(s). Avoid potentially dangerous situations whenever possible.
  3. Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, as well as one other form of photo ID.
  4. Carry a list of emergency contact numbers with you at all times (for local contacts as well as those at Lafayette and your home)
  5. Make sure that your program director and at least one other person (parents, host family) knows your travel plans whenever you leave your host city
  6. Follow all safety directions issued by your program and/or local authorities.