About Crime and Violence

Crime and violence against students does occur abroad. Students have been victims of pick-pockets, robbery, sexual harassment and assault abroad. It is important to inform students about these realities abroad and to give them strategies for safety abroad. One way that institutions could better inform students is by having a better idea of the incidents of crime and violence abroad against their students by asking about it in evaluations.

Pre-departure and on-site orientations should provide information regarding the safety of the country/region the students are going to. If the possibility of political violence exists, students should be advised on how to minimize risks and avoid dangers so they do not become targets of political violence. Trouble in a country may justify the suspension of a program. Administrators should maintain contact with other study abroad offices and use the Internet as a resource to make those decisions. Slind, M.H., Herrin, D.C., & Gore, J. (1997). Health and Safety Issues. NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisors and Administrators, Second Edition, (p. 226).

• SAFETI Adaptation of Peace Corps Document: Personal Safety
• University of California Education Abroad Program: Personal Safety in Costa Rica
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas Study Abroad Handbook: Travel Tips
• University of the Pacific Student Guide: Obeying Local and National Laws
• UCEAP Student Guide: Health, Safety & Security
• UCEAP Student Guide: Center Safety and Security Checklist

• British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice
• US Department: Traveler’s Checklist
• US State Department: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
• US State Department: Travel Warnings
• World Health Organization International Travel and Health