Obeying the Law, Staying Safe, and Coping with Emergencies Abroad

CMU Code of Conduct

All students remain subject to the CMU Code of Conduct while studying abroad in addition to being subject to the code of conduct of the host institution. Students who violate CMU’s Code of Conduct while studying abroad may be sanctioned for their actions. Students who violate either the host institution’s code or CMU’s code (or both) may be dismissed from the program by a representative of the foreign program/institution, CMU’s Director of Study Abroad, or CMU’s Judicial Officer.

Obeying Local and National Laws

While you are abroad, you are subject to the laws of that country. You will find that many countries do not offer the same freedoms or rights that you are accustomed to in the United States. In some countries, there is jail time when arrested.  The ability to post bail is part of the U.S. system and is not a worldwide practice. Be sure to take the time to learn and understand the local laws.

If you are arrested while abroad, the local embassy or consulate will be able to provide you with the name of a local attorney, but they are not able to serve as your legal council or offer financial assistance. If you find yourself in trouble, you should contact your site director and seek legal council in-country immediately.

A Note on Drugs: DO NOT, under any circumstances, buy, sell or consume drugs while you are abroad. Some countries have very strict laws governing drugs that may include long jail sentences, if convicted. Some countries even impose the death penalty for those convicted of serious drug charges.

 

Working Abroad Legally

Most countries around the world do not permit international/study abroad students to work. Violations to these laws may be cause for deportation. It is important that you thoroughly research labor laws before accepting a job abroad.

Study Abroad Programs discourages students from working during their international experience (with the exception of students participating in international internships). There will be numerous demands on your time and past program participants have found it difficult to balance their studies and travels with maintaining a part-time job.

Crime, Violence, and Terrorism

While many countries around the world have a much lower crime rate than the United States, no place is 100% safe. Tourists often become targets of petty crimes, including pick-pocketing and minor theft because they do not remain vigilant. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and protect your personal belongings. We strongly encourage you to always use a neck pouch to protect your money and personal documents when traveling. Keep your handbag, backpack, suitcase close to you. Keep your arm through the straps at all times.

In recent years, terrorism has impacted students abroad. In the case of an emergency or terrorist attack, contact your site director or faculty leader immediately. This is important so that all program participants can quickly be accounted for and that information can be relayed to CMU and your family.

Be sure to keep your site director and/or family members informed of your travel plans so that you can easily be located. Always check current U.S. State Department travel information for countries that you are visiting well in advance of your departure.

 

A Special Note to Women

Coming from the United States, you may find it difficult when you encounter unequal or unfair treatment as a woman abroad. In some countries, it is not uncommon for women to be honked at, stared at, or receive catcalls. As a foreigner, you are probably even more likely to encounter this treatment simply because you look different or because of American stereotypes. Making eye contact with or smiling at a stranger, which is perfectly acceptable in the United States and even common, may result in unexpected and unwanted attention. Keep in mind that, in some cultures, these behaviors may be acceptible in the host culture and considered harmless. Observe how other women from the local culture handle these situations.  Don't yell back or give attention to the person if the behavior is unwanted.  It is best to ignore such people and act as if you don't see or hear them.

 

Registering with the Department of State

The U.S. State Department's website provides important information to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. One of the features that the website offers is the ability to register your travel and foreign residential information. This information is utilized in the case of an emergency, should the U.S. State Department need to contact you. They provide travel warnings, information on areas to avoid, large events in the area, and activities that Americans should be cautious of. We recommend that all study abroad participants register their information through this website.

You will need the following information to register:

  1. Passport number, place of issue, date of issues and date of expiration
  2. Destination date of arrival and date of departure

To register, go to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) site.

Taking Personal Responsibility

It is important to remember that you play a vital role in maintaining your safety while abroad. Without a doubt, you should exercise the same, if not more, personal safety precautions outside the United States as you would at home. Keep your money in a safe place. For example, don't call attention to yourself by wearing valuable jewelry or clothing which sets you noticeably apart from local people and do not go out alone at night.

Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and the local transportation to and from your residence. Cities in other countries, just like U.S. cities, have both safe and unsafe areas and neighborhoods. Use common sense and do not take risks. Whenever and wherever possible, travel in groups of two or three. Always inform someone (resident director, roommate, host family or other responsible person) of your travel plans and return date.

Carefully read the U.S. State Department's Country Specific Information to learn about the safety issues of the country in which you will study. Check information for other countries you intend to visit. You should check this site regularly to see if new announcements or warnings have been issued. You cannot be too informed or too careful.

In recent years, there have been Worldwide Caution announcements regularly issued to Americans abroad by the U.S. State Department. These cautions warn Americans to be vigilant while traveling abroad and recommend that you:

  • Don’t wear items of clothing that identify you as an American (i.e. baseball caps, college T-shirts/sweatshirts, etc.).
  • Avoid large crowds and other situations in which anti-American sentiments may be expressed.
  • Don’t identify yourself as an American; try to blend with the local people. Try to avoid traveling with large groups of Americans.
  • Avoid American facilities as much as possible (i.e. Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, American friendship clubs or popular hangouts for Americans).

 

American Embassy and Consulate Services

Should you encounter difficulties while you are abroad, the American Embassy and/or Consulate in that country may be able to assist you. Although their primary purpose is to carry out the diplomatic mission of the U.S. government, they are able to provide assistance in some instances. For example, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys and physicians, contact next of kin in the event of emergency or serious illness, contact friends or relatives on your behalf to request funds or guidance, provide assistance during civil unrest or natural disaster, and replace a lost or stolen passport. They cannot, however, act as a travel agency, give or lend money, arrange free medical service or legal advice, provide bail or get you out of jail, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settle disputes with local authorities.