Chapter 4. How do you stay safe, safeguard your belongings and make the most of the experience?

 

 

Staying safe and safeguarding your belongings is a priority for any traveler. It takes some careful preparation. We suggest you to plan your travel according to timeline – before, during and after your trip – to maintain safety/security and get most of the experience. You should be fully prepared to make flexible decisions quickly to resolve any unfavorable or unexpected situation that may occur. Here are things you could do to stay safe and safeguard your belongings before, during, and after your trip. Review these suggestions and follow up with items that apply to your personal situation.  Keep in mind that every trip is special and the experience is personal.

 

How to

 

 

Before you leave on your trip:

• • Meet all administrative and safety requirements set by your university.
  • Consider completing a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA Links to an external site.) form to allow your parents to handle necessary affairs on your behalf.
  • Prepare a personal emergency action plan Links to an external site.. 
  • Create a personal financial emergency kit to keep your documents easily accessible and safe. 
  • Meet all vaccination and health requirements set by CDC and your physician.
  • Make sure to have electronic devices, such as a cell phone and a laptop, to help you stay connected with family and friends. 
  • Make either a list or duplicate copies (paper or digital) of all your official, personal and financial documents, such as passport & visa of entry (if required), internationally accepted credit cards, travel itinerary, home and foreign addresses, and other contact information, etc. Keep one copy safely tucked with your belongings at all times and one copy at your home address as a backup, if needed.
  • Prepare your luggage with a safety lock. 
  • Purchase a body money belt that fastens in the front (not the back) to carry important documents during your travels.
  • Inform your bank of your absence out of the country and plan to use credit cards overseas.

 

During your trip:

• • Inquire about local currency and exchange rates. Do not assume all countries use your currency or credit cards. 
  • Stay vigilant of your belongings and your circumstances and never separate yourself from your wallet in a foreign country. Be ready to provide proof of your identity at all times.
  • Pack lightly when you go on excursions so that you don't get overwhelmed with safeguarding your belongings. 
  • Stay with your group if not traveling alone while on excursions. Do not venture into unknown territories on your own, but if you do, make sure that someone knows where you will be at.
  • Learn enough of the language to communicate or use a language translation app, if needed.
  • Stay connected with locals and ask questions when in doubt. 
  • Respect the different culture and avoid getting in social, political or legal trouble.
  • Inform a roommate or a school administrator of your whereabouts if you plan to visit places on your own.
  • Establish an emergency contact at your destination in case of need. 
  • Keep your health documents (health insurance, immunization papers, list of medications or medical conditions) always attainable.
  • Inform a roommate or a school administrator of any health, allergy, medications, or dietary issues.
  • Depending on your location, safeguard your belongings left in your room by keeping your suitcase under lock to protect your valuables.
  • Take advantage of group outings to make the most of your experience.
  • Take enough pictures or keep a daily journal to document the experience and share with family and friends. 

 

After you return from your trip:

• • Take time to organize and put things back in order.
  • Check with your university for any follow up assignments or return of documents.
  • Follow up with your physician, if needed.
  • Inform your financial institutions and credit bureau agencies of your return.

 

Practice

Now that you know how to stay safe, safeguard your belongings and get most of the experience, think of paying it forward and share other tips and ways with a friend or a family member.

Congratulations! You can move on to Chapter 5. Tips and resources for PSU students

To review the full module on Study Abroad, click here.