Handbook – Safety

The Department of State compiles information on every country in the world. These pages include the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, whether you need a visa for entry, crime and security information, health and medical conditions, drug penalties, and localized hot spots. This is a great place to start learning about where you are going.

Travel Alerts

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad issue Alerts to inform U.S. citizens of specific safety and security concerns in a country, such as demonstrations, crime trends, and weather events. These alerts share information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

Department of State and CDC Travel Advisory Levels

The U.S. Department of State assigns all countries, including specific regions within countries, a travel advisory level that indicates potential risks to the traveler. The travel advisory levels are categorized as 1-4 depending on the level and type of risk associated with travel to those areas. Department of State Travel Advisory Levels 3 and 4 are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a location dangerous or unstable, lead the Department of State to recommend that Americans reconsider travel or do not travel to that country.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides Travel Health Notices (THNs) that inform travelers and about current health issues that impact travelers’ health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, in destinations around the world. THNs are issued at Levels 1-3.

UW-Madison’s International Travel Policy generally prohibits student travel to locations under any of the following advisories:

• Department of State Travel Advisory Level 3 or Level 4
• CDC Travel Health Notice Level 3
• CDC COVID-19 Travel Health Notice Level 4 or “Level Unknown”

You will be notified by your study abroad office during the application review and acceptance process if any additional steps are required for your travel to be approved due to your destination’s current advisory level.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you are required to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, another country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming travel abroad so that the U.S. Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. Upon enrollment, STEP will notify you on routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, as well as updates on demonstration, emergency messages, and other breaking events. Your MyStudyAbroad (MySA) account has a link to the registration page so you can enroll prior to departure.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should subscribe to the U.S. Department of State updates, emergency messages, and information on other breaking events. You can register for these alerts here. Non-US citizens are also encouraged to check with their home country’s embassy for comparable citizen services.

Make yourself familiar with the safety conditions of your host country and any other countries you plan to visit. Most large cities as well as remote areas, in the U.S. and abroad, suffer from common crimes. The Travel Safety Information for Students Abroad prepared by the U.S. Department of State has resources that you might also find useful.

While on your program, you are responsible for obeying local laws and the UW-Madison Code of Conduct, including the expectations outlined in UWS Chapter 17. Illegal, irresponsible drinking and/or misbehaving while drinking are violations of the University’s policy.

UW-Madison has a no tolerance approach to illegal drug use. Students using drugs may immediately be removed from the program at their own cost.

Know and Obey the Laws of the Country

Many countries do not have a legal drinking age, although frequently one must be 18 to purchase liquor, and it is not uncommon for young adults to have beer or wine with a meal. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in most Muslim-majority countries and in some parts of India. U.S. citizens have been detained for possessing alcohol in their luggage upon arrival in some Muslim countries. Laws and penalties in many countries are more severe than in the U.S.

Existing legislation in most foreign countries regarding the use or possession of marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal drugs imposes severe penalties including jail terms, hard labor, and even the death penalty. Association with illegal drug users or possessors is considered the same as personal use or possession by authorities in some countries. If arrested, you are subject to the host country’s laws and neither the UW-Madison nor the U.S. Embassy can protect you from the local legal consequences.

You are representing yourself but also your program, the U.S., and UW-Madison. Your actions will reflect either positively or negatively on many people.

If You Choose to Consume, Do So in Moderation

Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption. Wine, beer, and liquor may have a higher alcohol content than is customary in the U.S. This could lead to overconfidence in judging the number and volume of drinks. Overindulging in alcohol can lead to blackouts, injury, assault, abuse, reckless behavior, impaired judgment and decision-making, long-term health consequences, and death. Your consumption of alcohol or another drug, and/or your behavior while under the influence, may be considered criminal activities by local authorities as well as violate University conduct policies.

In some locations, cultural traditions may involve multiple shots of liquor with high alcohol content. Locals may have become accustomed to this, but visitors usually are not. In these, and other drinking customs, be cautious in attempting to keep pace with your hosts, who have likely practiced their national traditions for years. This level of inebriation can lead to cultural misunderstandings, ruined friendships, alcohol poisoning, or put you at greater risk of being the victim of a crime.

Don’t Let Your Drink Out of Your Sight

Drinks/food can be spiked with a knockout agent like rohypnol or GHB. These substances are also sometimes referred to as “date rape drugs” and are commonly used to assist in sexual assaults and robberies. They act quickly and cause you to become weak and confused. Always keep your drink/food within your sight.

Drinking alcohol can seem deceptively harmless, especially when you travel to countries where attitudes, customs, and the drinking age may be different from the U.S. Nevertheless, excessive alcohol consumption impairs your judgment and can lead to disruptive behavior and risk of harm to yourself and to others, in addition to poor academic performance. You should never feel pressured to drink if you do not want to or feel embarrassed to order non-alcoholic beverages.

Additional Resources:

• Information on Alcohol Use at UW-Madison
• Substance Abuse Information

Driving conditions, customs, and etiquette vary around the world. Traffic related accidents are the leading cause of student injuries and deaths while abroad. As most countries have safe and reliable modes of public transportation, as a UW-Madison student, you are prohibited from driving while abroad during your program and strongly discouraged from doing so during your personal travels.  Be familiar with country driving rules and pedestrian rights. Heed the advice of the on-site staff and obey all local pedestrian laws.

Do not walk alone at night. Stick to well-traveled streets and walk in groups at night. Exercise good judgment about what places to frequent during the day and at night, and avoid being on the street at late hours more than necessary. If you find yourself in uncomfortable surroundings, try to act as if you know what you are doing and where you are going.

Motorcycles or mopeds are a common form of transportation in many countries, however they also pose a threat to student safety. Moped accidents have led to severe injury and even death abroad and are prohibited from use on many programs. Please consult with your program regarding specific rules and always practice bike safety including wearing a helmet.

Only use taxis from a company recommended by a trusted local expert or sanctioned as an official company. Be cautious if taking a taxi alone and especially at night. When taking a taxi, sit in the back, and look into the taxi’s front and rear seating areas as well any open cargo area before getting inside. Keep the windows rolled up and doors locked if possible. Avoid traveling in poorly maintained vehicles. For ride sharing companies, use only the most recognized rideshare companies in a specific region. Many countries and cities are currently attempting to regulate rideshare services for users’ safety and security. You are highly recommended to avoid using ridesharing or taxi services when alone, especially at night, when possible. Never accept a taxi or ride-share in which there is another traveler in the vehicle who is not known to you.

Let your on-site staff, your host family, or your roommates know of any traveling that you plan to do.

• Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)
• U.S. State Department of State Information on Road Safety

Never leave your bags or belongings unattended. Leave expensive or expensive-looking jewelry and other valuables at home. Avoid drawing attention to wallets, purses, cell phones, or cameras. Be discreet in displaying your passport.

Cybersecurity Abroad
What should you do while preparing to leave, when out of the country and upon your return to keep your accounts, devices and data safe?  Check out these essential guidelines, for avoiding untrusted computers or networks, keeping your devices updated, and being vigilant about the software and apps you use while overseas.

This guide shares helpful tips for securing your mobile device.

Take steps to protect your device in the even of theft, loss, sale, or transfer
Hopefully you won’t have to recover from a stolen/lost phone while abroad, but if you do, there are resources that can help.

Mobile operating systems have programs to help you locate your phone if you lose it, or lock it, or erase the data if you think someone stole it. Go to settings to turn on this feature.

• Apple Support: Set up Find My on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac
• Android Help: Be ready to find a lost Android device

Never keep all of your documents and money in one place or one bag/suitcase. Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as an airline ticket. Keep track of your credit limits on your credit card.

Follow these precautions while traveling:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash at any time.
• Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Carry your money, cards, and other documents in a securely closed wallet, bag, purse, or money pouch worn inside your clothing. Never leave money or credit cards in checked luggage.
• Use ATM machines associated with banks or inside other buildings.

Maintain a copy of all credit/debit card numbers, and any PINs in a safe place, and do not carry these with you at any time. Leave a copy of these documents with someone you trust at home who you designate as your financial representative.

During times of political or social unrest in your location, or when the U.S. becomes a party to a political conflict anywhere in the world, additional precautions are advisable as follows:

• Keep away from and avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities. Political activities in other countries can result in detention and/or deportation by officials. Even demonstrations that intend to be peaceful can sometimes turn violent, and you do not want to be caught in the middle. If you see a situation developing, resist the temptation to investigate.
• Keep informed about the current political situations. In case of an emergency, advisories may be made to the public through the media. Remain in close contact with your on-site staff.
• Keep away from areas known to have large concentrations of residents aligned with interests unfriendly to the U.S. and its allies.  Always consult with your on-site staff before undertaking travel to neighboring cities or popular tourist destinations.
• When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid places frequented by North Americans such as bars, clubs, U.S. fast food restaurants, U.S. banks/churches/businesses, U.S. consulates or embassies.
• Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Wear moderate colors and conservative clothing. Avoid American logos on your belongings and clothing. Avoid large and/or loud groups.
• Do not agree to newspaper or other media interviews regarding political conflicts. It is important to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Do not refer to your program group. In such cases, always refuse to comment and hang up or walk the other way.

Examine your housing accommodations for safety measures (e.g. locks on doors, safe lighting, access to exits, and fire hazards and preventions).

We do not recommend Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), couchsurfing.com or any similar commercial or social applications to find lodging,  If you chose to stay at one, do so only with the highest caution for your safety and security.  Although rare, there have been incidents of violent crime associated with their use. The fact that you may be in an unfamiliar city and culture can put you at greater risk. When searching for temporary lodging options, follow these guidelines:

• Before you meet a host identified through Airbnb or another application, look carefully at their posted reviews and references. Be cautious about booking places with few recent reviews.
• Once you have an address, take a close look at the neighborhood and surrounding community on the internet. If you have doubts about the location or concerns about the host’s reliability, trust your instincts and look for another alternative.
• Let others know exactly where you are staying—including the address and the host’s name and contact information. Tell someone that you’ll check in with them after the scheduled meeting time to report that you’re safe and satisfied with the circumstances.
• If you agree to meet the host or whenever you go to the apartment or lodging, be sure that you have a fully charged cell phone and know or have programmed in your phone the emergency telephone number for local law enforcement response.
• If you schedule a meeting with the host, agree only to do so in a public place during daylight and if possible, take a friend with you to the initial meeting.
• Never arrive at the lodging initially late at night.
• Once you arrive at the apartment or lodging, take a look around with safety and security in mind. Look in the closets and adjoining rooms. Make a quick mental note of how you might exit if there is a need. Be sure there is an internal lock on your bedroom door that cannot be opened with a key from the outside (e.g., it has a chain or bolt lock).
• If you are not satisfied with the circumstances you find, or something just doesn’t feel right, leave right away and find other lodging. Any extra money spent is worth the investment in your safety!
• If you have a poor experience, post a review to help others.
• Monitor your credit card bill for any unexpected/unapproved charges. Make sure to get a receipt for any services–especially if paying in cash.

Be aware of your surroundings and the people with whom you have contact. Be cautious when you meet new people, and do not automatically give out your address or phone number. Be careful with information about other students or group events. Report any unusual people or activities to on-site staff immediately.

Using Dating Apps Abroad

In the exciting yet potentially challenging realm of online dating, nothing is more important than ensuring your personal safety. Check out these vital tips when planning to meet with someone you’ve met online.  Maintain your privacy, recognize potential dangers, and learn strategies for safer interactions.

Obey the local laws of the country you are visiting. An arrest or accident while on your program can result in a difficult legal situation. Your U.S. citizenship does not make you exempt from full prosecution under another country’s criminal justice system, and the U.S. government cannot bail you out. Many countries impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the U.S., and unlike the U.S., you may be considered guilty until proven innocent.

Do not bring pepper spray or any similar self-defense tool with you to your program.  While pepper spray or similar self-defense items are legal in the United States, they are illegal to possess and carry in many other countries (e.g., Australia, Japan, United Kingdom).

In all 50 states and Washington D.C., it is legal to use pepper spray for self-defense purposes.  In Puerto Rico, it is legal, but you must be 18.  However, some states only allow the use and carrying of pepper spray under certain circumstances.  You are responsible for adhering to any applicable laws in your program location. Updated information about these laws can often be found online.  This website may be a helpful reference.  Additionally, some organizations or buildings may not allow pepper spray (e.g., Smithsonian museums).

You are also responsible for following any transportation security policies.  When planning commercial airline travel, please reference TSA guidance.  For other modes of transportation, refer to the transportation company’s policies.

What is sexual assault?

UW-Madison supports healthy, mutually respectful relationships free from violence, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking.

Sexual assault is any sexual contact made without consent. Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim.

UW-Madison takes sexual harassment and sexual assault seriously. If you experience behavior that feels threatening or uncomfortable, or if you are the victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault, seek safety first and immediately notify on-site staff and/or your Study Abroad Advisor so we can help you understand your options and support available. Our staff and UW-Madison are available to assist you. University Health Services has a variety of online resources for violence prevention and survivor services.

Become an Active Bystander

We all have a role to play in the prevention of violence in our community. A bystander is someone who witnesses a dangerous or harmful event and has the ability to help. Through training and practice, it is possible to interrupt and challenge harmful behaviors and attitudes that may lead to sexual and relationship violence. UHS provides information and steps you need to know to become an active bystander.

Sexual Assault Reporting

Our staff and Program Leaders are not confidential resources. In compliance with campus policies, our staff and Program Leaders notified of sexual assault or harassment incidents will work with UW-Madison’s Title IX Coordinator to ensure appropriate resources and information are provided.

An emergency card is available for you in MySA. This emergency card contains our emergency contact and insurance information. Print the card or save it on your phone and carry with you throughout the duration of your program.

It’s important to know how to react and who to contact first in an emergency. This will depend on what the specific issue is, but your first calls could be to:

Local Emergency Service (your host country’s 911 equivalent).

You should become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in your location.

Your On-Site Program Staff

• You should also be aware of how to contact your on-site staff. If you find yourself in an emergency while away, contacting your on-site program staff should be a top priority. As they are nearest to you and know the local resources, on-site staff are best equipped to assist you in a timely manner. All on-site staff have our staff contact information and will contact UW-Madison if necessary.

AXA Assistance Company (CISI’s Team Assist Plan)

• Your international health insurance, CISI, partners with AXA Assistance Company to provide worldwide, 24/7 assistance service through their Team Assist Plan (TAP). If you require help finding local medical assistance, you can call AXA Assistance Company. An operator will help locate a medical provider near you and start your claim case.

UW-Madison’s Study Abroad Emergency Phone

If you need to contact UW-Madison for assistance with an emergency:

• During business hours (8:00am – 4:30pm, Central Time), call the Study Abroad Resource Center at +1-608-265-6329.
• During non-business hours, call our emergency phone at +1-608-516-9440. This phone is answered by a UW-Madison study abroad staff member who can assist you. This number is for health and safety emergencies only.
• We are committed to providing prompt and thorough assistance to students. When you make contact, provide as much of the following information as possible:
  • Your name
  • Location and program name
  • Date, time, and description of occurrence/condition
  • Action taken thus far
  • Your contact information

If there is a large-scale emergency or natural disaster in your location, contact UW-Madison as soon as possible. In such circumstances, we will be in close contact with you, your on-site staff and (if applicable) the program provider for your program. Typically, on-site staff will seek advice from local authorities and the U.S. consulate or embassy nearest the program location. Assistance is managed in coordination with CISI (our medical and security insurance provider). Parents, friends, and family are asked to communicate directly with our staff in order to allow on-site staff to focus on working with students and local officials.