Know what level of precaution you must take on campus and in your new community. Wherever you live, always lock your room,
house, or apartment and your bicycle, and protect your valuables.
At home, you know how to recognize and deal with threatening people and different situations. Learn to do the same in your new environment.
Remember that you are governed by the laws of your host country. If you are arrested, there is very little the American Embassy can do for you.
Please review the forms "International Exchange Programs Release and Agreement" and "Assumption of Risk and Responsibility, Covenant Not to Sue, and Waiver of Claim and Release" in the Appendix to be sure that you understand the safety and legal implications of your participation on a University of Montana study abroad program.
Security
Traveling Safely
Legal Matters
Some Facts About Americans Arrested Abroad
For More Safety Information
"Better safe than sorry," goes the American saying. No matter how safe your campus and community appear to be, you should acquaint yourself with your environment by reading US Department of State Information (World Wide Cautions, Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Road Safety Overseas) posted at the State Department web site and the information your host institution, home institution, or host family gives you, probably when you arrive on-site. Read updated US Department of State information as you prepare for your departure, prior to your departure date, and throughout your stay abroad online at or check with the nearest US Embassy/Consulate in your host country. Much of this information is common sense, but you should research it anyway and ask questions upon arrival about anything you do not understand. Begin by orienting yourself like this:
The bottom line is to be cautious, not fearful. Exercise the same precautions you would in any big city; in unfamiliar surroundings, you may not know the real concerns. Never carry large amounts of cash! Use money belts or a concealed purse for your passport, visa, money, credit cards, and other documents. Don"t leave your luggage alone! If you want to explore a city, leave your belongings in the "checked luggage" area of a train station or airport; it will probably only cost you a couple of dollars in the local currency. You will look like a tourist for at least a while after you arrive in your host country; people may target you for confidence scams, so be aware. And do not ever hitchhike!
It is important for you to be familiar with the security precautions that would be used in case of any international or local crisis situations. The following ideas are for emergency and non-emergency situations alike, and are based on common sense.
Stay well informed about local and regional news and conditions. Read newspapers with good international coverage and analysis of local problems and issues. In the event of disturbances or protests, DO NOT get involved. You should research local laws and practices before you depart for your host country. Good sources of information are the World Wide Web, The Wall
Street Journal, and The New York Times.
Your parents and friends will have concerns while you are away. Please keep in contact with them on a regular basis and let them know how you are. If you make plans to call at a certain time, make every attempt to do so. Otherwise, people may worry unnecessarily. If you plan to travel during a school break, leave your itinerary with the host coordinator and with your family. If your family does not hear from you for a while, they might worry needlessly.
Do not frequent places that may make you vulnerable by association. Avoid crowds and protest groups, as well as restaurants and discos/nightclubs that Americans are known to frequent.
It would be wise to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This will make them aware of your presence in the country, and they can also advise you of local information updates. You will need to have your passport with you to register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Walk away from trouble and take a passive approach to any potentially volatile situations. Do not advertise yourself as an American by wearing university clothing and clothing which advertises American companies/locales. Stay neutral in political or religious discussions. Do not give information about yourself, your program or school, or the students or professors to strangers.
Be aware of your surroundings, including unknown individuals "hanging out" in your building, or any strange activity nearby. Be suspicious of unexpected packages, letters with no return address and/or excessive postage, and especially letters which appear to contain more than just paper. Be careful of who has access to your room or apartment. Delivery persons should be
asked for identification, and should not be left unsupervised.
Take the same precautions you would at home. Do not give out your name or address to unknown people. Know where the nearest police station and hospital are, and keep emergency numbers handy. Do not go into unsafe or unknown areas alone and/or after dark.
You will probably be doing a lot more traveling than you would normally do at home. Before you travel outside the country or region of your host institution, check with the U.S. Embassy/Consulate of your destination for updated travel safety information (also available online). Leave your detailed travel itinerary with your host coordinator, host family, and your family at home. Also, you will be using buses, trains, metros, taxis, planes, and maybe a few horses and carts. Most provide convenient and inexpensive transportation for you as a student. However, there are a number of safety issues you should keep in mind, especially in urban settings:
There are a number of common legal matters you should be aware of, regardless of your host country. Some of them are much more serious than others, so please read each one carefully so that you understand the liability involved. While you are abroad, The University of Montana cannot assume ANY responsibility for your actions.
You will be subject to host country laws and The University of Montana Student Conduct Code. Be aware that in the International Programs Release and Agreement that you have signed, The University of Montana reserves the right to terminate your participation in the program (e.g. being placed on academic probation status or failure to perform at a satisfactory academic level, drug use or possession, intemperate or illegal use of alcoholic drinks or public intoxication, any other violation of The University of Montana Student Conduct Code, violation of the overseas program laws or host university policies). Be sure to review the International Programs Release and Agreement and The University of Montana Student Conduct Code prior to departure if you have any questions about the implications of this policy.
Some countries require students to "register" with the local police department. Your host coordinator should advise you if you need to do this.
If you intend to drive while on exchange, you may want to apply for an International Driver's Permit through the American Automobile Association (AAA). The cost is $10. Some countries will accept the permit, while others will accept your state license. A list of countries that accept the International Driver's Permit is available at AAA. The toll-free number for AAA of Montana
is 1-800-391-4222.
Since you will be participating in an academic program, you should take full advantage of the opportunity to study and travel. Therefore, it is recommended that you not work. Most countries will not even allow you to work legally if you have a student visa. However, if you want to work before or after your exchange, contact the Work Abroad Advisor in Career Services.
NEVER, NEVER possess or use marijuana or any other illegal drugs. The University of Montana can assume NO responsibility for you if you are apprehended for drug use or possession. Therefore, it is the policy of The University of Montana and the International Programs (IP) that the use of marijuana and other illegal drugs by students on a study abroad program will not be tolerated. Whether it is by you alone, or when you are participating in an organized program event, the use of even a small amount of an illegal drug can jeopardize your welfare AND the future of the program.
If approached by someone selling drugs, walk away. Do not even talk to that person, because a conversation with a suspected narcotics pusher is seen as an act of "intent to purchase" by some countries.
Laws concerning drugs are much more stringent, and penalties more severe in Latin America, Asia, and some parts of Europe than in the U.S. Conditions of imprisonment in a foreign jail are not something you want to check out. Remember that being a citizen of the United States does not matter. You are subject to the laws of the country you are in, so the U.S. Embassy cannot get you released if you are arrested. They can only help notify family and possibly help to arrange for legal representation.
Upon returning home, you will have to go through U.S. Customs. Returningresidents and citizens are allowed up to $400 worth of foreign purchases. Duty ranging from 5% to 50% or more will be charged on anything over the $400 duty free allowance. Make sure to keep receipts for all purchases you mail or bring home with you, as you might need to show them when you go
through customs upon your return. If you are taking a foreign-made item with you, such as a camera or watch, U.S. Customs officials suggest you register it at the airport before you leave the country. Failure to do so may result in having to pay duty on it upon your return. In some countries, especially those belonging to the European Union, you may get the taxes back on some
purchases. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to bring back fresh fruits and vegetables of any type.
Excerpts from Gist, The Drug Problem: Americans Arrested Abroad
Legal rights abroad:
Drug arrests abroad:
What U.S. consular offices abroad can do:
What U.S. consular offices abroad CANNOT do:
For the most recent health, safety and travel information, access the following internet sites:
US State Department - Travel Warnings, Public Announcements, Consular Information Sheets
Embassy.org - Links to Embassies' and Consulates' Web Sites
Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Health Issues
Lonely Planet Travel Information-General Guidebook Info
Remember, the best way to keep yourself out of harm's way is to stay informed!
International Programs
International Center
Phone:+ 1 406 243 2288
Fax:+ 1 406 243 6194