I’ve heard that Americans are walking targets for pickpocketing. How can I avoid being targeted?
Petty theft is more common in large cities, but not just because you are abroad! To reduce your risk:
- Leave valuables and expensive jewelry at home;
- Do not leave your purse, bag, backpack, electronics or other belongings open and unattended in public (e.g., dining locations, public transportation, restrooms, etc.
- Do not place valuables in easily accessible locations (i.e. do not put your wallet or passport in your back pocket, or in the outside pocket of your backpack or purse)
- Keep personal items secured in your room and lock your doors;
- Take routine precautions as you would on your home campus.
What should I do if I find myself in an uncomfortable situation abroad?
Local resident directors or API contacts provide you with their emergency contact information upon arrival. You should use these emergency numbers to seek assistance if you find yourself in a situation that could be potentially dangerous. Likewise, local directors will provide participants with contact information for local authorities, such as the police. You are also highly encouraged to talk to local directors or coordinators in your program site for information regarding any sort of recurring problem, either in regard to your own program experience or regarding the behavior of other program participants.
How can I avoid harassment abroad? Is the risk of sexual assault or gender discrimination higher abroad than on my campus at home?
Though significant data does not exist specifically regarding this question, there is some indication that some forms of gender discrimination are higher abroad than on a home campus. The studies conducted have been small and focused on the experience of female travelers. Some consistent themes related to sexuality and (unwanted) attention while abroad were as follows:
- In many countries, “cat calling” and verbal comments regarding areas of the body are more common than would be considered acceptable in the U.S. This is not considered harassment in many countries, although it would be in the U.S.;
- Unfamiliarity with local norms regarding body language, attire, behavior and actions can lead to misinterpretations regarding interest in, and availability for, sex;
- Unwanted touching, verbal overtures, rape or other non-consensual sexual activity is often linked to excessive alcohol consumption, and may result in decisions to leave friends to follow an unknown or lesser known party.
Based on these findings and anecdotal evidence from our own experience sending thousands of participants abroad every year, API cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining sobriety and remaining with trusted friends while out late at night. It is also critical to trust your instincts. If you feel like you are in an unsafe situation, regardless of cultural “norms” or politeness, get out or seek help.
In the event of rape or sexual assault, API encourages you to contact your Resident Director immediately to receive the help and support that you need in that situation, to pursue medical attention and to potentially to file a police report. Once API is informed, please be aware that API has an obligation to share basic information about any type of gender discrimination with the home universities of any current students. (See API’s Non- Discrimination Policy).
As a special note, local laws vary by host country, though there are generally protections in place to support victims of sexual harassment and assault. (In some API destinations, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, sexual assault victims are discouraged from reporting abuse to local authorities, due to the nature of local laws.) Should allegations of harassment or abuse be put forward against an API participant, steps will be taken by API to limit contact of the reporting party and the responding party while information can be collected to determine the veracity of the allegations. All API participants are warned that abuse and disrespectful behavior toward fellow participants goes against the API Code of Conduct and can result in disciplinary action and sanctions.
If you are interested in reading more or conducting research are encouraged to consult the following sources:
The following links provide important information and support for how to prevent and respond to sexual assault and harassment while studying abroad: