Safety & Security

Spending a term away from campus is an incredible opportunity and one that will allow you to have new experiences and get to know different people, cultures, and communities. But being in a new environment can come with new or different safety and security considerations.

It's also important be mindful of how your actions during your program can contribute positively or negatively to your program or host university and your new community. As a visitor, you are not only representing yourself but also your home community and home country. As an Education Abroad student, you are also representing CU Boulder and are responsible for ensuring that your behavior and conduct while abroad meet those standards that are expected of you while a part of the CU community. 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Before you leave for your program, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and download the Smart Traveler app. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Registration in this program allows the U.S. Department of State to provide support during emergencies and send you location-relevant health and safety alerts. 

U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 people each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be a valuable source of assistance and information.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still register with STEP for the travel alerts, but you should also register with your embassy in the country or countries where you are traveling or studying. 

 

Top Safety Considerations

Alcohol & Drugs

Most reported incidents abroad happen when alcohol is involved. During these times, it’s crucial to exercise sound judgment and practice the safety measures outlined below.

Be mindful of tolerance fail

It is important to know your limits - but also understand that being in a new environment can lower your tolerance. Research shows that drinking the same amount in a new context will inhibit you more than normal. This is called tolerance fail. Your tolerance is impacted by being in a new environment. 

Maintain your limit

Excessive drinking can be dangerous to your health and leave you more vulnerable to crime or assault. Alcohol content may also be stronger in many countries, or you may be offered homebrewed or unlabeled alcohol of unknown toxicity. Maintain your limits & boundaries.

  • Don’t drink anything you did not open yourself or that you did not see being poured. Never leave your drink unattended.
  • If you plan to go out, let someone know when you expect to return and communicate any changes to your plan.
  • Look out for the others in your group. If you notice a friend starting to behave in concerning ways, intervene and make sure everyone gets home safe.
  • Have a plan for everyone to get home that does not include anyone walking home alone. Don’t leave anyone behind and don’t leave it up to people you just met to help you or a friend get home.

Know local laws and cultural norms

Before you go, research the local laws related to alcohol and drugs in your host country as well as local cultural norms. It's important to know both what is legal, but also what is culturally acceptable in your host community.

If you break local laws, your passport won't save you from avoid arrest or prosecution. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and will not get you out of jail, so be informed. 

Many countries have stringent drug laws and travelers may face mandatory jail sentences, significant fines, deportation, or future travel bans if convicted of possessing even small amounts of illegal substances, including cannabis. Be aware that a Colorado medical marijuana card is not valid outside of Colorado. Laws in the State of Colorado, including the legalization of marijuana, do not apply anywhere outside of the State, including abroad. 

Situational & Community Awareness

Living and studying abroad often requires an increased awareness of your environment, adaptation to the local culture, and mindfulness. Observe what's happening around you, and how locals may be responding your actions. Connect with program staff if you have questions or concerns about what you see. Sometimes you might be observing a cultural difference, sometimes it could be more serious. The more familiar you become with your surroundings, the better equipped you'll be to reduce your risks and improve your decision-making. Some ways that you can maintain your situational awareness and bolster your preparedness include:

  • Be cautious of sharing personal information & posting on social media
  • Don't carry large quantities of cash or your passport with you while you are out
  • Don't walk home alone at night
  • Maintain a communication plan and make sure your phone is fully charged
  • Look out for your friends while you are out, make sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the night

Natural Disasters & Extreme Weather

The natural disasters & extreme weather you may experience will vary depending on where you study. Research your destinations(s) and familiarize yourself with response protocols in case of hurricane, tsunami, tornado, earthquake, wildfire, etc. While abroad, keep up with local news and follow guidance from your program/university staff. Because these events are inherently unpredictable, stay in touch with your program staff, and if you travel independently outside your host city, make sure you inform them of where you are going. For more information:
 

Protecting Your Devices & Data

While traveling abroad, take steps to secure your electronics and data - things may work differently than you're used to.

Before going abroad:
  • Back up your data using cloud services or external drives.
  • Delete sensitive info (e.g. SSN, address, birthdate) from devices.
  • Use strong, unique passwords (12+ characters; no repeats).
  • Confirm antivirus software is up to date.
  • Install a VPN for safer browsing and access in restricted regions. CU Boulder OIT provides a free VPN for CU students, or you can purchase a private VPN plan. A VPN is helpful when traveling to countries where certain websites (such as Google) may be restricted.
  • Insure expensive electronics like laptops against damage or theft outside the U.S.
  • Review CU's Office of Information Security page for other best practices while traveling

While abroad:

  • Watch your phone - it's a common target for theft. Check with your provider to see if they can do a “remote wipe” if this occurs.
  • Turn off auto-join for Wi-Fi to avoid unsafe connections.
  • Avoid taking photos in restricted locations (e.g., at border crossings).
  • Post travel updates after returning to avoid risks.
  • Keep personal info private on social media including revealing info about when you are traveling & away from home.
  • Be mindful of phishing emails. It's easier to be tricked by these are you're entering a new environment, setting up access to new academic & social platforms, etc.
  • Use a privacy screen on your laptop in public.
  • Avoid using public computers when accessing sensitive information (like bank accounts).
  • Always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

Communication

While you're abroad, it's important that you maintain regular communication lines with both your family back home but also your on-site program staff. Make sure you have added the local emergency numbers to your phone so you have quick access to them if you need them. Check out the Technology & Communication page for more info.

Monitor your CU email address daily, as this is the primary way that CU Ed Abroad and your on-site team will generally be in touch, whether that is for health and safety alerts, information or action requests, or programming updates.

Pickpocketing & Petty Theft

The most common safety incident that impacts students abroad is pickpocketing or petty theft. To protect yourself and your belongings:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like popular tourist sites or busy public transportation
  • Keep your belongings close and secure, such as in a bag that zips. Never carry your wallet or phone in your back pocket and be cautious about putting your valuables in a backpack that can be out of sight.
  • Carry only what you really need for the day and leave anything that's irreplaceable at home.
  • Always lock your doors and windows when not at home

Demonstrations & Protests

Although strikes and demonstrations may occur in your host country, you should never participate in them. As a foreigner, you may be subject to different rules or laws around political activities, that could even result in arrest or deportation. The local constitutions of many countries around the world prohibit political activities by foreigners. Exercise increased caution if you find yourself in the vicinity of any demonstrations. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can become volatile or turn violent quickly. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of such situations.

Road Safety

Don't drive. Road crashes are the leading cause of tourist death and serious injury worldwide. The University prohibits students from operating motor vehicles of any kind (including, but not limited to, scooters, mopeds, ATVs, motorbikes, motorcycles, cars, motorboats, and airplanes) while participating in an education abroad opportunity. Most students will find that public transportation options in their host city will be more than sufficient for their needs. Most mid- to large cities also have rideshare options available - connect with your program to get more information on which transportation companies are the most reputable in your host city.

Swimming & Water Safety

While Colorado is known for its mountains, the same can’t be said for its coastlines. That is one of many reasons to exercise caution around water activities during your program (and at any other time). Accidents involving water is a common cause of death abroad.  Check the American Red Cross page regarding Water Safety for best practices and safety considerations and connect with your program for advice specific to your location.

Fire Safety

Fire safety standards differ drastically from country to country. Be aware of fire danger and have an emergency evacuation plan. Exercise additional caution in hotels and older apartment buildings where fire alarms and sprinklers may not exist. If possible, stay on a low floor, and always know where the exits are.
 
See more information on fire safety and education abroad on the website of the JUSTICE Foundation.

Independent Travel

Slow Travel

While study abroad provides a great opportunity to travel on weekends, most alumni say that they ultimately wished they'd spent less time traveling. 

Make sure you take the time to explore your host city and country, immerse yourself in the culture, and live like a local. You won't regret it! 

Limiting your weekend air travel will also help reduce your carbon footprint - learn more on the Sustainable Travel page.

Depending on your program you may find yourself with opportunities for independent travel outside of your host city. If you choose to travel independently, it is your responsibility to research the health & safety risks of your destination(s). Be aware that your program is unable to support students who are traveling independently. Students who have not planned ahead or appropriately informed their program of their independent travel increase the potential for having an incident during this time. Steps you can take to minimize these risks include:
 
  • Talk to your on-site staff before making travel plans - they'll have great, insider tips of cool places to visit, and can direct you to the right forms to fill out before you go.
  • Comply with your program's independent travel policies, and always fill out an independent travel form when required.
  • Flight cancellations & delays generally aren't considered "excusable" reasons to miss class or required program activities, so plan accordingly. Avoid the temptation to book that cheap Monday morning red-eye!
  • Avoid high-risk locations, such as locations marked as “do not travel” or “reconsider travel” by the U.S. Department of State.
  • Research entry and reentry requirements (which may include vaccination requirements, visa, etc.). Note that Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for tourists are becoming increasingly common around the world, and often require that you complete an online application a few days before you depart.
  • Communicate independent travel plans with family/friends and let them know when you arrive at your destination and where you will be staying.
  • Update your STEP registration to include your independent travel plans.
  • Download the International SOS Assistance App and enable location-based push notifications, so that you receive ISOS alerts for your travel destinations.

Student Conduct

Here's a reminder of some of the policy and conduct requirements that you're still subject to following, even while away from campus:

  • All applicable policies and guidelines set by your program and/or host university
  • All applicable laws and policies of your host community and host country
  • Remaining eligible for Education Abroad
  • The Honor Code
  • Student Conduct Policies and Procedures - note that violations of the Student Code of Conduct during your program may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution and adjudicated once the student returns to CU
  • The conditions outlined in your Terms and Agreements and the Personal Conduct Agreement in your Financial Contract
  • Academic Conduct: You must abide by the academic guidelines & policies of Education Abroad, your program, and/or your host university
  • Social Conduct: You must abide by the standards of acceptable behavior and conduct in your host community and host country. Behavior that violates those standards could harm the university's and/or program provider's relationship with your host country and institution(s) as well as your own health and personal safety.
  • Alcohol and Drugs: While studying or interning abroad, participants are expected to adhere to alcohol and drug policies of the host university and/or program provider, in addition to the laws of the host country. Failure to abide by the conditions or spirit of this agreement may result in dismissal from the program and/or other penalties as outlined above in the CU Boulder Education Abroad. Review the Safety & Security page for additional considerations and information.
     

Participants on University of Colorado Boulder Education Abroad programs are responsible for their personal behavior during all components of their program, including free time. CU Boulder and the host institutions and third-party program providers with whom it affiliates are responsible for maintaining appropriate standards of conduct during the program.
 
Standards of conduct, social behavior, and the social norms of your host culture are defined and explained in your pre-departure resources. Students are responsible for knowing this information, and familiarizing themselves with these standards of conduct. It is particularly important for students to understand that social behaviors tolerated in your local community may be offensive in the host culture or university setting.

Disciplinary Action and Separation from an Education Abroad Program

In the case of violations of standards, CU Boulder and the host institution or program provider each may take disciplinary action. The process will include the following steps:

  • Written notice of the alleged conduct and the standards alleged to have been violated.
  • A conference between the student and the resident director or other on-site program personnel that provides the student with the opportunity to accept responsibility or dispute the allegations.
  • In cases where the student is found responsible for violating a standard, the resident director or delegate will establish a plan to avoid future infractions. This may take the form of a contract outlining acceptable conduct for the rest of the education abroad program, required counseling or other medical intervention, or other activity to correct the behavior that led to the infraction.
  • Notification of CU Boulder Education Abroad by the on-site staff of the violation and the resulting plan.
  • CU Boulder, the host institution, or the program provider may, at their individual discretion, deem an offense sufficiently serious to require that a student be dismissed from the program. If the resident director or on-site program representative decides that an offense is so serious that the student should be separated from the program, they shall dismiss the student and inform CU Boulder Education Abroad. In these cases, the Director of Education Abroad shall notify the student‘s emergency contact in accordance with CU Boulder Parent/Guardian Notification Guidelines.
  • If a student is dismissed, unspent program fees will be refunded according to the posted withdrawal fees and deadlines policy. Neither CU Boulder, the host institution, nor the program provider are under any obligation to assume any cost of separation from the program. No academic credit shall be awarded unless a course has been completed and a final assessment has been made before the date of separation.
  • Education Abroad will, in accordance with the University of Colorado Boulder Student Conduct Policy and Procedures, report violations to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution for further action after the student returns to the Boulder campus.

 
NOTE: Evidence of a student's failure to comply with local laws will make the student subject to immediate dismissal from the program in accordance with the above procedure. Separation from an education abroad program is not tantamount to expulsion from the University of Colorado.