How Can I Help My Teen Stay Safe While Studying Abroad?
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Saying goodbye as your teen embarks on their study abroad program is bittersweet! You know they're off on a grand adventure, but as parents, you're likely worried about their safety while they're so far away. But there are a few things you can do to help your teen stay safe and prepare for their life abroad.
First, reading what to expect on a first year abroad program helps immensely. Second, learning travel safety tips ensures your teen is equipped to stay safe, giving you some peace of mind while they're studying abroad.
Here is how you can help your teen stay safe while studying abroad.
1. Look into the Local Laws with Your Teen
One of the most essential safety tips for traveling abroad is to look up the local laws of the host country. What may be perfectly acceptable here in the U.S. may be against the law in another country, and you don't want your teen to run into trouble unknowingly!
For example, Japan has very specific regulations for medications that can be brought into the country. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter cold medicines allowed in the U.S. are illegal in Japan. Researching basic local laws helps to ensure your teen avoids unwittingly committing an illegal act.
2. Research Cultural Customs Together
As important as it is to avoid breaking the law, it's also essential to respect local customs and cultural norms when studying abroad. And the best way to do that is to learn what they are!
Every country has its own distinct customs. However, some of the most common cultural differences Americans may face abroad are:
- traditions around dining and food
- greetings and farewells
- wearing shoes indoors
- and being loud in public spaces
As a guest in a foreign country, it's common courtesy to do as the locals do.
3. Encourage Them to Learn Survival Phrases in the Local Language (If Applicable)
The language barrier your teen may face while studying abroad in certain destinations can be one of the most challenging parts of the experience. Not everyone may speak English so learning a few survival phrases in the local language ensures your teen can communicate in case of an emergency.
Some of the most important phrases to learn include asking for:
- directions
- the time
- if credit cards are accepted
- where the nearest bathroom is
4. Prepare Your Teen for Emergency Situations
Although unlikely to arise, preparing your teen for what to do in an emergency is another essential way to ensure study abroad safety. Your teen should have the local emergency number of their host country memorized, the address of the nearest hospital saved in their phone and the location of the nearest U.S. Embassy easily accessible should anything happen.
It’s also a good idea to teach your teen how to contact and use their international travel insurance in case of a hospital visit. Lastly, your teen should have the contact information of CIEE's in-country support staff, who are available 24/7 for any participant safety needs.
5. Enroll Them in the STEP Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a free service for Americans traveling or living abroad. Once enrolled, the nearest local U.S. Embassy or consulate directly sends you important travel alerts regarding weather, travel safety and security for your teen’s host country.
Enrollment also ensures that the nearest U.S. Embassy knows your location should a national emergency occur. Registering your teen for the STEP Program before they leave offers an extra level of security.
6. Provide a Way for Them to Easily Communicate at All Times
Providing your teen with a way to communicate and stay in contact with you, their new friends, host family and CIEE in-country staff is a must! While international phone plans are an option, it's best to help your teen purchase a SIM card or phone plan once in their host country. Data rates abroad are generally affordable and easy to obtain at any local phone shop. They'll just need to bring an unlocked phone with them to do so.
7. Remind Your Teen to Stay Vigilant
Although the incidence of serious crimes is low in many places outside the U.S., it's still essential for any traveler to practice basic safety precautions.
Some general study abroad safety tips include:
- Always staying observant and aware of your surroundings
- Never going out at night alone
- Keeping your valuables at home and secure
- Securing your phone and wallet out of reach of pickpockets
- Asking for help from CIEE in-country staff when needed
8. Help Them Take Care of Their Health
Preparing ahead of time to maintain your teen's general health and well-being is critical before moving abroad. It’s a good idea that they see their primary care doctor for a physical and to get any prescriptions they may need before they leave—just remember to make sure any essential medications are allowed in your teen’s host country!
Your teen should also have their iNext travel insurance documents, coverage provided to all CIEE participants, and their primary insurance documents with them while abroad.
CIEE First Year of College Abroad Prioritizes Student Safety
Safety and security are of the utmost concern at CIEE. All program participants enjoy benefits like 24/7 in-country support, optional on-site airport meet-and-greet, pre-departure resources and enrollment in iNext international travel insurance. Plus, all host families are thoroughly vetted, and residence halls are secure.
Learn more about CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs!