Safety Tips for International Students
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Studying abroad can be exciting, but safety is important. International students should learn about their new country, stay aware of their surroundings, and keep in touch with loved ones. By following simple safety tips, students can have a safe and enjoyable experience abroad.
Moving and studying abroad is a common trend among many international students. The idea of living in popular English-speaking countries, a lavish lifestyle, higher education from top-class universities, and career opportunities attracts many students to popular countries abroad including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and more. As per the latest statistics from the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), Ministry of Home Affairs, over 3.6 lakh Indian students migrated to foreign countries in 2024 to pursue higher education.
However, besides the exciting and life-changing experience, studying abroad is associated with potential risks and safety issues. Cases of fraudulent education schemes, rental scams, student exploitation, racial violence, civil unrest, etc, are among trending news against students in various popular countries.
As per the recent reports, approximately 20% dip has been registered in Indian students moving to the UK for higher studies due to safety concerns. Therefore, identifying the possible risks and taking precautions is mandatory for international students to ensure a smooth and secure stay in a foreign country. In this article, we have spotlighted some of the major safety concerns and effective tips to deal with them for international students.
Safety Concerns for International Students Abroad
Thousands of international students seeking higher education and future opportunities choose study abroad destinations every year. While studying abroad is fun and overwhelming for the majority of the students, however, many potential candidates face challenges related to personal security, financial scams, discrimination, and health emergencies.
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Therefore, understanding the potential risks is mandatory before applying for a study visa to different countries. Here, we have listed some of the major safety concerns for international students:
- Many students face accommodation scams listed by fraudulent landlords or fake rental agencies. As a result many experience financial crises at the time of shifting to a foreign nation.
- The cases of banking scams, fraud job offers, and fake scholarship opportunities are registered regularly in popular abroad destinations such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.
- Many international students face racial discrimination, harassment, and hate due to their facial features and racial characteristics.
- Some countries have high rates of pickpocketing, robbery, and violent crimes. International students are among the easy targets for such oppressors.
- International students doing part-time work and internships, for many instances, face unfair wages, unsafe work conditions, or excessive working hours due to their ethnic differences from the local population.
- Many countries abroad lack easily accessible healthcare facilities and hygiene concerns. Additionally, language plays an important barrier in medical facilities abroad leading to high health risks among students.
- Many countries experience continuous protests, strikes, and conflicts against government and other official authorities. The consistent political instability and civil unrest can put international students at risk.
- Many students face legal challenges due to a lack of knowledge which can result in serious fines, deportation, and imprisonment.
Safety Tips for International Students
While prospective threats and safety issues in a country depend on multiple factors such as crime rates, political stability, local laws, and cultural attitudes, taking proper precautionary measures and staying informed and updated can minimize the chances of possible damage among learners staying outside their home country.
Indian students who are aiming to migrate abroad to get a diploma or traditional degree can follow the below-mentioned safety tips to significantly enhance safety while staying in the country.
Research and Understand the Local Laws
Before applying for any degree or visa to a foreign country, students must do thorough research about the country to get familiar with its social and political norms, local laws, customs, and society. All countries have their own set of rules, regulations, and constitutions that comprise the regulatory rules of the nation.
Therefore, understanding the details can help students avoid any political and criminal challenges while studying and living in the country. Students should learn about visa requirements, restrictions, alcohol consumption, drug use, public behavior, traffic rules, etc, to overcome safety concerns within the nation.
Stay Away From Scams and Frauds
Many scammers and fraud agencies target international students by threatening them with false and misleading information. For instance, the University of Birmingham has issued many regulatory notices for international students with alarming concerns such as housing scams, financial fraud, personal safety, etc.
Therefore, students are advised to follow official guidelines released by the university authorities to avoid potential risks of scams and fraud. The Indian Government Authority has also issued various safety guidelines on emergency contacts, legal rights, cultural sensitivity, etc for Indian students who are moving abroad to complete higher education.
Moreover, aspirants are advised to restrict sharing financial or personal information over the phone. Additionally, students must report suspicious activities to authorities immediately to avoid any challenges.
Choose Safe Accommodation
Many fraudulent landowners and rental agencies fraud international students causing severe financial distress while living abroad. While staying in university hostels and dormitories are advised to ensure safety in a foreign location, however, many students wish to live outside the university/college campus to enjoy a free lifestyle.
Students, who are opting for an outside living setting are advised to follow some mandatory precautions to ensure their safety:
- Look for accommodation in a secure neighborhood located near the main campus.
- Try to connect local students, seniors, and students from your racial ethnicity to gather information on private rental properties and shared apartments.
- Verify the identity of the owner and property listers before completing any financial transactions or signing any lease.
- Do not share personal details and addresses with strangers.
- Install unbreakable door knobs and windows to ensure personal safety.
Use Reliable Transportation
International students are advised to use public transportation and university-provided vehicles to do regular commutes. As transportation plays a critical role in the safety of students, individuals should adhere to reliable public transportation such as public buses, trains, metros, etc to visit different places.
Use student cards to avail of public transport services or licensed ride-hailing apps. Do not accept any rides from strangers. Avoid travelling to unknown places late at night frequently. Check the driver’s identity and vehicle details before starting any ride. For instance, share ride details with your family members or local guardians to avoid any mishaps.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Being well aware of the neighborhood and surroundings is very crucial for student safety in foreign countries. Always be alert and aware of any new situations, frauds, crimes, or any latest incidents in the surrounding area and take quick precautions immediately. Some important safety for international students in an abroad destination are as follows:
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Do not follow friends and colleagues blindly.
- In a crowded place, keep a keen eye on your belongings.
- Stay cautious while doing any physical transactions at ATMs and other places.
Participate in University Safety Programmes
Many universities organize safety programmes for international students. Use the official resources of the university to learn more safety tips. Participate in various campus security services to learn basic safety measures.
For example, the University of Nebraska Omaha's Education Abroad office has implemented an Emergency Response Plan to ensure safety among international student bodies. Attend safety workshops and join orientation sessions organised by the university authorities and NGOs to access support. Always seek help from student support groups and helplines offered by the university to avoid critical situations.
Learn Basic Self-Defense
All students, especially female candidates are advised to learn basic self-defense techniques to avoid any mishappening in a foreign destination. Basic self-defense skills can help students protect themselves in an emergency.
Students can enroll in various self-defense classes online or offline based on their convenience. Females are advised to carry personal safety alarms or pepper sprays to use in emergencies. Being aware of various student helpline numbers can help students to avoid any safety issues abroad. A few important contact details for students abroad are as follows:
- Local emergency numbers (police, ambulance, fire department)
- University support services
- International student office
- Trusted friends and family
- Embassy contacts.
Secure Your Documents and Finances
Keeping essential documents safe is very critical for international students while studying and staying in a foreign country. Losing these documents can lead to serious legal and financial troubles for students. Students should keep all the important documents such as passports, visas, and ID cards in both digital and physical formats to ensure their safety.
Students can use safety lockers or banks to keep their documents protected. Use bank accounts and enable multi-factor authentication for online transactions to avoid financial scams.
For more detailed information on safety tips and other aspects of studying abroad, consider exploring the following articles:
Canada and Germany are often considered safe for international students. They have low crime rates and good campus security.
Candidates can check the below mentioed tips to survive as an international students.
Cultural Adaptation: Learn about local customs and cultural norms to avoid misunderstandings.
Financial Management: Open a local bank account to manage finances securely and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to campus services or friends if you feel unsafe or need assistance.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Regular communication can provide emotional support and help in emergencies.
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One can check the below mentioned tips to stay safe abroad.
Learn About the Country: Before you go, learn about the local culture and laws.
Be Aware: Always know what's happening around you, especially at night.
Protect Your Things: Keep your belongings safe and don't show off expensive items.
Use Campus Help: Use the safety services on campus, like security escorts.
Tell Friends and Family: Let them know where you are and what you're doing.