We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas, including U.S. students abroad. Exploring new places and other cultures is rewarding and fun. But it is also important to do so safely. 

Take time to learn about your destination from our travel advisory and country information pages. Be mindful of your surroundings. Learn the local laws and customs. Keep a low profile and be prepared.  While you are overseas, you must follow local laws. 

• Preparing for a crisis: Sometimes – despite good planning – things can still go wrong. Check in with family and friends on a regular basis. Ensure your family knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. You may want to consider using location sharing with trusted family or friends on your smart device. Visit our page on Crisis and Disaster Abroad. In an emergency, know how to contact the relevant local authorities as well as the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• Understand local laws about alcohol and drugs: If you consume alcohol, drink responsibly and in moderation. Utilize the buddy system and make sure a trusted friend knows where you are. Some drugs may be legal and prescribed in the United States but are illegal in the country you are visiting.  Penalties for possessing even a small amount of drugs can be severe.  Review the country information page.  
• Seek medical attention if you think you have been drugged or begin to feel ill. 
• Theft and assault: Students are more likely to encounter theft and assault when they are in an unfamiliar place. If you have questions or need to report an incident, contact the American Citizens Services unit at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also contact the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. We have an officer available to assist you in an emergency 24/7. Review our page on Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime. 
• Follow us: Follow the social media accounts of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination. Check for information about your destination there. You can also check there for information during crises. 

Review our Traveler’s Checklist, which includes: 

• Information about travel documents you may or will need – like a passport and foreign visa. 
• Information about overseas insurance coverage. 
• Information specific to certain subsets of travelers, such as faith-based travelers, LGB travelers, women travelers, and many others. 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP):

• Directly receive important information from the embassy about safety conditions in your destination, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. 
• Help the U.S. embassy contact you in an emergency (natural disaster, civil unrest, or another emergency). 

Other Resources 

Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) 

Review the Country Security Report for the county you wish to study in.

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) 

ECA promotes study abroad. It provides exchange opportunities for U.S. students. Visit studyabroad.state.gov and exchanges.state.gov for more info. 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Check out the CDC Studying Abroad Travel Advice and Tips before you go abroad.