Safety and Security
Your safety and security is of the utmost priority for World Flex Studies. However, in the end it is the student who must remain vigilant of their surroundings and alert to any dangers that may be present. We recommend that students stay in groups while traveling, especially in the following areas;
Bars and clubs: take extra precautions leaving drinks unattended, and accepting them from strangers. You need to also be on the look out for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Most important of all though is to always make sure that you leave with everyone you went out with.
Public transportation (i.e. trains, metros, buses, and trams): be watchful for pickpockets, con-artists, and other suspicious people.
Political rallies: while studying abroad it is in your best interest to stay in touch with the political happenings of the country you are in. Be watchful for any disturbances and stray away from political rallies.
For more information on your specific country of study visit the US state departments website.
Also the CIA World Fact book is an excellent site for historical and political information on your country.
Tips
It is a good idea to scan a copy of your passport and other important identification documents. Next save the images as a jpeg file and e-mail it to yourself. This will speed the replacement process up if your passport is ever lost or stolen.
Never give your passport to anyone claiming to be a police officer unless they can show you proper identification.
Unless you are traveling it is a good idea to keep your passport in a safe place at your residence. Rather than carrying a passport everywhere with you, have a copy of your passport, state drivers license and student ID.
To ward off potential pickpockets when wearing a large backpack, carry it on your front whenever you are on buses, trams, and in the metro.
