Studying and Working Safely Overseas
RIT maintains academic programs in Croatia at the American College of Management and Technology (ACMT). Specific security information is provided to faculty and students attending the Croatia-ACMT program. Campus authorities such as the RIT Public Safety Department do not exist at Croatia-ACMT.
Prevention
Think through your upcoming travel and use this information to plan for emergencies and other special contingencies. Hopefully, you will never be required to act upon your plan, but if an emergency does develop the time spent planning may ensure your safety (and that of your family). Cultural misunderstandings and inadequate local support services often make crises abroad more intense than similar situations in the United States. Overseas we must assume greater responsibility for our own safety.
Emergency Notification
While abroad you may need to be notified of an emergency involving someone in the United States. And during a political, social, or natural crisis abroad, your family in the United States will be anxious to get news of you. The appropriate telephone numbers below should be given to your family for such purposes. (U.S. Embassy/Consulate (day/night); Host Country Embassy, Washington, D.C.; Residence; RIT Public Safety Department; International Operator; Police; Relatives; Airline(s); Department of State; and RIT's Study Abroad Program.)
RIT Protocol
- Names and contact information should be forwarded to the Emergency Dispatcher located in Grace Watson Hall. The Emergency Dispatch Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the telephone number is (585) 475-3333 V/TTY.
- Prepare a wallet card identifying your blood type, known allergies, required medications, insurance company, and name of person to contact in case of emergency.
- Remove from wallet all credit cards and other items not necessary for the trip.
- Remove the non-essential papers, such as reserve, military, or humorous cards, e.g., "Honorary Sheriff."
- Put a plain cover on your passport (covers available in stationery stores).
- Use hard, lockable luggage.
- Be sure luggage tags contain your name, phone number, and full street address; that information is concealed from casual observation; and that company logos are not displayed on luggage.
- Inform family members or friend(s) of specific travel plans.
- Give your family and office a complete itinerary.
- Stay informed! Check for any travel advisories pertinent to countries you plan to visit. Call the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center.
- Obtain small amount of local currency if possible.
- Do not settle into a routine. Vary times and routes to and from work, school, or social engagements.
- Remember, there is safety in numbers. Avoid going out alone. When traveling long distances by automobile go in a convoy. Avoid back-country roads and dangerous areas of the city.
Safety in Numbers
As you consider the issues of safety and security remember you are not alone. Overseas, you have the support and guidance of your College, the U.S. Embassy, colleagues and their families. The best security results from information and support flowing between these entities.
What You Can Do
Keep abreast of current events, not only in the country, but internationally. Know what's going on in the country and in the world that could affect that country. Watch TV news programs, read newspapers and attend embassy security briefings periodically. It is your responsibility to remain current.
Other Useful Tips
- Assemble a list of telephone numbers.
- Know the location of nearest hospitals and clinics.
- Maintain a set of local maps.
- Know how to get accurate information.
- Meet neighbors and friendly people in your neighborhood.
- Don't repeat rumors.
- Locate fire department and police stations.
- Establish and participate in a buddy system.
Overseas Fire Safety
You must aggressively take responsibility for your safety. Think "contingency plan" and discuss it with your family and friends. Begin planning your escape from a fire as soon as you check into a hotel. Should a fire occur you can act without panic and wasting time. Stay in the most modern hotel and consider a U.S. chain. Request a lower floor, ideally the second or third. Selecting a room no higher than the second floor enables you to jump to safety.
Additional Resources
Additional personal safety information pertaining to overseas travel can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov. Use the Overseas Security Advisory Council section and select the desired topic.
