Bing Overseas Studies Program

Safety

You will receive a copy of an emergency card with important local and program phone numbers upon arrival at your program. BOSP program staff will also review emergency procedures and policies during the onsite orientation. You are expected to comply with all BOSP procedures in the event of an emergency, including communicating with BOSP staff.

International Travel Assistance 

All BOSP students are covered under Stanford’s International Travel Assistance Program through Crisis24. The services provided by Crisis24 range from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance for medical emergencies.

Safety Tips

BOSP staff will review destination-specific safety and security information and recommendations during the pre-departure and on-site orientations. You can also find information and resources regarding safety on the BOSP Canvas page and the US State Department’s website (see links below. Here are some tips that we recommend to all BOSP participants:

  • Do not go out alone, walk in unfamiliar areas of the city at night, or accept rides from strangers.
  • Carry minimal cash and valuables and pay attention to your belongings in public.
  • The less you stand out the safer you will be.
  • Never leave your bags unattended. If anything is lost or stolen, inform program staff who will assist you in filing a report with local police. 
  • Share your plans with your peers and/or program staff so that you can be contacted in the event of an emergency.

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

There are many factors that lead to increased risk of sexual harassment and assault while abroad, including legal access to alcohol, lack of familiarity with the local culture, weakness in the local language, and being seen as a vulnerable outsider to the country.

Cultural differences in romantic or sexual interactions are a significant risk factor: some behaviors might be very inappropriate in the U.S., but are considered perfectly acceptable in the culture where you are traveling, and vice-versa. Sexual harassment is a particularly difficult area because of the extreme variance in acceptable behavior between cultures. We encourage you to talk with BOSP program staff to understand these cultural differences better.

Be aware that due to differences in local laws, customs, and attitudes, local authorities may not be the appropriate channel to report sexual harassment or sexual assault. If you've experienced any form of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and/or gender-based harassment or discrimination while traveling overseas, what happened is not your fault. You always deserve to be safe and respected. BOSP Program staff, as well as Stanford’s home campus resources are available and committed to helping any member of the Stanford community who has experienced sexual misconduct anywhere in the world.

Compliance with Local Laws

When you are in a foreign country you are subject to its laws and not protected by U.S. laws. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. It is important that you learn about local laws and regulations and obey them. You are responsible for obeying all host country laws and regulations, which can be both different and stricter than in the United States. Do not assume you will be treated gently because you are an American. If you become involved in a legal problem, please contact BOSP staff immediately. Please note, however, that it is unlikely that BOSP can intervene on your behalf if you are arrested for a violation of local laws.

Clery Reports for Overseas Centers

In full compliance with the 1998 Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Studies Program provides the most recent crime statistics reports for each of its overseas centers. During on-site orientation at each of our centers, overseas staff will inform the students of the various resources offered by local law enforcement and emergency services. BOSP centers also share important crime awareness tips to encourage students to be aware of their responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. The full Clery reports are available on the Stanford University Department of Public Safety website.

Stanford University Department of Public Safety

Helpful Links

Bureau of Consular Affairs
State Department International Travel Information (by country)
Students Abroad: Smart Travel 101